Analyzing Latest Economic Trends / Protecting Vulnerable Children

The November Budget and Economic Forecast, a financial snapshot prepared by Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB), projects a budget surplus of $2.4 billion dollars for the current fiscal biennium, which runs through June 2025. That number is $808 million more than was projected at the end of the 2023 legislative session. The report attributes the increase to stronger than expected consumer spending, business investment and employment. On this week's program, Dr. Laura Kalambokidis, State Economist, talks with Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke about the latest economic trends. Plus, Governor Tim Walz and legislative leaders react to the latest budget news.

The Legislative Task Force on Child Protection was created in 2015 to identify additional areas within the child welfare system that need to be addressed by the legislature. Senator Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, is the newly appointed co-chair of the group, and she joins Shannon to talk about the work before them.

Also on the program, a new state law ensures that the Capitol’s electrolier will shine when lawmakers are in session. State Capitol Historian Brian Pease offers a look at the history of the unique chandelier.