The Pew Charitable Trusts - State and Consumer Initiatives from Minnesota

How Did States Create Jobs?

States this year awarded tax breaks to businesses, touted worker-training programs and even poached jobs from each other to boost their economies and create work for the nearly 12 million Americans still unemployed.

State Rankings for Health of Seniors

Rankings of states by the health of their seniors.

With Vote, Minnesota Is 12th State to Allow Gay Marriage

Minnesota becomes the 12th state to allow gay marriage and the third state to do so this month.

States Unleash the Hounds! Sniffing Out Invasive Mussels

Minnesota officials hope man’s best friend will help the state quash its zebra mussel invasion.

Fewer Minnesota Absentee Ballots Rejected in 2012 Election

A recent report from the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of the State found that even though more than twice as many absentee ballots were cast in 2012 than in 2010, fewer were rejected in last November’s general election.

After Expanding Coverage, Health Care Pioneer Seeks to Tame Costs

The Affordable Care Act will extend health care coverage to almost everybody. Now states are moving on to the next frontier in health care reform: containing costs. Once again, Massachusetts is taking the lead by putting its health care industry on an annual budget and requiring all insurers and medical providers to make detailed price lists available to the public.

Election Day Registration in the 2012 General Election

In the eight states — Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Wyoming — and the District of Columbia that allow Election Day registration, nearly 1.25 million voters registered or updated their information and cast ballots on Election Day last November.

Backers See Momentum As 6th State Allows Same-Sex Civil Unions

Colorado becomes the latest state to allow same-sex civil unions, as marriage supporters see victories around U.S.

Colorado Governor to Sign Civil Union Law

Colorado becomes the latest state to allow same-sex civil unions, as marriage supporters see victories around U.S.

The End of ‘No New Taxes’ in Minnesota

After more than decade of budget deficits balanced without tax increases, Democrats have taken power in Minnesota promising a different path.

30 Cities: An Introductory Snapshot

Pew recently updated its 30-city snapshot interactive, with new data on population, home values, income and unemployment. Pew's American Cities Project focuses on the biggest city in the nation's 30 largest metro areas.

Illinois State Government Narrowly Averts Labor Strike

After more than 15 months of negotiations, Democratic Governor Pat Quinn and Illinois’ largest state-worker union have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract.

Why Tax Revision Is an Inexact Science

Several governors are talking about major change in their state tax structures this year. How do they know how much money a revised tax system will bring in? Often, they don’t.

Minnesota State of the State Address 2013

ST. PAUL, Minnesota Feb. 6 Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mark Dayton's 2013 State of the State Address

Issue to Watch: Renewable Energy

Here is a look at states considering major action on renewable energy policy.

Falling Short on Dental Sealants: Minnesota

How well is Minnesota protecting kids from tooth decay?

Voting Systems in Anoka County, MN

Voting machines don’t last forever. Some experts say these systems last about 10 years. And replacing them, of course, costs money.

The Impact of the Fiscal Cliff: Minnesota

Federal and state finances are closely intertwined, and the fiscal cliff’s tax and spending provisions will have consequences for states.

In Massachusetts, Mobilizing Private Investment for Public Good

Massachusetts to tap private investors who want to help pay for money-saving public programs

Debate Over Voter ID in Minnesota Extends to Cost

The debate over requiring voters to show photo identification at the polls usually revolves around arguments about whether such laws prevent fraud or impede legitimate access to the polls.

Are Voter ID Opponents Winning the Battle but Losing the War?

Voter ID opponents have won high-profile court battles, but may be losing ground on the longer-term legal fight against the laws.

Still Risky: Checking Accounts in Minnesota

Checking accounts, the most widely used financial product in America, contain hidden risks that can harm consumers. Two of the 12 largest banks nationwide offer checking accounts in Minnesota and hold 56 percent of all deposits in the state. Here’s what consumers in Minnesota may be paying.

Can Digital Recordings Save Money for Courts?

Faced with crippling budget shortfalls, state courts are replacing in-person stenographers with digital recording systems. But do they really save money?

Best of #StateReads: Former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman's Political Career Ended with a 'Mighty Fall'

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

State Test Results Questioned

Minnesota education officials this week credited tougher standards and a new online testing system as part of the reason 5 percent more students passed the state’s math test this year than last. Brenda Cassellius, the state’s education commissioner, predicted that those tougher standards, adopted in 2007, will lead to

States Find Laws Against Sports Head Injuries Tricky to Enact

Everyone wants to reduce the number of head injuries suffered by young athletes. But deciding just how to do that is more complicated than it might seem.

Infographic: S&P State Credit Ratings, 2001–2012

Private, independent credit rating agencies evaluate states’ financial health. States with the lowest grades typically have trouble keeping their spending in line with their tax revenues.

Medicaid Financing of Early Childhood Home Visiting Programs

Various funding streams—federal, state, local, and private—support home visiting programs. Recently, in light of Medicaid's ability to reach so many low-income and at-risk families, interest has been growing in its potential to finance home visiting services for eligible mothers and children.

States Loosen Up on Fireworks Laws

In amateur hands, fireworks are as dangerous as ever. But states have a hard time passing up the revenue they bring in.

Courts Struggle to Maintain Safety

No one is sure why, but courthouses are becoming more dangerous every year. Better security is needed, but security isn’t cheap.

The Cost of Ranked-Choice Voting in St. Paul, Minnesota

In November 2011, St. Paul, Minnesota used ranked-choice voting (RCV) for the first time. This system lets voters choose candidates in order of preference, and if no candidate gets a majority of the vote, the candidate with the least votes is eliminated and those votes go to those voters’ second choice.

Widening Gap Update: Minnesota

Minnesota consistently failed to pay its full annual pension contribution from 2005 to 2010. The system was 80 percent funded in fiscal year 2010 and faced an $11 billion funding gap.

Squeezing Local Governments

Cities, counties and school districts are facing a one-two punch: simultaneous drops in property tax revenue and state aid. The blows come even as demand for services is growing. This fiscal squeeze—not seen since 1980—has resulted in painful choices for local governments large and small.

Time Served in Minnesota

The average offender in Minnesota released in 2009 served 2.3 years in custody, 38% more than the average offender released in 1990.

Traditional Dentistry Wary of Dental Therapists

Crystal Ann Baker isn't a dentist, but she fills cavities, pulls teeth and even performs children's root canals.

Oklahoma Rejects Bonding for Capitol Renovation

As the legislature adjourns, repairs for the Capitol and state office buildings are put off another year.

Mining Boom in Great Lakes States Prompts Environmental Concern

PART ONE OF TWO: Mining is a thriving industry again in the upper Midwest. But there are questions about whether current state regulations can handle the environmental impact.

Infographic: A Turning Point for Gay Marriage?

Gay marriage supporters have won big victories in state courts and state capitals in recent years. Now, they’re hoping to extend that success to the ballot box.

Minnesota Considers Easing Budget Gimmick

TAX AND BUDGET BEAT: Last year, Minnesota delayed payments to school districts to close its budget gap. This year, with the budget in better shape, it's thinking about reversing course.

Minnesota State of the State Address 2012

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Feb. 15 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mark Dayton's (D) 2012 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker and Members of the MN House of Representatives. Madam President and Members of the MN Senate. Madam Chief Justice and Distinguished Members of the MN Supr

States Try to Help Veterans Find Jobs

With U.S forces out of Iraq and combat troops slated to leave Afghanistan in 2013, states are readying for an influx of returning troops who will be looking for work.

Three States to Weigh in on Republican Candidates

TODAY'S TAKE: It's not quite "Super Tuesday," but today (February 7) marks the first day of the 2012 presidential campaign that will see more than one state cast ballots.

Election Websites: Minnesota

Being Online Is Still Not Enough provides state-by-state reviews and analysis based on detailed criteria of election websites for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Minnesota Vikings Stadium Subsidy Debate Heats Up

TAX & BUDGET BEAT: With a possible special session looming, Minnesota lawmakers will have to decide whether keeping the NFL's Vikings is worth $300 million in state money.

Improving Dental Care in Minnesota

Minnesota is expanding access to dental care with new types of dental health providers.

Minnesota Legislators Try to Prevent Future Shutdowns

TODAY'S TAKE: Now that Minnesota politicians have ended the longest state government shutdown in U.S. history, many are wondering how to avoid such a major disruption in the future.

Tobacco Bonds to Rescue Minnesota, for Now

The deal to end Minnesota's government shutdown uses long-term payments from Big Tobacco to fill a short-term budget gap.

Most Minnesota Lawmakers Still Collecting Their Paychecks

TODAY'S TAKE: More than 20,000 Minnesota state workers have stopped receiving paychecks because of a government shutdown that is now in its 12th day. But most state lawmakers have opted to continue getting paid, and Governor Mark Dayton has not furloughed his state-paid housekeeper.

Judges Uphold Cost-of-Living Cuts to Pensions

TODAY'S TAKE: Colorado and Minnesota lawmakers could legally reduce cost-of-living adjustments for currently retired state employees, judges said. The rulings could prompt more states to try the same thing.

Fate of Florida Commuter Rail Line Up to Governor

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Florida's governor weighs the arguments for a commuter rail line ... California regulators deal with the unintended consequences of a clean fuel requirement … Minnesota drivers could be caught in traffic if a budget is not passed on time, and other transportation news.