Moving from a $17 billion surplus to a projected deficit of $5 billion in 2028

[question everything]

The surplus and the trifecta generated a lot of praise, including from Obama that "elections have consequences."

So the news came as a shock and, of course, something for the R to pounce on:

State budget officials said long-term care for people with disabilities and special education costs are the biggest drivers of the deficit projected for 2028-29.

At the same time, the state’s budget reserve reached a record high of more than $3.5 billion. Tapping that could help legislators minimize potential budget cuts or tax increases.

https://www.startribune.com/new-minnesota-state-budget-forecast-out-wednesday/601190549

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These expenses should have been anticipated, not come as a surprise.

And I still don't understand why the number of House seats are even to be evenly split between the parties. As the Congressional House, the Supreme Court and other legislative and judicial bodies the number should be odd. In my opinion.

[dflprincess]

1. There are 2 House seats for each Senate District

no matter how many Senate seats there are, we're going to wind up with an even number of House seats. I don't want to even think of the confusion if House seats didn't follow the Senate District lines.

[nmmi]

2. Maybe create one "At Large" seat that all Minnesotans vote for. Or let the Lieutenant Governor break ties

similar to the U.S. Senate.

[question everything]

4. Interesting. I wonder whether a Constitutional amendment is required for such actions

[nmmi]

5. My guess is yes, especially considering the many far-less-consequential things in the Minn constitution/nt

[question everything]

3. Thanks, interesting. I wonder how it is in other states