Minnesota's November budget forecast is being released this morning, and it shows a $4.8 billion budget deficit for the 2010-2011 biennium, the largest in state history.  Also of concern is a $426 million shortfall for the current fiscal year, which will require swift action on the part of legislators and the Governor when session begins January 6th. Falling revenue is mostly to blame for the increased deficit.  Commissioner Tom Hanson stressed we are not alone in our financial woes, citing other states facing worse shortfalls.  State Economist Tom Stinson noted that the recession, which started in 2007, is expected to last 24 months and could be the longest recession in the post-war period causing serious job losses in Minnesota. Read More...

House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher today announced the 2009-10 Committees and Chairs for the Minnesota House of Representatives.   The size of the overall new committee structure has been reduced by 15%. "We’ve streamlined the committee structure to allow for more member involvement and help the Legislature better fulfill its oversight role," Kelliher said.  “Minnesotans have been very clear they want to see more transparency and accountability in state government.” Read More...