Assessing Minnesota's Economy; Evaluating State Spending

The Department of Human Services has garnered troubling headlines over the last months, prompting lawmakers to review how that agency, and other agencies, are spending taxpayer money. Senate Finance Chair Julie Rosen joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to offer her assessment of the budget forecast and what steps lawmakers can take to ensure fiscal integrity among state agencies.

The recent state budget and economic forecast shows Minnesota with a projected $1.3 billion dollar surplus at the end of the current two year budget cycle. The good news results from the state economic projection, and Dr. Laura Kalambokidis, the State Economist, joins Shannon to explain the latest economic trends.

Also in the program, the Senate DFL Caucus announces the formation of a new climate change caucus, and Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead presents her 90-day review of the department.