Our Flagship Studies View All

How Does Minnesota Compare?

Provides state-by-state rankings of state & local government revenues and spending

50-State Property Tax Comparison Study

This unique study compares property tax burdens on residential homestead, apartment, commercial/retail and industrial/manufacturing parcels across the country

Multi-State Individual Income Tax Comparison Study

Compares individual income tax burdens for various filer types at different income levels

Fiscal Focus View All

5/16/2023

March / April 2023

Teachers and their Pensions: Burned Out and Turning Out

A major, and largely behind the scenes, legislative campaign this session sought to provide an early retirement option for Minnesota teachers. A look at the history of this issue, relevant findings and lessons from benchmarking TRA against other state teacher plans and Education Minnesota’s own employee plan, and the prospects for the effort as the end of session approaches.

State Contract Negotiations: Nothing Transformational Here

The biennial budget is taking shape, but a major element -- state labor contract agreements -- won’t be determined until after the constitutional deadline.  Initial proposal offers show satisfying economic interests and keeping labor peace will consume the negotiations while discussions of ideas to improve efficiency, performance, and accountability in government human capital management get left behind.

Legislative Spotlight View All