Bad Budget News, Radioactive Cuts, and Health Care Efficiency
July 14th, 2009 at 11:59 am By Chris Shields
Here’s today’s Minnesota policy news roundup:
PIM: July economic update: Revenues below forecast again; FY09 was off 8 percent from FY08
Governor Pawlenty’s unilateral cuts to education, health care, and communities set Minnesota up for ruin. This report is only a preview of things to come.
“Minnesota revenues for fiscal year 2009, which ended in June, were off $150 million (1 percent) from February’s revised forecast. The numbers would have been worse if not for business tax collections that exceeded February expectations by $53 million. Income tax receipts for FY09 were a cumulative $232 million (3.2 percent) below forecast levels. Sales tax receipts fell short of forecast by a more modest amount: $16 million (0.4 percent).”
Star Tribune: Aid cuts spark debate over Prairie Island nuclear plant
The Governor’s cuts make it impossible for there to even be debate on whether to increase electricity generation.
“As Xcel Energy pushes plans to extend the life of the Prairie Island nuclear plant, Red Wing officials say that Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s state aid cuts have made them less confident in their longterm ability to protect it.”
AP: Health care providers now must e-bill insurance companies (via MPR)
A big part of making health care available to all Minnesotans is making it more efficient. This is a good first step.
Willmar West-Central Tribune: City finance committee looking into conserving nearly $1M
AP: Minnesota’s small-grain crops are doing well (via Rochester PB)
LikeTags: agriculture, Budget, health insurance, LGA
