Budget&Economic Forecast Nov2014 PDF

NOVEMBER 2014
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Budget & Economic Forecast
November 2014
FORECAST HIGHLIGHTS
Higher Revenues, Lower Spending Generate FY 2014-15 Forecast Balance

Actual revenue and expenditures for FY 2014, combined with revised forecasts for FY 2015,
increased the projected balance for the current biennium from $32 to $556 million. Forecast
revenues increased $279 million (0.7 percent), while projected spending is $250 million (0.6
percent) lower. A $5 million increase in estimated stadium reserves offsets part of the gain.
New Law Directs $183 Million to Budget Reserve, Leaving $373 Million Budgetary Balance
Significant changes were made to the statute governing general fund budget reserves in 2014.
Thirty-three percent of any forecast balance for the current biennium, determined each
November, is to be deposited to the budget reserve until recommended levels are reached. The
$183 million deposit increases general fund reserves to $1.344 billion.
FY 2016-17 Forecast Shows a Total of $1.037 Billion Available for Upcoming Budget
FY 2016-17 revenues are now forecast to be $41.880 billion, a 6.4 percent increase over the
current biennium. Forecast current law spending is $41.243 billion, 4.8 percent above FY 201415. Both are lower than previous projections. The $373 million ending balance for FY 2015 now
adds to the beginning resources for the next biennium resulting in a $1.037 billion balance now
expected for FY 2016-17, up from $603 million projected at the end of the 2014 session.
U.S. Economic Outlook Has Weakened

Slower labor force growth and household formation contribute to a weaker U.S. economic
outlook. IHS Economics (formerly Global Insight) now expects real GDP growth of 2.2 percent
in 2014, 2.6 percent in 2015, and 2.8 percent in 2016. Februarys baseline forecast had called for
2.7 percent growth in 2014, followed by 3.3 percent and 3.4 percent growth in 2015 and 2016
respectively. The IHS forecast for U.S. growth depends on productivity gains and wage growth
acceleration.
Income Tax Receipts Improve FY 2014-15 Forecast, Contribute to Growth in FY 2016-17

Income tax receipts ended FY 2014 ahead of the February forecast, contributing $194 million of
the $279 million increase in FY 2014-15 forecast revenues. Higher than previously expected
increases in nonwage income more than offset lower wage growth for the remainder of the
biennium. Income and sales tax receipts supply almost all of the tax revenue growth in FY 201617 over FY 2014-2015. Corporate and other tax revenues are expected to remain fairly flat.
November 2014
Statutory Provisions
In accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.103, subdivision 1, the commissioner of
Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) must prepare a forecast of state revenue and
expenditures in February and November of each year. This forecast must assume the continuation
of current laws and reasonable estimates of projected growth in the national and state economies
and affected populations.
Revenue must be estimated for all sources provided for in current law. Expenditures must be
estimated for all obligations imposed by law and those projected to occur as a result of variables
outside the control of the legislature.
A forecast prepared during the first fiscal year of a biennium must cover that biennium and the
next biennium. A forecast prepared during the second fiscal year of a biennium must cover that
biennium as well as the next two bienniums.
While wage and price inflation is included in revenue estimates, expenditure estimates must not
include an allowance for inflation.
Notes
Numbers in the text and tables may not add to the totals due to rounding.
Unless otherwise noted, years used to describe the budget outlook are state fiscal years (FY),
from July 1 to June 30, and years used to describe the economic outlook are calendar years (CY).
ii
November 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORECAST HIGHLIGHTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
11
U.S. Economic Outlook

Minnesota Economic Outlook
Council of Economic Advisors Statement
11
28
38
BUDGET OUTLOOK
40
Current Biennium
Next Biennium
Planning Estimates
40
42
44
REVENUE OUTLOOK
46
Current Biennium
Next Biennium
Planning Estimates
46
49
51
EXPENDITURE OUTLOOK
53
Current Biennium
Next Biennium
Planning Estimates
53
57
61
APPENDIX
63
iii
November 2014
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Minnesotas budget outlook has improved from previous estimates despite a weaker U.S.
economic outlook. Strong income growth in 2013 contributed to higher than expected
income tax revenues in FY 2014; while increases in non-wage income more than offset
lower wage growth for FY 2015. When combined with $249 million savings from lower
than expected heath care spending, these changes produce a forecast balance of $556
million for FY 2014-15. However, new statutory provisions allocate 33 percent ($183
million) of the forecast balance to the budget reserve, leaving a projected budgetary
balance of $373 million for the current biennium.
The balance between revenues and spending in the next biennium has changed
minimally. General fund revenues in FY 2016-17 are expected to grow to $41.9 billion,
while projected current law spending is projected to be just under $41.3 billion. The
$373 million ending balance forecast for current biennium adds to the resources available
for the next biennium. As a result, $1.037 billion is expected to be available for the
upcoming FY 2016-17 biennial budget.
U.S. Economic Outlook. The outlook for U.S. economic growth has weakened since
Minnesotas Budget and Economic Forecast was last prepared in February 2014. The
economy came to a standstill at the start of the year as unusually harsh winter weather
temporarily sapped consumer spending, factory production, and housing. Furthermore, a
more protracted slowdown in the housing recovery is a direct reflection of surprisingly
slow, recession-like household formation over the past year. Causes of the unexpected
downshift include a less mobile population, slower immigration, and an increasing share
of young adults not forming households for economic reasons, like poor wage growth and
onerous student loan debts. The demographic trends affecting household formation are
similarly affecting the supply of labor. Growth in the labor force has all but ceased this
year and participation continues to wane. Those factors, combined with ongoing labor
underutilization, the composition of new jobs, and disappointing productivity growth, are
weighing on compensation gains and imply a lower potential growth rate for incomes,
profits, and living standards.
Encouragingly, economic fundamentals support an upturn in productivity, and thereby an
acceleration in wage growth. Consumers and businesses are feeling more confident,
profit margins remain near all-time highs, producers hold strong cash positions, and
borrowing costs remain low, making business investments in hiring and productivity
more attractive. Already, labor market slack is being steadily absorbed by improving
demand, as employment growth has averaged 229,000 net new jobs a month thus far in
2014 and the jobless rate has edged down to 5.8 percent, a post-recession low. A
1
November 2014
tightening labor market closer to the natural rate of unemployment should also begin to
put upward pressure on wages. However, if businesses investment in equipment and
intellectual property remain soft, productivity and wages could disappoint over the next
several years.
Minnesota Management and Budgets macroeconomic consultant IHS Economics
(formerly IHS Global Insight) expects real GDP growth to rise at a 2.0 percent
annualized rate in the fourth quarter before moderately accelerating through at least late
2016, with modest improvements in confidence, labor supply, and productivity. IHS
Economics (IHS) November 2014 baseline forecast calls for annual real GDP growth to
pick up from 2.2 percent in 2014, to 2.6 percent in 2015 and 2.8 percent in 2016. The
February 2014 baseline forecast expected stronger growth of 2.7 percent in 2014,
followed by increases of 3.3 percent in 2015 and 3.4 percent in 2016. The IHS November
baseline forecast for 2015 and 2016 calls for slightly less growth than the Blue Chip
Consensus, the median of 50 business and academic forecasts. The Blue Chip forecast is
for 3.0 percent growth in 2015, followed by 2.9 percent in 2016. Inflation continues to be
of little concern. Novembers baseline anticipates CPI increases of 1.7 percent in 2014,
1.0 percent in 2015, and 1.6 percent in 2016. Februarys inflation outlook was similarly
subdued.
Real Gross Domestic Product
4
Annual Percent Change
February 2014
2.7
3
2
1.9
2.2
3.4
3.3
November 2014
2.6
2.2
2.8
3.1
3.0
1
0
2013
2014F
2015F
2016F
2017F
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), IHS Economics (IHS)
The outlook for U.S. economic growth has weakened since Minnesotas Budget and
Economic Forecast was last prepared in February 2014.
There are several key dependencies to the IHS November economic outlook. First,
stronger labor market conditions must begin to translate into improvements in household
formation and labor force growth. Higher household formation rates boost housing
demand, and labor force growth is an important component for overall economic growth.
Second, productivity growth rebounds to long term trend, thereby higher living standards
and stronger potential economic growth. Third, the Federal Reserves actions to tighten
monetary policy next year must go smoothly. In the November baseline, IHS assumes
that the Fed begins to raise the federal funds rate in June 2015. Fourth, federal fiscal
policy remains in what IHS calls benign neglect, where lawmakers simply do no more
November 2014
harm, through at least early 2017. Finally, international economic and political risk must
not cause undue harm. The events in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as the slowing
economies in Europe, Japan, and Brazil, heighten the forecast risk from the international
trade sector.
Minnesota Economic Outlook. Minnesotas expansion continues to make steady
progress. The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reports the states real GDP rose 2.8
percent in 2013, a full percentage point faster than the nation, and most indicators suggest
the labor market tightened up considerably in 2014. Minnesotas jobless rate dropped to
3.9 percent in October, the fifth lowest among states and matching the low point of the
previous 2002-2007 economic expansion. Unemployment has fallen across age, gender,
and racial cohorts. The number of officially long-term unemployed (6 months or longer)
is less than half what it was in mid-2010, and the rate of involuntary part-time
employment has fallen sharply as well. However, Minnesotas labor force growth
remains very weak and wage pressures have yet to emerge. Moreover, the states housing
recovery has stalled in part due to unexpectedly slow household formation. As a result,
MMBs Minnesota economic outlook has weakened since it was last prepared in
February.
MMBs November 2014 economic forecast calls for Minnesotas expansion to continue
to accelerate over the next several years, but at a slower pace than the national average.
Employment is expected to remain modest in 2015 and 2016, as the pace of wage growth
steadily picks up. This reflects improvements in household formation and labor force
growth, a rebound in productivity, and stronger consumer and business fundamentals in
the broader U.S. economy.
Unemployment Rate
Monthly, Seasonally Adjusted
12%
= U.S. Recession
U.S.
10%
Minnesota
8%
6%
4%
2%
0%
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
Minnesotas jobless rate dropped to 3.9 percent in October, the fifth lowest among states
and matching the low point of the previous 2002-2007 economic expansion.
November 2014
Budget Outlook: Current Biennium. Minnesotas budget outlook for the current
biennium has improved since last Februarys forecast. The February 2014 forecast
projected a $1.2 billion balance available for FY 2014-15. Budget changes enacted in the
2014 legislative session included tax reductions, supplemental spending, capital projects
funding, and an increase to the states budget reserve. After these actions a projected $32
million balance remained.
This forecast now reflects final actual revenue and expenditure data for FY 2014 and
revised estimates for FY 2015 with seven months remaining in the current biennium.
Forecast revenues are now expected to be $39.371 billion, up $279 million from the endof-session estimates. Forecast spending is now expected to be $39.338 billion, a $249
million reduction from previous estimates. These forecast changes, offset by a small $5
million increase in stadium reserves, generated a forecast balance of $556 million.
New law, however, directs $183 million of Novembers forecast balance to the general
fund budget reserve account. This action results in a budgetary balance of $373 million
for the current biennium. If unchanged in the next forecast or by 2015 session actions,
this budgetary balance will carry forward into the next biennium, adding to the available
resources projected for FY 2016-17.
FY 2014-15 General Fund Forecast
($ in millions)
blank
Beginning Balance
Forecast Revenues
Forecast Expenditures
Cash Flow & Budget Reserves
Stadium Reserve
End of Session
$1,712
39,092
39,587
1,161
23
Forecast Balance
33% to Budget Reserve
Revised Forecast Balance
November
Forecast
$1,712
39,371
39,338
1,161
28
$
Change
$
0
279
(249)
0
5
$32
$556
$523
183
183
$32
$373
$340
Nearly 70 percent of the $523 million forecast improvement in the current biennium
reflects gains from closing the books for FY 2014. Forecast revenues for the biennium
are up $279 million. Most of this increase, or $185 million, occurred in FY 2014 as
reported in MMBs October 2014 Revenue and Economic Update. The gain was
primarily driven by higher income tax receipts. Forecast spending for the biennium is
down $249 million. More than half of the savings, or $150 million, reflects lower actual
spending for FY 2014, net of appropriations carried forward to FY 2015. Reductions in
the forecast of human services health care spending accounts for most of the savings.
The $556 million forecast balance in the current biennium triggers an automatic deposit
to the budget reserve resulting from law changes in the 2014 legislative session. This
increases the budget reserve from $811 million to $994 million, and total cash flow and
November 2014
budget reserve accounts to $1.344 billion. Minnesota Statute 16A.152, which governs
general fund reserves, automatically allocates 33 percent of any forecast balances for the
current biennium, based on yearly November forecasts, to the budget reserve until a
recommended level is reached.
The recommended level is established by an annual evaluation of the adequacy of the
budget reserve by the commissioner of MMB. The current report, released in January
2014 prior to the most recent change in the reserves statute, recommends a budget reserve
policy of 4.9 percent of general fund non-dedicated revenues, or total cash flow and
budget reserves of $1.929 billion for the current 2014-15 biennium.
Revenues. Higher-than-anticipated revenues at the close of FY 2014 helped increase
forecast revenues for the current biennium. Total revenues for FY 2014-15 are now
forecast to be $39.371 billion, $279 million (0.7 percent) more than the February forecast
adjusted for 2014 session law changes. Total tax revenues for FY 2014-15 are forecast to
be $37.585 billion, exceeding the end-of-session estimate by $268 million (0.7 percent).
Actual tax receipts for FY 2014 were $189 million above expectations, accounting for 70
percent of the forecast change in FY 2014-15 tax revenues.
FY 2014-15 General Fund Revenues
Change From End-of-Session Estimates
($ in millions)
Blank
Individual Income Tax
General Sales Tax
Corporate Franchise Tax
Statewide Property Tax
Other Tax Revenue
Total Tax Revenues
November
Forecast
$
Change
%
Change
$19,615
10,198
2,637
1,675
3,460
37,585
$289
46
(72)
10
(5)
268
1.5
0.5
(2.7)
0.6
(0.1)
0.7
1,430
356
(15)
26
(1.1)
7.9
Non-Tax Revenues
Other Resources
Total Revenue
$39,371
$279
0.7
The individual income tax shows the largest dollar amount change, $289 million (1.5
percent). Of that change, $194 million is due to higher-than-forecast income tax revenues
at the close of FY 2014. The forecast for FY 2015 income tax revenues has also been
raised, due in part to an increase in MMBs estimate of tax liability for 2013, the base
year for this forecast. In addition, higher expected growth in non-wage income more than
offsets a lower wage income forecast.
Sales tax revenues are now expected to exceed the end-of session estimate for the current
biennium by $46 million. Larger forecast gross tax receipts more than offset an increase
in expected sales tax refunds. The corporate income tax is now forecast to bring in $72
million less in FY 2014-15 than the prior estimate. This change reflects both lower
projected corporate profit growth and higher forecast growth in refunds.
5
November 2014
Expenditures. Forecast spending for the current biennium has been reduced. General fund
expenditures for FY 2014-15 are now forecast to be $39.338 billion, down $249 million
(0.6 percent) from end-of-session estimates.
A reduction in health and human services is the primary factor contributing to the net
savings. The $249 million savings shown below is primarily the result of savings in
Medical Assistance (MA) health care payments.
FY 2014-15 General Fund Expenditures
($ in millions)
Blank
K-12 Education
Property Tax Aids & Credits
Health & Human Services
Debt Service
All Other
Total Expenditures
November
Forecast
$16,629
2,964
11,205
1,243
7,297
$
Change
$(50)
(6)
(248)
(11)
65
%
Change
(0.3)
(0.2)
(2.2)
(0.9)
0.9
$39,338
$(249)
(0.6)
K-12 education estimates were reduced $50 million due to small downward revisions in
enrollment projections. Small savings in property tax aid costs reflect reduced estimates
for homeowners homestead credit refunds, partially offset by an increase in renters
refunds. Debt service savings accrue from slightly smaller bond sales than anticipated in
2014 and the continued benefit of low interest rates.
The $65 million increase shown for all other spending is largely due to one item. In FY
2015, $61.3 million was transferred to the closed landfill investment fund as required by
law, to begin repayment of monies previously borrowed from that fund, an increase of
$51 million over end-of-session estimates. Repayment will be completed with annual
payments of approximately $14 million a year over the next three years.
Budget Outlook: Next Biennium. A $1.037 billion balance is now projected for the FY
2016-17 biennium. However, that projected balance does not represent an enacted
budget, but provides the framework for developing the budget for the next two years. The
resources available for FY 2016-17 have been increased by the $373 million budgetary
balance for the current biennium that will carry forward into FY 2016-17.
When compared to the revised estimates for the current biennium, FY 2016-17 revenues
are now projected to increase by $2.509 billion (6.4 percent), while current law base
spending is projected to increase $1.905 billion (4.8 percent). This positive revenueexpenditure balance, combined with the expected $373 million balance that will carry
forward from FY 2015, results in a projected $1.037 billion balance available for FY
2016-17 budget planning.
November 2014
FY 2016-17 Budget Forecast

Biennial Comparison
($ in millions)
Blank
FY 2014-15
FY 2016-17
$ Change
% Change
Beginning Balance
$1,712
$1,745
$33
Revenues
Taxes
Non-Tax Revenues
Transfers, Other Resources
Total Revenues
Blank
37,585
1,430
356
39,371
Blank
40,253
1,400
227
41,880
Blank
2,668
(30)
(129)
2,509
Blank
7.1
(2.0)
(36.2)
6.4
Blank
16,629
2,964
11,205
1,243
7,297
$39,338
Blank
16,819
3,375
12,757
1,277
7,015
$41,243
Blank
190
411
1,552
34
(282)
$1,905
Blank
1.1
13.9
13.9
2.8
(3.9)
4.8
Reserves
Stadium Reserve
1,344
28
1,344
1
(27)
Budget Balance
$373
$1,037
Expenditures
K-12 Education
Debt Service
All Other
Total Spending
Blank
1.9
Blank
These estimates are, however, only the starting point for budget development. It is
important to recognize that forecast spending for FY 2016-17 is based largely on the
extension of current law and appropriations. Even though state tax revenues are expected
to continue to grow at a moderate rate, forecast spending also will continue to grow driven primarily by growth in human services spending.
Major forecast spending areas highlighted above are adjusted only for expected changes
in enrollment and caseload. FY 2016-17 current law base spending estimates, excluding
human services health care spending, do not include general inflation or reflect other
spending pressures.
Revenues. Total general fund revenues for FY 2016-17 are now forecast to be $41.880
billion, $2.509 billion (6.4 percent) above forecast FY 2014-15 revenues. Tax revenues
for FY 2016-17 are expected to grow to $40.253 billion, a 7.1 percent increase over FY
2014-15 forecast tax collections.
Together, the individual income and general sales taxes account for almost all of the
projected biennial growth in total tax revenues. The individual income tax shows the
largest increase, growing by $2.049 billion (10.4 percent), and contributing 77 percent of
the forecast tax revenue growth over the current biennium. The general sales tax is
expected to grow to $10.796 billion, $598 million (5.9 percent) over the current
biennium, accounting for 22 percent of the biennial increase in tax revenues.
November 2014
FY 2016-17 Revenues Summary

Biennial Comparison
($ in millions)
Blank
General Sales Tax
Other Tax Revenue
Total Tax Revenues
Non-Tax Revenues
Other Resources
Total Revenues
November
FY 2014-15
$19,615
10,198
2,637
1,675
3,460
November
FY 2016-17
$21,664
10,796
2,607
1,709
3,477
37,585
40,253
1,430
356
1,400
227
$39,371
$41,880
$
Change
2,049
598
(30)
34
17
%
Change
10.4
5.9
(1.1)
2.0
0.5
2,668
7.1
(29)
(129)
$2,509
(2.0)
(36.2)
6.4
Gross corporate franchise tax receipts are forecast to grow by $96 million in FY 2016-17.
This increase is more than offset by a $126 million increase in forecast corporate tax
refunds, netting to a $30 million decline in the corporate tax for FY 2016-17. The larger
refund forecast primarily reflects growth in the Historic Structure Rehabilitation Credit.
Expenditures. Total spending for FY 2016-17 is now forecast to be $41.243 billion,
$1.905 billion (4.8 percent) more than the current forecast for the FY 2014-15 biennium.
Health and human services spending is the single largest component of biennial growth in
general fund spending. Despite reductions in forecast spending in both the current and
next biennium, health and human services costs continue to grow year over year. Biennial
spending is expected to increase $1.552 billion (13.9 percent) from FY 2014-15 to FY
2016-17. Of this growth, about 90 percent is a result of increasing costs for Medical
Assistance, which is expected to grow $1.4 billion. Enrollment growth in health care
programs for families and children as well as the elderly and disabled, along with
projected increases in health care costs, are driving the growth in spending.
On an appropriations basis, the biennial growth for E-12 education is small, $190 million
(1.1 percent). But, the growth in E-12 spending is distorted by a one-time buyback of
payment shifts, over $800 million in FY 2014. If the buyback is excluded, E-12
education spending actually grows by 6.3 percent over the current biennium. This growth
is due primarily to enacted changes that begin in FY 2015, the second year of the current
biennium, which effectively double in the next. Changes included a 1.5 percent increase
on the basic formula and implementing all-day kindergarten. Additionally there is
underlying growth in pupil units and special education spending is expected to grow by
11 percent over FY 2014-15 levels.
Property tax aids and credits are expected to grow by $411 million (13.9 percent) over the
current biennium. While the underlying forecast variables are largely unchanged from
previous estimates, statutory changes act to increase costs in FY 2016-17 over the current
November 2014
biennium. Increases to the tax refund and local aid programs effective for FY 2015
reflect one year of costs in the current biennium, but two years in the next biennium.
Debt service spending will increase by $34 million (2.8 percent) based on forecasted
increases in interest rates and a slight increase in the assumed level of annual debt
authorization. All other spending areas actually decline, reflecting one-time capital
project and other costs in FY 2014-15 that do not recur in the next biennium.
FY 2016-17 Expenditures Summary
Biennial Comparison
($ in millions)
Blank
K-12 Education
Debt Service
All Other
Total Expenditures
November
FY 2014-15
$16,629
2,964
11,205
1,243
7,297
November
FY 2016-17
$16,819
3,375
12,757
1,277
7,015
39,338
41,243
$
Change
$190
411
1,552
34
(282)
%
Change
1.1
13.9
13.9
2.8
(3.9)
1,905
4.8
Budget Outlook: Planning Estimates. This report provides the first budget planning
estimates for FY 2018-19. These longer term planning estimates are materially different
than the short term forecasts for FY 2015-17. The longer term projections have a higher
degree of uncertainty and a significantly higher potential range of error.
Projected revenue growth exceeds expenditure growth through the forecast horizon,
indicating structural balances for FY 2018-19. But, these balances can be misleading.
Forecast revenues for FY 2018-19 are matched against projected current law spending
that assumes no changes will occur over the four-year period beyond those incorporated
in current law. Increases are largely limited to enrollment, caseload and formula driven
costs in education aids, human services and property tax aid and credit programs; while
all other areas generally represent FY 2015 appropriated levels continuing unchanged.
Budget Planning Estimates
($ in millions)
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
$20,432
20,443
$21,448
20,800
$22,392
21,286
$23,409
21,764
Difference
$(11)
$648
$1,106
$1,645
Estimated Inflation (CPI)
$266
$650
$1,170
$1,724
Forecast Revenues
Projected Spending
November 2014
Projected spending for FY 2016-19 does not include a general adjustment for inflation;
nor does it necessarily reflect the actual cost of continuing current services. Projected
inflation based on the consumer price index is forecast to be 1.3 and 1.8 percent for FY
2016 and FY 2017; followed by 2.3 percent annual increases in FY 2018-19. These
inflationary pressures, compounded over the four-year period, would add roughly $350
million per year to spending.
The planning estimates are not meant to predict balanced or unbalanced budgets in the
future. Their purpose is to assist in determining how well projected state revenues will
match ongoing spending over a longer term. The FY 2018-19 projections provide a
current law framework to analyze the impacts of FY 2016-17 budget proposals and
legislative actions.
10
November 2014
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
U.S. Economic Outlook
The outlook for U.S. economic growth has weakened since Minnesotas Budget and
Economic Forecast was last prepared in February 2014. The economy came to a
standstill at the start of the year as unusually harsh winter weather temporarily sapped
consumer spending, factory production, and housing. Furthermore, a more protracted
slowdown in the housing recovery is a direct reflection of surprisingly slow, recessionlike household formation over the past year. Causes of the unexpected downshift include
a less mobile population, slower immigration, and an increasing share of young adults not
forming households for economic reasons, like poor wage growth and onerous student
loan debts. The demographic trends affecting household formation are similarly affecting
the supply of labor. Growth in the labor force has all but ceased this year, and
participation continues to wane. Those factors, combined with ongoing labor
underutilization, the composition of new jobs, and disappointing productivity growth, are
weighing on compensation gains and imply a lower potential growth rate for incomes,
profits, and living standards.
U.S. Household Formation
2.5
Millions of Households, Annual Change

Year Ending in March
2.0
U.S. Civilian Labor Force
Average Annual Percent Change

4%
3%
1.5
2%
1.0
1%
0.5
0%
0.0
-1%
-0.5
'70 '75 '80 '85 '90 '95 '00 '05 '10
'70 '75 '80 '85 '90 '95 '00 '05 '10
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (BLS)
Source: U.S. Census Bureau; IHS Economics (IHS)
Household formation unexpectedly slowed to a recession-like pace over the past year.
The demographic trends affecting household formation are also affecting the supply of
labor. Growth in the labor force has all but ceased and participation continues to wane.
11
November 2014
Encouragingly, economic fundamentals support an upturn in productivity, and thereby an

acceleration in wage growth. Consumers and businesses are feeling more confident,
profit margins remain near all-time highs, producers hold strong cash positions, and
borrowing costs remain low, making business investments in hiring and productivity
more attractive. Already, labor market slack is being steadily absorbed by improving
demand, as employment growth has averaged 229,000 net new jobs a month thus far in
2014, and the jobless rate has edged down to 5.8 percent, a post-recession low. A
tightening labor market closer to the natural rate of unemployment should also begin to
put upward pressure on wages. However, if businesses investment in equipment and
intellectual property remain soft, productivity and wages may continue to disappoint.
The U.S. economy bounced back sharply from its winter slump in the early part of the
year. After contacting 2.1 percent in the first quarter of 2014, the Bureau of Economic
Analysis (BEA) estimates real GDP expanded at an annual rate of 4.6 percent in the
second quarter, followed by a revised jump of 3.9 percent in the third quarter. The
rebound was driven by a mid-summer surge in fixed investment and exports, some
rebuilding of depleted business inventories, an anticipated uptick in health care spending,
and a surprise bounce in federal defense spending. Improved underlying performance
also reflects the lagged effects from lower gasoline prices, stronger job creation, easing of
federal fiscal drag, reduced household debt service burdens, and a pickup in vehicle sales
and spending for other consumer durable goods.
Average Hourly Earnings
Employment Cost Index
Year-Over-Year Percent Change
4%
4%
3%
3%
2%
2%
1%
1%
0%
0%
'07
'08
'09
'10
'11
'12
'13
'05 '06 '07 '08 '09 '10 '11 '12 '13 '14
'14
The employment cost index, a broad measure of nominal wage and benefits
compensation, has averaged only about 2 percent annual growth since the recession
ended more than five years ago. Average hourly earnings growth is also basically
keeping up with inflation.
Collectively these changes support the case for more modest economic growth at the end
of 2014. Minnesota Management and Budgets macroeconomic consultant IHS
Economics (formerly IHS Global Insight) sees real GDP growth slowing to a 2.0 percent
annualized rate in the fourth quarter. Slower export growth and reversal of an end-offiscal-year anomaly in federal defense spending more than account for this slowdown
between the third and fourth quarters. Counterbalancing those factors is a consumer
dividend from lower gasoline prices, which have fallen from $3.78 per gallon last June to
12
November 2014
less than $3.00 in late November. This dividend represents a source of savings for each
American household available to be spent on other non-gasoline goods and services, just
in time for the holiday shopping season. IHS Economics (IHS) estimates that energy
costs remaining at current low levels could add up to 0.4 percent to real GDP growth over
a year long period.
A moderate acceleration of economic growth is expected to continue through at least late
2016, with modest improvements in confidence, labor supply, and productivity. The IHS
November 2014 baseline forecast calls for annual real GDP growth to pick up from 2.2
percent in 2014, to 2.6 percent in 2015 and 2.8 percent in 2016. The February 2014
baseline forecast expected stronger growth of 2.7 percent in 2014, followed by increases
of 3.3 percent in 2015 and 3.4 percent in 2016. The IHS November baseline forecast for
2015 and 2016 calls for slightly less growth than the Blue Chip Consensus, the median of
50 business and academic forecasts. The Blue Chip forecast is for 3.0 percent growth in
2015, followed by 2.9 percent in 2016. Inflation continues to be of little concern.
Novembers baseline anticipates CPI increases of 1.7 percent in 2014, 1.0 percent in
2015, and 1.6 percent in 2016. Februarys inflation outlook was similarly subdued.
Nov'14
IHS Economics Baseline
Annualized Q/Q Percent Change
5%
4%
3%
2%
1%
0%
-1%
-2%
-3%
1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
After contacting 2.1 percent in the first quarter of 2014, the BEA estimates real GDP
expanded at an annual rate of 4.6 percent in the second quarter, followed by a revised
jump of 3.9 percent in the third quarter. Collectively these changes support the case for
more modest economic growth at the end of 2014.
There are several key dependencies to the IHS November economic outlook. First,
stronger labor market conditions must begin to translate into improvements in household
formation and labor force growth. Higher household formation rates boost housing
demand, and labor force growth is an important component for overall economic growth.
Second, productivity growth rebounds to long term trend, bringing higher living
standards and stronger potential economic growth. Third, the Federal Reserves actions to
tighten monetary policy next year must go smoothly. In the November baseline, IHS
assumes that the Fed begins to raise the federal funds rate in June 2015. Fourth, federal
13
November 2014
fiscal policy remains in what IHS calls benign neglect, where lawmakers simply do no
more harm, through at least early 2017. Finally, international economic and political risk
must not cause undue damage. The events in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as the
slowing economies in Europe, Japan, and Brazil, heighten the forecast risk from the
international trade sector.
IHS assigns a 70 percent probability to Februarys baseline and 15 percent probabilities
to more pessimistic and optimistic alternative scenarios, up from 60 percent and 20
percent respectively in February. In the pessimistic scenario, the U.S. economy stalls in
late 2014 due to stagnant household formation and a weaker-than-expected housing
market, just avoiding recession. In the optimistic scenario, oil prices decline more than in
the baseline, while higher-than-expected foreign growth and associated depreciation of
the dollar deliver a boost to the U.S. economy later this year.
Consumer Spending. Stronger economic fundamentals for the consumer have provided
welcome momentum in 2014. First, households have rebuilt a large share of the wealth
lost during the recession, as home prices have increased rapidly and equities soared over
the past few years. The Dow Jones industrial average and S&P 500, for example, set
record highs in the past few months, and the Nasdaq surged to its highest level since
2000. Second, consumers have significantly reduced debt burdens. Third, average U.S.
gasoline prices have continued to slide, dipping below $3 per gallon last month for the
first time in four years. Lower gas prices provide an especially big bonus heading into the
holiday shopping season. Finally, the job market is improving, which is boosting
consumer confidence. Separate measures released by the Conference Board and the
Reuters/University of Michigan show that confidence among U.S. consumers as at postrecession highs. These factors highlight a recovery that has accelerated since the weak
beginning of the year. Looking ahead, the key to stronger consumer spending will be
stronger average wage growth.
Reuters/University of Michigan
Index of Consumer Sentiment
The Conference Board

Consumer Confidence Index
Not Seasonally Adjusted, Index: 1966=100.0
Index: 1985=100.0
110
120
100
90
80
60
70
40
50
20
'06
'08
'10
'12
'14
'06
Source: Reuters/University of Michigan
'08
'10
'12
'14
Source: The Conference Board
The job market is improving, which is boosting consumer confidence. Separate measures
released by the Conference Board and the Reuters/University of Michigan show that
confidence among U.S. consumers as at post-recession highs.
14
November 2014
Households have made significant progress toward rebuilding the wealth lost during the
recession. The Federal Reserves flow of funds report shows that household net worth
(the value of assets such as homes, bank accounts and stocks, minus debts such as
mortgages and credit cards) surpassed its precession peak in late 2012, thanks in large
part to strong gains in the value of real estate and equity assets. However, after adjusting
for inflation and population growth, real net worth per capita is only now returning to
what it was just before nationwide home prices began to unravel in early 2007. Looking
forward, the improving economy should continue to put upward pressure on asset prices.
Gains in wealth will have a positive impact on spending growth.
The national housing market is becoming a bit more balanced. Investor demand is
waning, more home inventories are coming up for sale, and market fundamentals are
beginning to drive price appreciation, which has decelerated from near double-digit
percentage increases in 2013. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) purchaseonly home price index rose 4.3 percent in the third quarter of 2014 from a year earlier,
the slowest year-over-year pace since late 2012. IHS expects home prices to grow around
5 percent this year, before slowing in 2015. This improves affordability and boosts home
sales. Over the forecast horizon, accelerating jobs gains, more inventory growth, and
easing lending standards should help maintain more modest price gains of between 2 and
3 percent, which will help support consumer spending.
Mortgage & Non-Mortgage Debt
Household Financial Obligations Ratio
Percent of Disposable Income
140%
Percent of Disposable Income
19%
18%
120%
17%
16%
100%
15%
80%
14%
'98 '00 '02 '04 '06 '08 '10 '12 '14
'80
Source: Federal Reserve
'85
'90
'95
'00
'05
'10
Household debt burdens have fallen dramatically as income growth has outpaced
payment growth. IHS Economics believes households are not as comfortable taking on as
much debt as before, one factor cited as impeding the housing recovery.
Record low debt service burdens also offer evidence of improving household finances.
Consumers are taking on more non-mortgage debt, mainly in the form of lower-interest
big-ticket items such as auto and student loans, but are still reluctant to take on more
mortgage debt or run up large credit card bills for smaller discretionary purchases. The
Federal Reserve reports that revolving credit outstanding, mostly credit card loans, was
about $880 billion in the third quarter 2014, down nearly $140 billion (14 percent) from
its mid-2008 peak and increasing little since 2010. Household debt burdens have fallen
dramatically as income growth has outpaced payment growth. The Federal Reserve's
15
November 2014
financial obligations ratio, which measures the share of monthly household financial
commitments to disposable income, is at the lowest level since the early 1980s. Similarly,
mortgage and non-mortgage consumer debt has fallen to the lowest share of disposable
income since mid-2002. IHS believes households are not as comfortable taking on as
much debt as before, one factor cited as impeding the housing recovery. Nonetheless,
households stronger financial positions are expected to have a positive impact on
consumer spending in 2015.
The labor market continues to make steady progress. The U.S. economy has added an
average of 229,000 jobs per month thus far in 2014, well above the 193,000 average
gains recorded in 2013. Strong job gains this year have helped push the U.S.
unemployment rate down to a new post-recession low of 5.8 percent in October, nearly 1 percentage points less than the same month a year earlier. Unemployment has fallen
across age and racial cohorts, and the number of long-term unemployed has declined
sharply. However, the rate of involuntary part-time employment and the labor force
participation rate remain very weak. The U.S. labor force participation rate has fallen
steadily since the end of the recession and is now as low as it was in the late 1970s. Wage
growth also remains modest relative to the growth in employment. The employment cost
index, a broad measure of nominal wage and benefits compensation, has averaged only
about 2 percent annual growth since the recession ended more than five years ago, while
real compensation growth has remained flat. Average hourly earnings growth is also just
basically keeping up with inflation.
Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
5%
Monthly, Seasonally Adjusted,

Percent of Working-Age Population
U.S. Labor Force Participation Rate

68%
4%
66%
3%
2%
64%
1%
62%
0%
'78 '82 '86 '90 '94 '98 '02 '06 '10 '14
'78 '82 '86 '90 '94 '98 '02 '06 '10 '14
Ongoing slack in the labor market and the weak pace of wage growth have been the
biggest constraints on consumer spending during the recovery.
Ongoing slack in the labor market and the weak pace of wage growth have been the
biggest constraints on consumer spending during the recovery. Real consumer spending
grew at a 2.2 percent average annualized rate in the third quarter of 2014, near the 2.3
percent average rate since early 2010, but still well below the 3.0 percent average during
the last expansion. IHS believes it will be difficult for consumer spending to gain more
traction without strong and sustainable increases in average wages. Job growth in the next
two years is not expected to match this years gains, with 2015 more like 2013 than 2014.
16
November 2014
But further tightening of labor market conditions begins to put upward pressure on wage
growth. Total compensation is forecast to accelerate from 2.2 percent in 2014, to 2.8
percent in 2015 and 2.9 percent in 2016. Thus with average wage growth picking up, real
consumer spending growth is expected to accelerate from 2.3 percent in 2014, to 2.8
percent in 2015 and 3.0 percent in 2016, led by autos and other big-ticket durable items.
Business Investment. In the aftermath of the Great Recession, businesses responded to a
sharp decline in demand by cutting back payrolls and boosting productivity. That quickly
helped companies accumulate huge cash reserves, restore balance sheets, and boost
profits to all-time highs. But as the recovery progressed, instead of investing those
earnings in productivity-enhancing equipment, some companies have chosen to spend
cash on share buybacks and dividends to improve shareholder income. As a result,
business investment has not yet rebounded to its pre-recession share of the economy and
labor productivity has stalled in the past few years. IHS estimates spending on capital
equipment will represent 5.8 percent of GDP in 2014, up from a 4.5 percent low in 2009,
but still well below the 6.5 percent average in the 20 years prior to the recession.
Productivity growth in the U.S. has averaged less than 1 percent per year since 2011,
compared to a 2.2 percent average over the past quarter-century.
Non-Residential Investment in Equipment
Share of Nominal GDP
8%
Non-Farm Productivity
5%
4%
7%
3%
6%
2%
5%
1%
0%
4%
'86
'90
'94
'98
'02
'06
'10
'86
'14
'90
'94
'98
'02
'06
'10
'14
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
During the recovery, some companies have chosen to spend cash on share buybacks and
dividends to improve shareholder income. As a result, business investment has not yet
rebounded to its pre-recession share of the economy and labor productivity has stalled.
Nonetheless, there are reasons to be optimistic about a pickup in business investment.

Borrowing costs remain low, the nations capital stock is aging, and factories are running
closer to full capacity. Moreover, fiscal policy uncertainty has diminished, business
confidence is trending higher, and the job market is improving, making new equipment
spending more attractive. IHS Economics expects investment in equipment to pick up
from 4.6 percent growth in 2013, to 6.3 percent growth in 2014, and advance near 6
percent through 2017. Real investment in intellectual property is similarly forecast to
accelerate from 3.4 percent growth in 2013, to 4.0 percent growth in 2014, and maintain
modest gains between 4 and 5 percent over the forecast horizon. Finally, rising capital
17
November 2014
expenditures boost productivity, which is expected to accelerate from 0.7 percent growth
in 2014, to 1.5 percent in 2015 and over 2 percent in 2016 and 2017.
Industrial Production. Stronger business investment should give a boost to steadily
improving manufacturing output. Recent survey results from the Institute of Supply
Management (ISM) strongly suggest that the manufacturing sector remains in an
expansionary phase. In the third quarter of this this year, ISMs manufacturing index was
at its highest level since early 2011, with the new orders, production, and employment
subcomponents all well above neutral.
Other measures of manufacturing conditions such as factory orders and industrial
production have showed similar strength. The Commerce Department reports that factory
orders have continued a steady path of recovery since September 2013. Manufacturers
new orders for core capital goods (nondefense capital goods excluding aircraft), a leading
indicator for future capital expenditure growth, posted double-digit annualized growth in
the second and third quarter of 2014. And the Federal Reserves manufacturing output
index has expanded at a 3.9 percent average annual pace during first 9 months of 2014,
up from a 2.9 percent average rate in 2013. IHS Economics expects factory production to
accelerate through the remainder of the year and into 2015. Overall, manufacturing
output is expected rise 3.3 percent in 2014, before growing 2.7 percent in 2015 and 3.9
percent in 2016.
Non-Defense Capital Goods Orders Excluding Aircraft
75
70
65
60
55
50
45
40
1995
Billions of Dollars, Seasonally Adjusted
1997
1999
2001
2003
2005
2007
2009
2011
2013
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
Manufacturers new orders for core capital goods (nondefense capital goods excluding
aircraft), a leading indicator for future capital expenditure growth, posted double-digit
annualized growth in the second and third quarter of 2014.
Housing and Construction. The nations housing recovery has remained persistently
weak over the past year. Severe winter weather took a toll on housing markets at the start
of 2014, and recent data show the pace of household formation has surprisingly slowed,
despite an improving labor market. Household formation is a key driver of demand for
housing. According to the latest data from the Census Bureau, the number of households
in the U.S. rose by just 493,000 in the year ending in March 2014, far below the 1.2
million averaged in the three years before and the long-term trend of 1.1 million
households.
18
November 2014
IHS believes less household formation is related to the population aging into more stable
and less mobile conditions, slower immigration, poor wage growth, and onerous student
loan debts. In the November baseline, IHS expects annual household formation to rise to
696,000 in the first quarter of 2015 and to 1.09 million in the first quarter of 2016.
Housing starts are estimated to increase by just 7.5 percent in 2014 (to 999,000), then by
19.8 percent in 2015 (to 1.20 million), and by 12.9 percent in 2016 (to 1.35 million).
With the slowdown in housing starts this year, IHS estimates that real investment in
residential construction will rise only 1.4 percent in 2014, down from 11.9 percent in
2013, before picking up speed, increasing 10.3 percent in 2015 and 2016. Growth in real
spending on business structures, which contracted 0.5 percent in 2013, is expected to
rebound by 7.7 percent in 2014, before rising 0.7 percent in 2015 and a modest 3.1
percent in 2016.
U.S. Sales of Existing Homes
U.S. Single-Family Housing Starts

Millions of Units, Annual Rate
2
1.6
1.2
0.8
0.4
3
'98
'00
'02
'04
'06
'08
'10
'12
Millions of Units, Annual Rate
'98
'14
'00
'02
'04
'06
'08
'10
'12
'14
Source: National Association of Realtors
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
A recent slowdown in home sales and single-family housing starts is a direct reflection of
surprisingly slow, recession-like household formation over the past year. Causes of the
unexpected downshift include slower immigration, weak income growth, onerous student
loan burdens, and an older and less mobile population.
Fiscal Policy. Fiscal policy headwinds that have been holding back economic growth for
much of the recovery are beginning to subside. Late last year, federal policymakers
approved the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, a deal that established discretionary funding
levels for two years, provided some temporary relief from the sequester, and avoided
further cuts to defense spending. This agreement has helped stabilize the economic
impact of tax and spending policy in 2014, as fading fiscal austerity from recent years is
starting to support growth. Nevertheless, lawmakers again face a wide range of near-term
fiscal deadlines and have yet to reach agreement on a sustainable and comprehensive
solution to the nations long-term debt challenges. Thus short and long-term fiscal risk
factors remain.
State, local, and federal fiscal policy has been a net drag on economic growth since the
beginning of the recovery, through the withdrawal of massive amounts of fiscal stimulus,
recent tax increases, and government spending reductions, including across-the-board
19
November 2014
spending cuts from budget sequestration. Moodys Analytics estimates government

spending cuts have shaved a full percentage point from annual economic growth since the
end of 2010. In other words, if not for fiscal tightening, real GDP would have grown
closer to 3 percent over the past three years, instead of averaging just over 2 percent
annual growth. Nonetheless, the federal governments fiscal situation is improving, and
austerity has been winding down in 2014. This should provide an additional boost to
economic growth in 2015 and 2016.
Composition of U.S. Real GDP
4%
2%
0%
-2%
-4%
-6%
Total
Private Sector
Government
-8%
1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
State, local, and federal fiscal policy has been a net drag on economic growth since the
beginning of the recovery. However, the federal governments fiscal situation is
improving, and austerity has been winding down in 2014. This should provide an
additional boost to economic growth in 2015 and 2016.
The short term fiscal risk factors are familiar. With the mid-term elections over,
Washington lawmakers face a host of fiscal issues that need to be addressed in coming
months. First, as of the time of this writing, the federal government is operating under a
short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) that expires on December 11. The lame-duck
Congress will need to pass another CR before that time or again risk shutting down the
government. Second, in addition to passing a funding bill, time is running out for
Congress to retroactively extend a bundle of tax credits and deductions that expired at the
end of December 2013, including popular business tax breaks like accelerated
depreciation, small business expensing, and the research and development tax credit.
Third, sometime next spring the new Republican-controlled Congress will likely need to
raise the statutory borrowing limit. While extension of the debt ceiling seems assured,
failure to do so would lead to a massive fiscal contraction since the federal government
could only spend as much as it collects in tax revenues. Fourth, the federal government
injected $11 billion into the nearly empty Highway Trust Fund last August to keep road
and mass transit spending going until May 2015. The Fund will need to be reauthorized
before that time to prevent state and local governments from cutting back. Finally,
lawmakers will soon need to decide whether to keep in place congressionally mandated
spending caps, known as sequestration, which are set to return next October. Automatic
20
November 2014
cuts to defense and domestic discretionary spending will take effect if appropriators
allocate more money than allowed for by the caps.
Washington lawmakers also still face serious long-term fiscal challenges. The federal
governments near-term fiscal outlook has improved, largely due to an improving
economy and a mix of fiscal tightening. The U.S. Treasury Department concludes that the
federal government deficit shrank to $483 billion in fiscal year 2014, nearly $200 billion
less than the shortfall from 2013, and now just 2.8 percent of nominal GDP. Last years
deficit represents a meaningful improvement from recent years, which reached almost 10
percent of GDP in 2009. But the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that the
budget gap between spending and revenues will begin to steadily widen again after 2015,
as rising healthcare costs, an aging population, an expansion of federal subsidies for
health insurance, and growing interest payments increase budgetary pressures in coming
decades. Without broad-based structural changes to the tax code and entitlement
programs, CBO projects higher annual deficits will lead to large and growing federal debt
relative to the size of the economy. CBO warns that such high and rising debt could have
serious negative economic consequences, eventually increasing the risk of a fiscal crisis.
Federal Debt Held by the Public
Percentage of Gross Domestic Product
120%
100%
Actual
Projected
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
Source: Congressional Budget Office (CBO)
CBO projects that the federal deficit will stabilize over the next few years. But rising
healthcare costs, an aging population, an expansion of federal subsidies for health
insurance, and growing interest payments are expected to increase budgetary pressures
in coming decades.
IHS Economics has incorporated the discretionary spending levels from the Bipartisan
Budget Act and assumes that no future government shutdowns will occur as a result of
either budget or debt ceiling stalemates. The biggest cuts in federal government have
passed, but the legacy of sequestration and budget caps persist. Partly as a result,
government spending contributions to real GDP growth are slightly negative in 2014,
though much smaller than in 2013. Going forward, IHS views federal fiscal policy as
neutral, with nominal spending increases that are less than the general inflation rate
through at least the end of 2016. There are no major changes expected to the Affordable
Care Act. IHS continues to assume a grand bargain on tax and entitlement reform to
21
November 2014
occur in 2017, after the 2016 presidential election. With federal government spending
largely under control and tax revenues rising along with economic growth, IHS expects
the federal deficit to hold steady at about $490 billion in fiscal year 2015 (2.7 percent of
GDP) and fall to $428 billion in fiscal year 2016 (2.3 percent of GDP). Government
spending is expected to start contributing to annual real GDP growth in 2015 for the time
since 2010, as small negative contributions from federal government spending are offset
by modest increases in state and local spending.
Monetary Policy. Speaking at a news conference following a two-day Federal Open
Market Committee (FOMC) meeting in mid-September, Federal Reserve Board
Chairwoman Janet Yellen stated that the economy continues to make progress toward the
Feds goal of maximum employment and price stability. The economy has generated 10
million jobs since early 2010 and employment now exceeds its pre-recession peak by
over 1.3 million. The unemployment rate has fallen nearly 1- percentage points over the
past year and dipped below 6 percent in September for the first time since mid-2008,
shortly before the 2008 financial crisis.
U.S. Non-Farm Payroll Employment
400
Seasonally Adjusted Monthly Change, Thousands

3-Month Average
200
0
Jan'11
July'11
Jan'12
July'12
Jan'13
July'13
Jan'14
July'14
The economy continues to make progress toward the Feds goal of maximum employment
and price stability. Job gains have averaged a solid 229,000 per month so far this year,
up from the 185,000 per month pace the preceding two years.
These developments are encouraging, but Chairwoman Yellen has argued consistently
throughout the summer that the sharp drop in the unemployment rate over the past year is
only masking deeper problems in the labor market. Falling labor force participation,
historically high levels of long-term unemployment, and elevated measures of
underemployment, including those in part-time jobs who want full-time work, show there
remains considerable slack in the labor market. That underutilization of labor is thought
to be putting downward pressure on wages and prices. Total private average hourly
earnings has risen only about 2 percent a year since the recession ended five years ago,
while inflation-adjusted wages have been flat since early 2009. The Feds preferred
measure of inflation, the price index for core personal consumption expenditures, or PCE,
rose just 1.5 percent over the last 12 months, and has been below the Feds long-term
objective of 2 percent inflation for more than two years.
22
November 2014
U.S. Long-Term Unemployment Rate*

5%
= U.S. Recession
4%
3%
2%
1%
0%
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
* Percent of the labor force that has been unemployed for 27 weeks or more.
Falling labor force participation, historically high levels of long-term unemployment,

and elevated measures of underemployment, including those in part-time jobs who want
full-time work, show there remains considerable slack in the labor market.
The combination of low inflationary pressures and weak labor market conditions has
allowed the Fed to maintain highly accommodative monetary policies. Since late 2008,
the FOMC has kept its benchmark interest rate close to zero and has sought to put
downward pressure on long-term interest rates by purchasing and holding long-term
securities, known as quantitative easing (QE), until there was substantial
improvement in the job market. But in December 2013, FOMC policymakers judged
that ongoing improvement in labor market conditions had warranted a modest reduction
in the pace of its latest bond-buying program, also known as QE3. The Fed subsequently
reduced its monthly assets purchases during each of the next seven consecutive meetings,
before completely ending QE3 in October.
In exchange for less bond buying, the Fed has strengthened its forward guidance on
interest rates. At its meeting last March, the FOMC dropped the 6.5 percent
unemployment rate threshold for raising interest rates, removing reliance on any one or
two indicators in favor of a more comprehensive range of information, including
measures of labor market conditions, indicators of inflation pressures and inflation
expectations, and readings on financial developments. The new forward rate guidance
pledges to keep interest rates low for a considerable time after the bond-buying
program ends. In July, the FOMC changed its policy statement to note that a range of
labor market indicators suggests there remains a significant underutilization of labor
resources. And, in October, the Fed offered a more upbeat assessment of the labor
market, striking its characterization of labor underutilization as significant and
replacing it with gradually diminishing.
IHS Economics believes the Fed is likely to keep its forward guidance vague so long as
market and committee expectations remain in line. In the November baseline, the Federal
Reserve begins to raise the federal funds rate in June 2015, consistent with FOMC
23
November 2014
members assessment of the appropriate timing of policy firming. IHS believes that the
tone of the Feds latest policy statements has been decidedly dovish, and that the pace of
interest rate hikes will be slow in 2015 and 2016.
Global Economy. Global economic activity is slowly strengthening, but the outlook is
diverging between major economies. Among advanced economies, the U.S., the United
Kingdom, and Canada continue to improve at a healthy pace. But growth in Japan and the
Eurozone this year has been weak. In emerging market economies, slower growth is the
dominating factor. The Chinese economy is undergoing a structural adjustment that is
expected to result in slower economic growth rates in the medium term. In other
emerging market economies, like Brazil and Russia, weaker investment and currency
values are weighing on growth.
In Europe, the economic recovery remains disappointing. Growth has weakened, most
notably among the largest countries: Germany, France, and Italy. Unemployment across
the Eurozone is still stubbornly high, with the jobless rate among youth near 25 percent
on average. The region is also experiencing a sustained period of excessively low
inflation. The CPI inflation in the euro zone increased a mere 0.3 percent in the 12
months ending in September, the lowest since 2009 and well below the European Central
Banks (ECB) target of just below 2 percent. Excessively low inflation makes it more
difficult for troubled nations on the Eurozone's periphery, such as Greece and Portugal, to
achieve the relative price adjustments needed to regain competitiveness without having to
withstand a protracted period of weak growth and high unemployment. Inflation near
zero also raises the risk of slipping into outright deflation, which could cause consumers
and businesses to delay purchases, destabilize already high debt burdens, and prolong
economic stagnation.
Eurozone Consumer Price Index (CPI)
Year-over-Year Percent Change, Harmonized Indices (HICPs)
5%
4%
3%
2%
1%
0%
-1%
'05
'06
'07
'08
Source: Eurostat, European Commision
'09
'10
'11
'12
'13
'14
The Eurozone is experiencing a sustained period of excessively low inflation. The CPI
inflation in the euro zone increased a mere 0.3 percent in the 12 months ending in
September, the lowest since 2009.
With the Eurozone economy on the cusp of a third recession in six years, tensions
between European leaders appear to be only deepening. Europe's strongest economy,
Germany, continues to insist that austerity policies are a pre-condition to financial
stability. But critics of austerity, including France and Italy, contend that the fiscal
24
November 2014
discipline meant to curb deficits and restore growth is instead suppressing demand and
stifling the recovery. Thus, progress toward dealing with the financial and structural
challenges that face the Eurozone has remained limited, placing added pressure on the
ECB to act more aggressively. In September, the ECB cut its key interest rates to new alltime lows and introduced new stimulus plans to keep low inflation from derailing the
Eurozones weak economy. In November, ECB President Mario Draghi said the central
bank would be open to more drastic measures to prevent the Eurozone from sliding into
deflation, including large-scale purchases of sovereign bonds. IHS expects Europes
recovery to be slow and bumpy. In the November baseline, real GDP growth in the
Eurozone is projected to rise just 0.8 percent in 2014 and 1.4 percent in 2015.
In Japan, a nationwide sales tax increase that took effect in April has tripped the country
back into recession, the countrys fourth since 2008. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's new
economic strategy, known as Abenomics, promises to embrace a bold policy mix of
aggressive monetary easing, massive fiscal stimulus, and growth-oriented structural
reforms in an attempt to reverse more than a decade of economic stagnation and chronic
deflation. The Bank of Japans (BOJ) highly simulative policies since early 2013
temporarily helped weaken the Japanese yen, strengthen exports, revive business
sentiment, and boost demand and prices. Inflation rose in 2013 for the first time since
2008, the unemployment rate hit a 16-year low earlier this year, and Japans real GDP
grew 1.5 percent in 2013, up slightly from 1.4 percent in 2012. However, the adverse
impacts of a consumption tax hike earlier this year meant to rein in public debt were more
severe than expected. Japans real gross domestic product fell at an annual rate of 7.3
percent in the second quarter of 2014 following, followed by 1.6 percent contraction in
the next quarter. Price weakness this year is also causing problems for the BOJ, which
unexpectedly announced that it would buy larger quantities of government debt in late
October.
Japan Real Gross Domestic Product
Annualized Q/Q Percent Change
15%
10%
5%
0%
-5%
-10%
-15%
-20%
1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Source: Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office, Government of Japan
A nationwide sales tax increase that took effect in April has tripped Japan back into
recession, the countrys fourth since 2008.
25
November 2014
The Abe government has postponed a second and final phase of the sales tax hike that
was set for the fall of 2015 by 18 months, until April 2017, and called a snap election for
December. In the November baseline, IHS Economics expects real GDP in Japan to rise
1.0 percent in 2014 and 1.1 percent in 2015. The longer-term outlook will depend on
progress with the governments growth-oriented structural reforms, mainly deregulation
of the labor market. The initiative is intended to stoke inflation and keep borrowing costs
low and encourage spending.
In China and other major emerging market economies, the pace of economic growth has
cooled. Chinas real GDP rose 7.7 percent in 2013, much faster than any advanced
economy, but the weakest performance for the world's second largest economy in 14
years. In 2014, the Chinese government has set an official economic growth target of 7.5
percent. Chinese policymakers are attempting to reduce the risk of a sharp and prolonged
slowdown, or hard landing, by deliberately steering the economy away from its heavy
reliance on exports and credit-fueled investment toward more balanced and sustainable
consumer-led growth. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) believes this shift will
continue to require structural reforms to the financial sector, state-owned enterprise, and
local government, as well as a more market-based exchange rate system. This tradeoff is
likely to result in slower economic growth rates in the medium term. IHS Economics
expects real GDP growth in China to moderate to a more sustainable pace of 7.0 percent
in 2015.
China Real Gross Domestic Product
16%
14%
12%
10%
8%
6%
4%
2%
0%
'92
'94
'96
'98
'00
'02
'04
'06
'08
'10
'12
'14*
* Chinese Government 's official growth target: 7.5%

Source: The World Bank; International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Chinese policymakers are attempting to reduce the risk of a sharp and prolonged
slowdown, or hard landing, by deliberately steering the economy away from its heavy
reliance on exports and credit-fueled investment toward more balanced and sustainable
consumer-led growth.
Meanwhile, other major emerging market economies, such as India and Mexico, are
experiencing a slight improvement in 2014, as optimism about economic reforms and
progress to control inflation are contributing to better growth. In Russia and Brazil,
however, a major slowdown is reflected by weak investment, high inflation, and currency
devaluation. Russias economy is balancing on the edge of a fresh recession, further
affected by tighter Western sanctions due to the political situation in Ukraine and sagging
26
November 2014
oil prices. And Brazil fell into recession in the first half 2014, as weak competitiveness,
low confidence, and uncertainty about this years presidential elections have also
constrained growth.
IHS Economics expects economic growth of the United States major-currency trading
partners to pick up slightly in 2015 and 2016, with stronger growth in the Canada and
Europe. The economies of other important trading partners, such as Mexico, Brazil and
India, are also expected to grow faster over the next two years. IHS assumes world real
GDP will increase 2.7 percent in 2014, before accelerating to 3.1 percent growth in 2015
and 3.6 percent growth in 2016. Likewise, U.S. export growth is expected to rise 3.3
percent in 2014, 2.9 percent in 2015 and 4.3 percent in 2016. Net trade, however, will
remain a drag on growth as imports pickup from an improving U.S. economy.
Inflation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports its headline inflation measure,
the Consumer Price Index (CPI), has risen 1.8 percent thus far in 2014 (measured thirdquarter to third quarter), up from just 1.5 percent during the same period in 2013. Weaker
prices for energy commodities, such as gasoline, have helped offset rising prices for rent
and food. Sluggish global demand and increasing supplies in the U.S. have put downward
pressure on crude oil prices, as retail gasoline prices in particular are about $0.32/gallon
lower than last year and $0.52/gallon below two years ago.
Food prices are on the rise, as disease and ongoing drought conditions are driving up
prices for many agricultural goods. Pork prices have jumped sharply this year, hurt by a
viral epidemic that has been killing off piglets. And, according to the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA), the ongoing drought in states such as Texas, Oklahoma, and
California has helped reduce the overall U.S. cattle herd to its smallest size in over 60
years. As a result, the USDA estimates that the CPI for meat prices will rise as much as 7
percent in 2014, with higher increases projected for beef and pork. Overall grocery prices
are estimated to rise up to 3.5 percent this year. Over the past 10 years, food prices have
risen by an average of 2.7 percent, compared to 2.2 percent for all goods and services.
Retail Gasoline Prices
4.50
All Grades, All Formulations, Dollars per Gallon
4.00
3.50
3.00
2.50
2.00
July-09 Jan-10 July-10 Jan-11 July-11 Jan-12 Jul-12 Jan-13 Jul-13 Jan-14 Jul-14
Source: U.S. Department of Energy
Sluggish global demand and increasing supplies in the U.S. have put downward pressure
on crude oil prices, as retail gasoline prices in particular are about $0.32/gallon lower
than last year and $0.52/gallon below two years ago.
27
November 2014
Underlying inflation pressures remain cool. Excluding more volatile prices of food and
energy, the core CPI is up 1.8 percent in 2014 (third-quarter to third quarter), a slight
increase from 1.7 percent the year before. Rents have continued to climb at a strong pace.
The cost of shelter, which includes rents, has extended its steady ascent, rising 2.9 in
2014, compared to 2.4 percent in 2013. But an easing of other services, such as medical
care, and goods prices have helped more than offset the acceleration in rents. The CPI for
medical care services has eased to 2.1 percent in 2014, after increasing 2.9 percent in
2013. The CPI for apparel is up 0.3 percent in 2014, compared to 1.4 percent in 2013.
And finally, the BLS index for new and used vehicles has been virtually flat for the last
three years.
Overall, the near-term outlook for consumer prices remains quiet. IHS Economics
believes the prospects for stabilizing meat prices are good, but it will take time to rebuild
herds. In the meantime, their forecast of headline prices is little different from the
experience of the last two years, other than that going to the meat department has
become as traumatic as going to the gas station used to be. In the November baseline,
IHS expects the headline CPI to increase 1.4 percent (measured fourth-quarter to fourthquarter) in 2014, 1.3 percent in 2015, and 1.7 percent in 2016. IHS expects Core CPI
inflation to accelerate slightly from 1.8 percent in 2014, to 1.9 percent in 2015 and 2016,
or nearer the Federal Reserves 2 percent longer run objective.
Consumer Price Inflation Indexes
6%
Actual
4%
Projected
2%
0%
-2%
CPI
-4%
'05
'06
'07
Core CPI (excludes food & energy)
'08
'09
'10
'11
'12
'13
'14
'15
'16
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), IHS Economics (IHS)
Weaker prices for energy commodities, such as gasoline, have helped offset rising prices
for rent and food. The near-term outlook for consumer prices remains quiet.
28
November 2014
Minnesota Economic Outlook

Minnesotas expansion continues to make steady progress. The Bureau of Economic
Analysis (BEA) reports the states real GDP rose 2.8 percent in 2013, a full percentage
point faster than the nation, and most indicators suggest the labor market has tightened up
considerably in 2014. Minnesotas jobless rate dropped to 3.9 percent in October, the
fifth lowest among states and matching the low point of the previous 2002-2007
economic expansion. Unemployment has fallen across age, gender, and racial cohorts.
The number of long-term unemployed and the rate of involuntary part-time employment
have fallen sharply as well. However, Minnesotas labor force growth remains very weak
and wage pressures have yet to emerge. Moreover, the states housing recovery has
stalled in part due to unexpectedly slow household formation. As a result, MMBs
Minnesota economic outlook has weakened since it was last prepared in February.
Forecasts for state employment and wages have been revised based on recent Minnesota
specific information and IHS Economics November 2014 baseline. The November
baseline informed a newly re-estimated Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB)
model of the Minnesota economy. That model has incorporated preliminary information
on revisions to Minnesotas non-farm payroll employment and income tax withholding
collections.
MMBs November 2014 economic forecast calls for Minnesotas expansion to continue
to accelerate over the next several years, but at a slower pace than the national average.
Employment growth is expected to remain modest in 2015 and 2016, and the pace of
wage growth is projected to steadily pick up steam. This reflects improvements in
household formation and labor force growth, a rebound in labor productivity, and
stronger consumer and business fundamentals in the broader U.S. economy.
Minnesota Labor Force Growth
4%
Annual, Percent Change
Minnesota Labor Force Participation Rate

78%
76%
3%
74%
2%
72%
1%
70%
0%
68%
-1%
66%
'78 '82 '86 '90 '94 '98 '02 '06 '10 '14
'78 '82 '86 '90 '94 '98 '02 '06 '10 '14
Minnesotas labor force growth remains very weak and the labor force participation rate
continues to wane. As a result, MMBs Minnesota economic outlook has weakened since
it was last prepared in February.
29
November 2014
Minnesota total non-farm employment rose a more modest 1.4 percent in 2014, following
a 1.7 percent increase in 2013. In MMBs November 2014 economic forecast, Minnesota
employment growth is forecast to maintain a similar pace of 1.7 percent in 2015 and 1.5
percent growth in 2016. In February 2014, MMBs forecast called for similar job growth
of 1.6 percent in 2014, followed up by stronger gains of 2.2 percent in 2015 and 2.1
percent in 2016. MMBs employment forecast for 2015 and 2016 is similar to IHS
Economics November 2014 baseline forecast for U.S. job growth, which calls for 1.4
percent growth in 2014, followed by 1.9 percent growth in 2015 and 1.5 percent growth
in 2016.
Nominal wage income grew 3.1 percent in 2013, dampened by what appears to be an
accelerated payout of bonuses and exercising of options in late 2012 ahead of anticipated
federal tax increases. Information from the BEA, Quarterly Census of Employment and
Wages (QCEW) and income tax withholding collections suggests wage growth
rebounded to 3.9 percent in 2014, weaker than the 5.0 percent growth expected in
February. Wage income is now expected to accelerate to 4.4 percent growth in 2015 and
4.6 percent growth in 2016. In February, MMBs forecast called for stronger growth of
5.3 percent in 2015 and 5.2 percent in 2016. IHS Economics November 2014 baseline
forecast for U.S. wage income calls for growth of 4.9 percent in 2014, followed by 4.8
percent growth in 2015 and 2016.
MMBs Minnesota economic forecast assumes that IHS Economics November 2014
baseline forecast of the U.S. economy materializes. Any unanticipated adverse
developments in the U.S. economy, such as a longer than expected downshift in U.S.
productivity, labor force growth, or household formation, will have unfavorable effects
on the Minnesota economy.
Minnesota Average Nominal Wage and Salary Disbursement
Annual Percent Change, Ratio of Total Wage and Salaries to Total Employment
MMB Nov'14 Forecast
6%
Inflation (CPI)
4%
2%
0%
-2%
'96
'98
'00
'02
'04
'06
'08
'10
'12
'14
'16
'18
Source: Buearu of Economic Analysis (BEA); Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
(DEED); Minnesota Management & Budget (MMB)
Minnesotas jobless rate dropped to 3.9 percent in October, matching the low point of the
previous 2002-2007 economic expansion. However, Minnesotas labor force growth
remains very weak and wage pressures have yet to emerge.
30
November 2014
Forecast Comparison: Minnesota & U.S.
Forecast 2014 to 2019, Calendar Years
Blank
Minnesota
November 2014
%Chg
February 2014
%Chg
U.S.
November 2014
%Chg
February 2014
%Chg
Minnesota
November 2014
%Chg
February 2014
%Chg
U.S.
November 2014
%Chg
February 2014
%Chg
Minnesota
November 2014
%Chg
February 2014
%Chg
U.S.
November 2014
%Chg
February 2014
%Chg
Minnesota
November 2014
%Chg
February 2014
%Chg
U.S.
November 2014
%Chg
February 2014
%Chg
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Total Non-Farm Payroll Employment (Thousands)
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
2,731
2,778
2,818
2,864
2,908
2,941
2,967
2,989
1.6
1.7
1.4
1.7
1.5
1.2
0.9
0.7
2,730.9 2,776.6 2,820.0 2,881.3 2,942.0 2,991.2 3,025.1 3,047.7
1.6
1.7
1.6
2.2
2.1
1.7
1.1
0.7
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
134,098 136,363 138,838 141,411 143,464 145,299 146,562 147,651
1.7
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.5
1.3
0.9
0.7
133,737 135,927 138,169 141,210 144,194 146,679 148,350 149,458
1.7
1.6
1.6
2.2
2.1
1.7
1.1
0.7
Wage and Salary Disbursements (Billions of Current Dollars)
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
135.6
139.7
145.1
151.6
158.5
165.9
173.4
181.2
5.0
3.1
3.9
4.4
4.6
4.7
4.5
4.5
135.4
140.1
147.1
154.9
162.9
170.7
178.0
185.1
4.8
3.5
5.0
5.3
5.2
4.7
4.3
4.0
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
6,932
7,125
7,476
7,831
8,210
8,631
9,058
9,504
4.5
2.8
4.9
4.8
4.8
5.1
5.0
4.9
6,927
7,138
7,435
7,837
8,254
8,666
9,060
9,449
4.3
3.0
4.2
5.4
5.3
5.0
4.5
4.3
Non-Wage Personal Income (Billions of Current Dollars)
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
119.3
117.7
120.9
126.6
133.4
141.6
149.0
155.7
5.9
-1.3
2.7
4.7
5.4
6.2
5.2
4.5
117.0
118.4
121.8
127.1
133.7
141.1
148.7
155.8
4.3
1.2
2.9
4.4
5.2
5.5
5.4
4.8
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
6,956
7,042
7,290
7,573
7,960
8,448
8,884
9,323
5.9
1.2
3.5
3.9
5.1
6.1
5.2
4.9
6,817
6,996
7,261
7,609
8,025
8,507
8,979
9,441
4.0
2.6
3.8
4.8
5.5
6.0
5.6
5.1
Total Personal Income (Billions of Current Dollars)
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
254.9
257.5
266.1
278.1
291.9
307.5
322.4
336.9
5.4
1.0
3.3
4.5
5.0
5.3
4.8
4.5
252.4
258.5
268.9
282.1
296.6
311.7
326.6
340.8
4.6
2.4
4.0
4.9
5.2
5.1
4.8
4.3
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
13,888
14,167
14,766
15,404
16,170
17,079
17,943
18,827
5.2
2.0
4.2
4.3
5.0
5.6
5.1
4.9
13,744
14,133
14,696
15,446
16,278
17,173
18,039
18,889
4.2
2.8
4.0
5.1
5.4
5.5
5.0
4.7
Source: IHS Economics and Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB)
31
November 2014
Employment. The latest employment news remains positive. According to Octobers

employer survey released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic
Development (DEED), the state added almost 50,000 net new jobs, or 1.8 percent, in the
past year, slightly less than the national rate of 2.0 percent. The private sector has added
46,000 jobs, or 1.9 percent, short of the national rate of 2.3 percent. Those employment
gains continue to be broad based, particularly in the goods-producing sector. Minnesota
has benefitted from the oil and gas boom in neighboring North Dakota, which has helped
boost parts of construction, mining, and manufacturing activity. Strength in Minnesota
factories has been led by fabricated metal products and transportation equipment. The
states overall improved performance, however, is largely a reflection of its welleducated workforce, a diverse economic base, and the presence of several large corporate
headquarters.
Minnesota Employment Change by Industry
+3.3%
10,000
5,000
October 2013 to October 2014
+3.4%
+1.9%
+6.0%
+2.0%
+0.9%
+1.1% +1.3% +0.3% +1.7%
+8.6% +0.5%
0.0%
-1.7%
-5,000
Minnesotas employment gains continue to be broad based, particularly in the goodproducing sector. Minnesota has benefitted from the oil and gas boom in neighboring
North Dakota, which has helped boost parts of construction, mining, and manufacturing.
Each year DEED realigns Minnesotas monthly, sample-based employment estimates

with state unemployment insurance (UI) tax records filed by nearly all employers, a
process referred to as benchmarking. Based on UI records for the first quarter of 2014,
MMB estimates that currently published total nonfarm employment through March 2014
will be revised downward by about by 0.3 percent, or about 7,000 jobs, when annual
benchmark revisions are released in the spring. For comparison, the Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS) preliminary estimate of the upcoming annual benchmark revision
indicates an upward adjustment to March 2014 total nonfarm employment of less than
0.05 percent. Once incorporated, these benchmark revisions are likely to demonstrate that
Minnesota employment will to have grown at about the same pace as the U.S. on an
annual basis in 2013 and about 0.4 percent slower than the national average in 2014.
32
November 2014
Economists at MMB believe this relative underperformance to be consistent with the

state returning to full employment before the U.S.
Minnesota Management and Budgets November 2014 economic forecast calls for
revised employment growth of 40,900 in 2014 (measured fourth quarter to fourth
quarter), down from 45,600 in 2013 and 44,200 in 2012. The prospects for 2015 are
somewhat stronger, with job gains rising to 47,200, led by construction, healthcare, and
professional and business services. Employment growth slows again in 2016 and 2017
due to accelerating labor productivity gains, which hold down job growth.
Labor Market Slack. Minnesotas labor market has tightened up considerably in 2014.
Steady job growth has helped push Minnesotas unemployment rate down almost a full
percentage point in the past year, to 3.9 percent in October. This matches the low point of
the previous 2002-2007 economic expansion and resembles what MMB economists
consider healthy. DEED reports unemployment has fallen across age, gender, and racial
cohorts. The number of officially long-term unemployed (6 months or longer) is less than
half what it was in mid-2010, and the rate of involuntary part-time employment has fallen
sharply as well.
Fewer people being laid off also suggest that labor market conditions are tightening.
According to DEED, the number of Minnesotans filing new claims for unemployment
benefits, generally barometer of short-term labor market trends, has averaged about
18,000 (seasonally adjusted) per month since May, down from a recessionary peak of
nearly 44,000 during the summer of 2009 and back to levels not seen since the late 1990s,
after adjusting for population growth.
Minnesota Initial Claims for Unemployment Insurance
Thousands, Seasonally Adjusted
50
40
30
20
10
'95
'97
'99
'01
'03
'05
'07
'09
'11
'13
Fewer people being laid off also suggest that labor market conditions are tightening. The
number of Minnesotans filing new claims for unemployment benefits has dropped to
levels not seen since the late 1990s, after adjusting for population growth.
33
November 2014
Other leading indicators, such average hours worked, temporary help employment, and
job vacancies are also at levels consistent with a firming labor market. The average
workweek in the private sector, for instance, has risen to all-time highs (dating back to
2008) in 2014. Temporary help jobs, often a bellwether of employment growth, have
settled in to healthy growth path. Finally, in early October, DEED reported that the
number of job vacancies in Minnesota reached a 13-year high during the second quarter
of 2014. Employers registered about 85,000 openings, up almost 17 percent from a year
earlier. That worked out to about 1.6 unemployed people for each vacancy last spring,
down from 2.1 a year earlier and the lowest ratio observed since late 2001.
Minnesota Leading Indicators
Private Workweek
Temporary Help Employment

40%
20%
0%
-20%
-40%
Jan-08
Jan-10
Jan-12
Jan-14
Average Hours Worked
35.0
34.5
34.0
33.5
33.0
32.5
32.0
Jan-08
Job Vacancies
Jan-10
Jan-12
Jan-14
Unemployment
Thousands
Thousands
250
100
80
200
60
150
40
20
'05 '06 '07 '08 '09 '10 '11 '12 '13 '14
100
Jan-07
Jan-09
Jan-11
Jan-13
Minnesotas leading employment indicators, such average hours worked, temporary help
employment, and job vacancies are at levels consistent with a firming labor market.
Despite recent momentum, wage growth remains modest. The average hourly wage rate
for all private sector employees in Minnesota has averaged only about 2 percent annual
growth since the recession ended more than five years ago, while real hourly
compensation growth has been flat. The states labor force participation rate also remains
very weak. The portion of working-age Minnesotans who have or are looking for a job
has dropped from about 72 percent near the start of the recession in December 2007, to
just below 70 percent this past October, a 34-year low. People generally leave the labor
force for two reasons: because they have retired or grown increasingly discouraged with
employment prospects and stopped looking for work. DEED figures show that the
number of discouraged workers in Minnesota has fallen close to normal, pre-recession
34
November 2014
levels this year, and remains below 10,000, suggesting much of the drop in labor force
participation is more likely a result of demographic forces related to Minnesotas aging
population. Indeed, between 2007 and 2013, the number of retired Minnesotans age 65
and older drawing social security benefits rose by about 114,000, a labor force exodus
that could account for about a 1.5 percentage point drop in the states labor force
participation rate compared to previous trends. In addition, it appears teens and young
adults have increasingly chosen to stay in or return to school rather than face the difficult
job market, a trend that predates the Great Recession.
In the November 2014 economic forecast, Minnesotas labor market inches closer to its
full potential over the next few years. The states unemployment rate is likely to decline
further in coming months as more slack in the job market is taken up by an improving
economy. Better economic fundamentals nationally and in Minnesota also support an
upturn in productivity, and thereby an acceleration in wage growth. Improved job
prospects and faster wage growth encourage some people to reenter the labor force, thus
slowing the decline in Minnesotas labor force participation rate throughout much of the
forecast horizon. As a result, annual labor force growth is assumed to pick up steadily,
from an average of just 0.2 percent between 2010 and 2013, to 0.5 percent in 2014, to an
average of about 0.8 percent between 2015 and 2017. Beyond that, Minnesotas labor
market settles into full employment, and job growth becomes increasingly constrained to
the market supply of labor. Thus, barring sizeable increases in domestic and international
migration or an unexpected pick up in labor force participation, MMB economists believe
annual job growth in the medium-term may be constrained to increases of only 10,000 to
25,000 jobs. By comparison, actual employment has increased an average of about
45,000 in the past three years.
Economists at MMB believe that without sustainable, short-term improvements in supply
of labor, such as notable deceleration in falling participation rates, Minnesotas economy
is unlikely to perform as forecast.
Minnesota Total Non-Farm Employment
Seasonally Adjusted
Thousands of Jobs
3,000
Feb'14 MMB Forecast
2,900
Nov'14 MMB Forecast
2,800
2,700
2,600
2,500
98
00
02
04
06
08
10
12
14F
16F
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED),

Minnesota Management & Budget (MMB)
MMBs Minnesota economic outlook has weakened since it was last prepared in
February, reflecting weaker than expected labor force growth and household formation.
35
November 2014
Housing. Minnesotas housing recovery appears to have stalled. Housing activity lost
some momentum at the start of the year, in part due to severe winter weather and waning
investor demand. But MMB economists believe persistently weak home sales and singlefamily permits in Minnesota over the past 18-months may be a direct reflection of
surprisingly low household formation.
Last September, the U.S. Census Bureau released the American Community Surveys
(ACS) 2013 estimate of the number of households in Minnesota. Measuring the number
of households is difficult and full of uncertainties, especially at the state-level, but the 1year ACS estimate found only 8,000 net new households were added in the 12-months
ending on July 1, 2013, far fewer than the 15,000 the year before and the long-term
annual trend of 24,000 households. The causes appear to be attributable to a less mobile
and more stable aging population, slower immigration, and more young adults sharing
homes due to a sluggish job market and heavy student loan debts.
Household formation is a key driver of demand for housing. Slower formation restrains
housing sales and starts. Thus the sharp slowdown in the past year helps explain why
Minnesotas housing recovery has recently been sluggish, despite an improving labor
market. In the Twin Cities area, for instance, the Minneapolis Area Association of
Realtors (MAAR) reports closed sales have unexpectedly declined 7.1 percent during the
first 10 months of 2014 relative to the same period last year. Likewise, the Census
Bureau reports the total number of authorized residential building permits in Minnesota is
on pace to improve only marginally in 2014, to 17,300, compared to 2013, when housing
permits totaled 16,800 and the long-term annual trend of 30,000 permits. This small
improvement is dominated by the multifamily sector. Single-family permitting is actually
on pace to fall to 10,400 this year, from 10,600 last year.
Twin Cities Closed Sales
Minnesota Single-Family Housing Permits

3
Monthly, Seasonally Adjusted,

Thousands of Permits
12-Month Moving Sum
70,000
60,000
50,000
1
40,000
30,000
Source: Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors (MAAR)
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
MMB economists believe persistently weak home sales and single-family permits in
Minnesota over the past 18-months may be a direct reflection of surprisingly low
household formation.
36
November 2014
In MMBs November 2014 forecast, annual household formation is expected to rise to

16,000 in the third quarter of 2014, to 27,000 in the third quarter of 2015, and to 33,000
in the third quarter of 2016, consistent with improving economic fundamentals nationally
and in Minnesota. In February 2014, household formation was forecast to rise at a much
faster pace, to 32,000 in the third quarter of 2014, to 30,000 in the third quarter of 2015,
and to 28,000 in the third quarter of 2016. With inventories at historic lows and demand
for new home construction steadily improving, permits are similarly expected to continue
strengthening. Total housing permits are estimated to increase by just 3.1 percent in 2014
(to 17,300), then by 17.5 percent in 2015 (to 20,400) and 10.8 percent in 2016 (to
26,400). In February 2014, housing permits were forecast to rise at a faster pace to
23,000 in 2014, followed by 28,000 in 2015 and 30,000 in 2016.
The employment rebound in construction generally lags the recovery in building permits
by between 6 and 9 months, thus a partial catch up period is assumed in the forecast. In
the November 2014 forecast, construction employment growth is forecast add 6,300 jobs
(or 6.3 percent) measured fourth quarter to fourth quarter in 2014, 5,800 jobs (5.3
percent) in 2015, and 3,200 jobs (2.8 percent) in 2016. In February 2014, construction
employment growth was forecast to be slightly stronger, rising 5.9 percent in 2014, 6.4
percent in 2015, and 3.0 percent in 2016.
Economists at MMB believe that if the housing recovery stalls during the first half of
2014 or household formation rates slow during the year as a result of weaker labor
market conditions, Minnesotas economy is unlikely to perform as forecast.
Minnesota Household Formation and Total Housing Permits
History and MMB Forecast, Thousands of Units/Permits
50
MN Total Housing Permits Authorized (Single+Multi)

MN Household Formation
40
30
20
10
0
'92
'94
'96
'98
'00
'02
'04
'06
'08
'10
'12
'14F
'16F
'18F
Source: U.S. Census Bureau; Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB)
The sharp slowdown in household formation in 2013 helps explain why Minnesotas
housing recovery has recently been sluggish. Causes appear to be attributable to a less
mobile and more stable aging population, slower immigration, and more young adults
sharing homes due to a sluggish job market and heavy student loan burdens.
37
November 2014
Council of Economic Advisors Statement

Minnesotas Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) met on November 10, 2014 to review
the IHS Economics (IHS) projections for U.S. economic growth, and thereby underlying
assumptions on which Minnesotas November 2014 Budget and Economic Forecast is
based. They noted that since February, IHS has lowered their growth expectations for
each year from 2014 to 2019. The largest changes occur in the earlier years, with the
forecasts for 2014 to 2016 reduced about half a percentage point per year.
In February, IHS expected real GDP to grow at an annualized rate of 1.9 percent in the
first quarter of 2014, in what they described as a distinct slowdown from growth in the
second half of 2013. In fact, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) now reports that
GDP contracted at a 2.1 percent annual rate at the beginning of 2014. In addition to the
unexpected first quarter contraction, IHS attributes their lower growth expectations in
2014 and 2015 to surprisingly weak household formation that has dampened their
housing market outlook.
IHSs November 2014 baseline is similar to that of other macroeconomic forecasters. The
November Blue Chip Consensus forecast of 2.2 percent growth in 2014 matches IHSs
forecast. For 2015, IHS expects slower growth than the consensus: 2.6 percent compared
to 3.0 percent for Blue Chip. In October Blue Chip reported long-range consensus
forecasts for 2016-2019. For each year in the remainder of the forecast horizon, the IHS
growth forecast is in the middle range of the forecasts making up the consensus.
U.S. Real GDP Forecast Scenarios
3.9
3.7
3.5
3
2.3 2.2
2.1
3.0
2.8
2.6
Optimistic
Baseline
Pessimistic
3.0
2.9
2.6
2.6
2.2
2.0
1.8
1.4
1.1
1
0
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Minnesotas Council of Economic Advisors agreed that IHS Economics baseline

expectations for U.S. economic growth serve as a reasonable starting point for producing
MMBs November 2014 Budget and Economic Forecast.
38
November 2014
Council members agreed that the contraction in the first quarter of 2014 was primarily
due to one-time factors, such as inventory adjustments and bad weather, which have since
resolved. For example, they noted that recent job growth has been solid, with the
economy adding a monthly average of 227,000 jobs since the start of the year, compared
to 194,000 per month over 2013.
Council members acknowledged risks to U.S. growth over the forecast period. A
persistently weak European economy, international political disruptions, and continued
sluggish U.S. wage growth can all lead to lower-than-forecast economic performance. On
the other hand, sustained low energy prices and a stronger housing market could bring
about faster growth than IHS expects. All members agreed that IHSs baseline
expectations for U.S. growth are reasonable. Regarding forecast risks, they believe that
for 2015-2017, the potential for faster growth exceeds the threat of the economy growing
more slowly than IHS predicts. They also think that the difficulty of projecting long
range economic conditions warrants caution when using forecasts for 2018 and 2019.
As it has done every year since 2003, the CEA recommends that budget planning
estimates for the next biennium include expected inflation in both the spending and
revenue projections. The CEA noted that Minnesotas current practice of excluding
inflation from the spending estimate is fundamentally misleading. It is inconsistent with
both sound business practices and CBO methods and potentially encourages legislators
and the public to regard the states financial position more optimistically than the facts
warrant. The omission of inflation in the spending estimates in the February 2014 Budget
and Economic Forecast understated projected spending for FY 2016-17 by more than $1
billion, and thus made the difference between projected revenues and spending appear to
be larger than it actually is. This distortion will increase if and when inflation accelerates
from current historically low levels.
Council members noted that actions taken during the 2014 legislative session and signed
into law by the governor significantly strengthen Minnesotas budget reserve policy.
Nevertheless, the states funded budget reserve remains well below the level bond rating
agencies expect from AAA-rated credits. State bond ratings depend on a number of
factors, but both Standard and Poors and Moodys specifically include a measure of the
adequacy of statutory budget reserves in their credit analyses. In Standard and Poors
analytical framework, states with statutory reserve levels of 8 percent or more of annual
general fund revenue or spending receive top marks. Moodys ratings guidelines indicate
that Aaa-rated states should have statutory reserves of at least 10 percent of current
revenue. Minnesotas current $811 million budget reserve is about 4.0 percent of
projected fiscal year 2015 revenues. If the cash flow account ($350 million) is included,
reserves are about 5.9 percent of annual revenues. 1
These figures reflect the levels of reserves and projected revenues at the time of the Council meeting on
November 10, 2014. With the subsequent release of the November 2014 Budget and Economic Forecast,
the values have been updated.
39
November 2014
BUDGET OUTLOOK
Current Biennium
The last Budget & Economic Forecast was released in February 2014. It projected a
$1.233 billion forecast balance in the current biennium. Actions in the 2014 legislative
session included tax reductions, spending changes, capital project funding and a transfer
to the budget reserve that left a projected $32 million balance at the end of the biennium
and $1.161 billion in the states cash flow and budget reserve accounts.
Novembers forecast shows a slight improvement in the states financial position with
seven months remaining in the biennium. Forecast revenues are now expected to be
$39.371 billion, up $279 million (0.7 percent) from estimates at the end of the 2014
legislative session in May. Biennial spending is now projected to be $39.338 billion, a
decline of $249 million (0.6 percent) from prior estimates. A small increase in the
stadium reserve of $5 million offsets the spending and revenue changes leaving a forecast
balance of $556 million. However, statute automatically allocates 33 percent of a
positive budgetary balance in the current biennium to the budget reserve account. After
$183 million is transferred to the budget reserve, the available balance at the end of the
current biennium is projected to be $373 million.
FY 2014 Close. In August, the books were officially closed for the fiscal year that ended
June 30, 2014. FY 2014 ended with a general fund balance of $656 million, $367 million
above previous estimates. This gain, representing money in the bank, accounts for
about two thirds of the change in the forecast for the current biennium.
FY 2014 total revenues, transfers and other resources were $219 million higher than
previously forecast. Final non-dedicated revenues, both taxes and non-tax revenue, were
$185 million higher. Much of the increase in the revenue for FY 2014 is due to higher
income tax collections and slightly higher than expected net sales tax receipts. These
increases were offset by lower than expected FY 2014 corporate tax receipts.
Forecast changes for other resources, including transfers from other funds and prior year
adjustments, added $33 million to the bottom line. Prior year adjustments totaled $59
million, $34 million over estimates. Prior year adjustments reflect savings occurring
from cancellation of encumbrances (contracts, grants, or purchase orders) or revenues
deposited after the close of the fiscal year attributable to prior fiscal years. These are
reflected as adjustments in the most recent fiscal year in this case, FY 2014. A small
reduction in transfers from other funds partially offset the gain from prior year
adjustments.
40
November 2014
FY 2014 spending was $329 million below 2014 end of session estimates. Of that
amount, $179 million of unspent appropriations were carried forward and are reflected as
an increase in FY 2015 spending. After carry forward is considered, the net spending
decrease for the biennium attributable to FY 2014 close is $150 million. Lower spending
in health and human services accounted for most of the savings.
($ in millions)
Blank
End-ofSession
November
Forecast
$
Change
Beginning Balance
$1,712
$1,712
Revenues
Taxes
Non-Tax Revenues
Transfers, Other Resources
Total Revenues
Blank
37,317
1,445
330
39,092
Blank
37,585
1,430
356
39,371
Blank
268
(15)
26
279
Blank
0.7
(1.1)
7.9
0.7%
Expenditures
K-12 Education
Property Tax Aids
Debt Service
All Other
Total Expenditures
Blank
$16,679
2,969
11,453
1,254
7,232
$39,587
Blank
$16,629
2,964
11,205
1,243
7,297
$39,338
Blank
(50)
(5)
(248)
(11)
65
$(249)
Blank
(0.3)
(0.2)
(2.2)
(0.9)
0.9
(0.6)
1,161
23
1,344
28
183
5
Blank
Blank
$32
$373
$340
Blank
Reserves
Stadium Reserve
Budgetary Balance
%
Change
0.0
Budget Reserve. Legislation passed in the 2014 legislative session included multiple
changes to the budget reserve level and policy established in M.S. 16A.152. On July 1,
$150 million was transferred to the budget reserve increasing the account from $661
million to $811 million.
The law also established a target level for the budget reserve. The level was previously
set in statute at $653 million. The new recommended level is to be established as a
percentage of current biennium general fund revenues based on an annual analysis by
MMB. Statute requires MMB to review the adequacy of the budget reserve level based
on the volatility of the general fund tax structure and estimate the percentage of the
current bienniums general fund revenues needed to manage the volatility. The current
report, released in January 2014 prior to the most recent change in the reserve statute,
recommends a budget reserve policy of 4.9 percent of general fund non-dedicated
revenues, or a total reserve, including cash-flow, of $1.929 billion for the current 2014-15
biennium.
41
November 2014
The new state law established a deposit rule to meet the desired level of the budget
reserve; however, three conditions must be met before the deposit rule is triggered.
First, the state must have a forecast balance for the current biennium. With this
forecast, the FY 2014-15 projected forecast balance is $556 million.
Second, the existing statutory provisions that allocated forecast balances must be met.
These provisions were established to restore reserves and repay accounting shifts
from prior budget actions. These were completed with a final repayment of the K-12
school shifts and repayment of the money borrowed from the state airport fund
occurred with the November 2013 forecast. In five successive forecasts, over $3.7
billion was allocated to restoring reserves and buying back accounting shifts enacted
in the 2008-11 legislative session
Third, the states reserve levels must be below the level recommended to adequately
manage the volatility of the general fund tax structure. The states budget reserve
level is $811 million, below the amount recommended.
Since all three conditions were met in this forecast, the new law triggers a deposit of 33
percent of the forecast balance to the budget reserve. Of the total $556 million projected
forecast balance for FY 2014-15, $183 million is transferred to the budget reserve,
increasing the level to $994 million in FY 2015. With the increase, the budget reserve is
approximately 2.5 percent of general fund revenue in FY 2014-15. Including the cash
flow account, total general fund reserves are 3.4 percent of biennial revenues.
Next Biennium
A balance of $1.037 billion is now projected for the FY 2016-17 biennium, an increase of
$434 million over the end-of-session estimates of $603 million. Over three quarters of
the projected balance increase is due to the increase in the ending balance for the current
biennium that will add to the beginning resources for the FY 2016-17 biennium.
Spending in the next biennium is now estimated to be $41.243 billion, a decrease of $502
million (1.2 percent) compared to prior estimates. Forecast revenue is expected to be
$41.880, a decline of $412 million (1.0 percent) from planning estimates. This $90
million net change in forecast revenue and spending accounts for the remainder of the
bottom line increase from end of session estimates.
When compared to revised forecast estimates for the current biennium, FY 2016-17
revenues are projected to increase $2.509 billion (6.4 percent) while expenditures are
expected to increase $1.905 billion (4.8 percent).
42
November 2014

($ in millions)
End-ofSession
$1,217
November
Forecast
$1,745
Forecast Revenues
Projected Spending
42,292
41,745
41,880
41,243
Balance Before Reserve
1,764
2,382
618
Reserves
Stadium Reserve
1,161
-
1,344
1
183
1
Budgetary Balance
$603
$1,037
$434
Blank
Beginning Balance
Difference
$528
(412)
(502)
General fund revenues for FY 2016-17 are expected to total $41.880 billion, $2.509
billion (6.4 percent) more than FY 14-15. Individual income tax receipts are expected to
be $2.049 billion (10.4 percent) higher and general sales tax receipts are expected to be
$598 million (5.9 percent) higher in FY 16-17 than in the current biennium. Biennial
growth in other major state taxes includes the insurance gross earnings tax ($59 million),
the deed transfer tax ($21 million) and the statewide property tax ($34 million).
Reductions to the corporate franchise tax ($30 million) and medical assistance surcharges
($60 million) partially offset the biennial revenue growth in the next biennium.
General fund expenditures are now expected to reach $41.243 billion in FY 2016-17, an
increase of $1.905 billion (4.8 percent) over spending estimates for the current biennium.
Driving the biennial expenditure growth is an expected increase of $1.552 billion (13.9
percent) in health and human services spending due to growth in Medical Assistance
(MA) expenditures and a $411 million (13.9 percent) increase in aids and credits due to
full phase in of local aid increases and property tax refund payment increases. Biennial
growth in other major spending areas includes $190 million in K-12 education, $50
million in higher education and $34 million in debt service. Partially offsetting this
growth is a $282 million reduction in all other spending, largely due to one-time spending
for capital projects and one-time appropriations in the current biennium that do not
continue into the next biennium.
43
November 2014

Biennial Comparison
($ in millions)
Blank
FY 2014-15
FY 2016-17
$
Change
%
Change
Beginning Balance
$1,712
$1,745
Tax Revenues
Non-Tax Revenues
Other Resources
Current Resources
37,585
1,430
356
39,371
40,253
1,400
227
41,880
2,668
(30)
(129)
2,509
7.1
(2.0)
(36.2)
6.4
16,629
2,964
11,205
1,243
7,297
16,819
3,375
12,757
1,277
7,015
190
411
1,552
34
(282)
1.1
13.9
13.9
2.8
(3.9)
39,338
41,243
1,905
4.8
Balance Before Reserve
1,745
2,382
Blank
Cash and Budget Reserves

Stadium Reserve
1,344
28
1,344
1
$373
1,037
K-12 Education
Health and Human Services
Debt Service
All Other
Total Expenditures
Budgetary Balance
33
(27)
Blank
1.9
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Planning Estimates
This forecast provides the first planning estimates for the 2018-19 biennium. These
estimates carry a higher degree of uncertainty and an inherently larger potential range of
error compared to the short-term forecast for the current and next biennium.
Planning estimates for FY 2018-19 are presented to assist longer-term financial planning.
Revenue projections are based on IHS Economics November baseline forecast for 2018
and 2019. Expenditure projections assume that current funding levels and policies
continue unchanged, adjusted only for caseload and enrollment changes as well as
specific formula driven items.
Planning Horizon: Revenues and Expenditures
($ in millions)
Forecast Revenues
Projected Spending
Difference (Gap)
FY 2014-15
$39,371
39,338
$33
Inflation CPI
44
FY 2016-17
$41,880
41,243
$637
916
FY 2018-19
$45,801
43,050
$2,751
2,894
November 2014
The table shows forecast revenues and projected spending while excluding the impact of
balances from prior years and reserves in order to highlight the structural balance or
imbalance. FY 2016-17 spending is expected to be $637 million less than forecast
revenues and in FY 2018-19 revenues are expected to exceed projected spending by
$2.751 billion.
Projected inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is now expected to be 1.3
percent and 1.8 percent for FY 2016 and FY 2017 followed by 2.3 percent annual
increases in FY 2018-19. Applying the annual inflation rate, compounded over the four
year period, to current law projected spending base would add approximately $350
million per year to preceding years adjusted base.
The planning estimates are not intended to predict surpluses or deficits three or more
years into the future. Rather their purpose is to assist in determining how well ongoing
expenditures are likely to match future revenues based on trends in Minnesotas
economy, and the level of spending that is needed to maintain current programs. The FY
2018-19 planning estimates provide an important baseline against which the longer-term
impacts and affordability of proposed FY 2016-17 budget solutions and decisions in the
2015 legislative session can be measured.
45
November 2014
REVENUE OUTLOOK
Current Biennium
Higher-than-anticipated revenues at the close of FY 2014 helped increase forecast
revenues for the current biennium. Total revenues for FY 2014-15 are now forecast to be
$39.371 billion, $279 million (0.7 percent) more than the February forecast adjusted for
law changes. Total tax revenues for FY 2014-15 are forecast to be $37.585 billion,
exceeding the end-of-session estimate by $268 million (0.7 percent). Actual tax revenues
at the close of FY 2014 were $189 million above the February forecast adjusted for law
changes, accounting for 70 percent of the forecast change in tax revenues for the
biennium.
FY 2014-15 Revenue Summary
($ in millions)
Blank
General Sales Tax
Other Tax Revenue
Total Tax Revenues
Non-Tax Revenues
Other Resources
Total Revenues
End of Session
Estimate
$19,326
10,152
2,709
1,665
3,465
November
Forecast
$19,615
10,198
2,637
1,675
3,460
$
Change
289
46
(72)
10
(5)
%
Change
1.5
0.5
(2.7)
0.6
(0.1)
37,317
37,585
268
0.7
1,445
330
1,430
356
(15)
26
(1.1)
7.9
$39,092
$39,371
$279
0.7
Individual Income Tax. The individual income tax shows the largest dollar amount
change. Income tax revenues are now forecast to be $19.615 billion in FY 2014-15, $289
million (1.5 percent) more than the end-of-session estimate. Of that change, $194 million
is due to higher-than-forecast income tax revenues at the close of FY 2014.
This forecast builds from MMBs estimate of final 2013 income tax liability. Final
income tax liability for 2013 is not yet known. Using information about returns filed to
date, revenues in the state accounting system, returns in process and returns expected to
be received by December 31, MMB economists estimate final 2013 liability will be
$8,842 billion, $158 million more than projected in February, adjusted for law changes.
46
November 2014
Calibrating the individual income tax model to produce MMBs projected tax year 2013
final liability required making assumptions about growth rates for particular income
types. Net capital gains reported by Minnesota residents in 2013 are now assumed to
have decreased 31.9 percent from the high levels of 2012, a year in which taxpayers
accelerated income in anticipation of higher federal income tax rates. In contrast,
Februarys forecast projected a 45.0 percent decline in 2013. Assumed growth in
Minnesota business income was raised from 3.4 percent in the February forecast to 4.0
percent.
The increased tax year 2013 growth rates in capital gains and business income are
partially offset by reductions in several other income types. Minnesotas wage and salary
income grew more slowly than expected in 2013, growing 3.1 percent compared to the
February forecast assumption of 3.5 percent. Preliminary information about 2013 U.S.
growth rates in certain income items lowers assumed growth rates for Minnesota
taxpayers. Consequently, relative to the February forecast, this forecast assumes a lower
growth rate in taxable Individual Retirement Account distributions, a larger decline in
taxable interest income (from -6.4 percent to -10.0 percent), and a switch in dividend
income from growth of 7.8 percent to a decline of 9.6 percent.
Minnesota Nominal Wage and Salary Disbursements
Feb'14 MMB Forecast
6
5
4
3
5.3
5.0
3.5
3.9
Nov'14 MMB Forecast
5.2
4.6
4.4
4.7 4.7
4.3
4.5
4.0
4.5
3.1
2
1
0
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; IHS Economics; Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB)
Minnesotas growth in wage and salary income has been lower than expected, and that
weaker wage growth is projected to continue. Annual wage growth in 2014 and 2015 is
now assumed to be 3.9 and 4.4 percent, respectively, compared to 5.0 and 5.3 percent
assumed in February.
In addition to higher tax year 2013 liability and the related FY 2014 receipts in excess of
forecast, new assumptions about income growth in tax years 2014 and 2015 affected the
income tax forecast for FY 2014-15. Information from the Bureau of Economic Analysis
(BEA), Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and income tax
withholding collections during the first 10 months of 2014 suggest that Minnesotas
growth in wage and salary income has been lower than expected, and that weaker wage
growth is projected to continue. Annual wage growth in 2014 and 2015 is now assumed
to be 3.9 and 4.4 percent, respectively, compared to 5.0 and 5.3 percent assumed in
47
November 2014
February. Assumed growth in Minnesota business income was also lowered from 5.5 to
4.9 in 2014 and from 6.1 to 5.4 percent in 2015.
Higher expectations for capital gains income, however, helps offset the wage growth
reductions. From 2013 to 2015, net capital gains reported by Minnesota residents are now
assumed to grow a cumulative 9.7 percentage points faster than had been forecast in
February. In addition, the higher capital gains growth combine with a higher base level of
receipts and a large one-time payment to increase forecast income tax receipts from
fiduciaries and partnerships, adding about $37 million in revenue in FY 2015.
The income tax forecast includes an off-model adjustment to taxes on business income
that is related to the impact of federal depreciation provisions. Higher estimates of bonus
depreciation and Section 179 expensing taken in base years and higher marginal tax rates
for taxpayers who use these provisions increase this adjustment, adding about $24 million
to the current biennium forecast.
Finally, an adjustment related to the timing of the revenue impact of Minnesota
conforming to the federal standard deduction produces a one-time revenue loss in FY
2015 of about $30 million.
General Sales Tax. Sales tax revenues now are now forecast to exceed the end-of
session estimate for the current biennium by $46 million (0.5 percent). Higher forecast
gross tax receipts more than offset an increase in expected sales tax refunds.
Gross sales tax receipts for FY 2014-15 are now forecast to be $125 million (1.2 percent)
higher than the end-of-session estimate. During the first 15 months of the biennium, gross
sales tax receipts exceeded the prior estimate by about $67 million, accounting for more
than half of the forecast change. The higher growth rates implied by these tax collections
are assumed to carry forward, despite slightly slower than forecast growth in the
Minnesota proxy sales tax base relative to February. In addition, higher projected taxes
paid by Minnesotans on online sales help increase forecast sales tax revenue for FY
2014-15.
Corporate Franchise Tax. The corporate income tax is now forecast to bring in $72
million (2.7 percent) less in FY 2014-15 than the end-of-session estimate. This change
reflects both lower projected corporate profits growth and higher forecast growth in
refunds.
In February, IHS had forecast 7.4 percent growth in U.S. corporate profits (with
inventory valuation and capital consumption adjustments) in FY 2014 and 4.7 percent
growth in FY 2015. The November IHS forecast calls for profits to rise by 1.2 percent in
FY 2014, followed by 5.2 percent growth in FY 2015. Minnesotas gross corporate tax
receipts are now forecast to be $41 million (1.4 percent) less than the prior estimate.
Corporate refunds are now forecast to exceed the prior estimate by $31 million (10.0
percent), accounting for the remainder of the net corporate tax forecast change.
48
November 2014
Other Tax Revenue, Non-Tax Revenue, Other Resources. Offsetting changes in

several tax items slightly reduce the current biennium forecast for other taxes. Driven by
reduced expectations for home sales and mortgage refinances, the deed transfer and
mortgage registry taxes are together forecast to bring in $18 million less than prior
estimates. Revenues from the cigarette and tobacco products tax is now expected to
exceed the prior estimate by $24 million.
Next Biennium
Total revenues for FY 2016-17 are now forecast to be $41.880 billion, $2.509 billion (6.4
percent) more than the current FY 2014-15 revenue forecast and $412 million (1.0
percent) less than the February planning estimate adjusted for law changes. Total tax
revenues for FY 2016-17 are forecast to be $40.253 billion, a 7.1 percent increase over
FY 2014-15 forecast revenues.
FY 2016-17 Revenues Summary
Biennial Comparison
($ in millions)
Blank
General Sales Tax
Other Tax Revenue
Total Tax Revenues
Non-Tax Revenues
Other Resources
Total Revenues
November
FY 2014-15
$19,615
10,198
2,637
1,675
3,460
November
FY 2016-17
$21,664
10,796
2,607
1,709
3,477
37,585
40,253
1,430
356
1,400
227
$39,371
$41,880
$
Change
2,049
598
(30)
34
17
%
Change
10.4
5.9
(1.1)
2.0
0.5
2,668
7.1
(30)
(129)
$2,509
(2.0)
(36.2)
6.4
Individual Income Tax. The individual income tax shows the largest dollar amount
growth, accounting for 77 percent of the total tax revenue biennial change. Income tax
revenues for FY 2016-17 are forecast to be $21.664 billion, $2.049 billion (10.4 percent)
more than the current forecast for FY 2014-15 and $167 million (0.8 percent) less than
the end-of-session estimate.
Growth in income tax revenues in FY 2016-17 over FY 2014-15 is primarily the result of
income growth in tax years 2015 and 2016. Minnesota wage and salary income is now
forecast to grow 4.4 percent in 2015 and 4.6 percent in 2016. The February 2014 Budget
and Economic Forecast reported rates of 5.3 percent in 2015 and 5.2 percent in 2016.
Capital gains realizations by Minnesota residents are forecast to grow 10.6 percent in
2015 and 8.7 percent in 2016, a deceleration from the forecast 2014 growth rate of 22.6
percent.
49
November 2014
General Sales Tax. General sales tax receipts for FY 2016-17 are expected to exceed FY
2014-15 forecast levels by $598 million (5.9 percent), accounting for 22 percent of the
increase in tax revenues. Both higher forecast gross tax receipts and lower refunds
contribute to the growth.
Gross sales tax receipts in FY 2016-17 are forecast to exceed FY 2014-15 levels by $326
million (3.0 percent). The Minnesota synthetic sales tax base, a proxy for the actual tax
base, is expected to accelerate from 4.4 and 4.5 percent per year in FY 2014 and FY 2015
to 4.5 and 4.7 percent per year in FY 2016 and FY 2017. The conversion of Minnesotas
capital equipment exemption from a post-purchase refund to an up-front exemption
causes forecast gross sales tax receipts to grow more slowly than the synthetic tax base.
Sales tax refunds in FY 2016-17 are forecast to be $289 million (44.7 percent) lower than
the current forecast for FY 2014-15. This is also an effect of the change in the capital
equipment exemption. On net, the conversion results in a revenue loss for the biennium
of $145 million compared to a forecast that retains the exemption by refund.
Minnesota Synthetic Sales Tax Base Forecast Comparison
8%
6%
4%
2%
February 2014
November 2014
0%
1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q
'13
'14
'15
'16
'17
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; IHS Economics; Minnesota Management & Budget (MMB)
The Minnesota synthetic sales tax base, a proxy for the actual tax base, is now forecast to
grow 4.5 percent in FY 2016 and 4.7 percent in FY 2017, compared to 5.3 and 4.9
percent, respectively, in the February forecast. Slower consumer durable spending
contributes to the lower tax base growth.
Net sales tax revenues for FY 2016-17 are now forecast to be $83 million (0.8 percent)
less than the end-of-session estimate. This reflects reduced expectations for growth in the
Minnesota synthetic sales tax base for FY 2016 and FY 2017. The tax base is now
expected to grow 4.5 percent in FY 2016 and 4.7 percent in FY 2017, compared to 5.3
and 4.9 percent, respectively, in the February forecast. Slower spending on consumer
durable goods contributes to the lower tax base growth.
Corporate Franchise Tax. The corporate franchise tax is forecast to generate $2.607
billion in FY 2016-17, $30 million (1.1 percent) less than the current FY 2014-15
forecast. IHS expects U.S. corporate profits (with inventory valuation and capital
consumption adjustments) to grow 6.1 percent in FY 2016 and 1.1 percent in FY 2017. In
50
November 2014
February, IHS had forecast 4.3 percent growth in FY 2016 and 1.8 percent growth in FY
2017.
Minnesotas gross corporate franchise tax receipts are forecast to grow by $96 million
(3.2 percent) in FY 2016-17. This increase is offset by a $126 million forecast increase in
corporate tax refunds, generating the decline in the corporate tax for FY 2016-17. The
larger refund forecast primarily reflects growth in the Historic Structure Rehabilitation
Credit. MMBs practice is to report the full revenue impact of the credit in corporate
refunds, even though some credits accrue to non-corporate taxpayers, and some credits
reduce tax liability, rather than increase refunds. In FY 2016-17, the credit is expected
exceed FY 2014-15 levels by $75 million, and accounting for 60 percent of the forecast
growth in corporate refunds.
U.S. Corporate Profits Before Tax*
Billions of Dollars, Annual Rate
3,000
Feb'14 Baseline Forecast
2,500
Nov'14 Baseline Forecast
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
*With Inventory Valuation and Capital Consumption Adjustments
0
'98
'00
'02
'04
'06
'08
'10
'12
'14
'16
IHS expects U.S. corporate profits (with inventory valuation and capital consumption
adjustments) to grow 6.1 percent in FY 2016 and 1.1 percent in FY 2017. Minnesotas
gross corporate franchise tax receipts are forecast to grow by $96 million (3.2 percent)
in FY 2016-17.
Other Tax Revenue, Non-Tax Revenue, Other Resources. Among other taxes, the
insurance gross earnings tax shows the largest biennial change, growing $59 million (8.3
percent) over the current forecast for FY 2014-15.
Planning Estimates
This is the first reporting of revenue planning estimates for FY 2018-19. Total revenues
for the biennium are estimated to be $45.801 billion, an increase of $3.921 billion (9.4
percent) over the current forecast for FY 2016-17 revenues. Total tax revenues for FY
2018-19 are estimated to be $44.295 billion, a 10.0 percent increase over FY 2016-17
forecast revenues.
Together, the individual income and general sales taxes account for almost all of the
projected biennial tax revenue growth. The individual income tax shows the largest
increase, growing by $2.900 billion (13.4 percent), and contributing 72 percent of the
51
November 2014
total tax revenue biennial change. The general sales tax is expected to exceed FY 201617 forecast levels by $916 million (8.5 percent), accounting for 23 percent of the increase
in tax revenues. The corporate franchise tax, statewide property tax, and other taxes
together contribute $226 million to the biennial tax revenue change.
The revenue planning estimates are based on the IHS baseline forecast, which assumes
that U.S. real GDP will grow 3.0 percent in calendar year 2017, followed by somewhat
slower growth of 2.6 percent per year in both 2018 and 2019.
FY 2018-19 Planning Estimate Revenues
Biennial Comparison
($ in millions)
Blank
General Sales Tax
Other Tax Revenue
Forecast
FY 2016-17
$21,664
10,796
2,607
1,709
3,477
Total Tax Revenues
40,253
44,295
1,400
227
1,384
122
$41,880
$45,801
Non-Tax Revenues
Other Resources
Total Revenues
Projected
FY 2018-19
$24,564
11,712
2,681
1,791
3,547
$
Change
$2,900
916
74
82
70
%
Change
13.4
8.5
2.8
4.8
2.0
4,042
10.0
(16)
(105)
$3,921
(1.2)
(46.0)
9.4
In a change from prior years, the planning estimates for FY 2018-19 were prepared using
identical methodologies as the forecasts for FY 2014-15 and FY 2016-17.
The planning estimates for 2018-19 should be used with caution. Even small deviations
from assumed growth rates for factors affecting revenue will compound and produce
sizable changes in revenues. In addition, changes in the base level of revenues for FY
2015 through FY 2017 will change the revenue planning estimates for FY 2018-19. Other
things equal, stronger than anticipated revenue growth through FY 2017 will carry
forward and add significantly to revenues in FY 2018-19. Should the economy grow
more slowly than forecast, or should some volatile income item, such as capital gains or
corporate profits, fall well below forecast, the revenue outlook for FY 2018-19 will
deteriorate. Additionally, Minnesotas Council of Economic Advisors warn that the
difficulty of projecting long range economic conditions warrants caution when using
economic forecasts for 2018 and 2019.
52
November 2014
EXPENDITURE OUTLOOK
Current Biennium
Spending estimates for FY 2014-15 are lower than prior estimates for the biennium.
Expenditures in the current biennium are now expected to be $39.338 billion, a reduction
of $249 million (0.6 percent) from end of session estimates. Over sixty percent of the
total reduction was $151 million in lower than expected spending in the first fiscal year
of the biennium, which ended June 30, 2014. The table below shows forecast change in
spending for the current biennium.
FY 2014-15 Expenditure Summary
($ in millions)
Blank
K-12 Education
Debt Service
All Other
Total Expenditures
End of Session
Estimate
$16,679
2,969
11,453
1,254
7,232
39,587
November
Forecast
$16,629
2,964
11,205
1,243
7,297
39,338
$
Change
(50)
(5)
(248)
(11)
65
(249)
%
Change
(0.3)
(0.2)
(2.2)
(0.9)
0.9
(0.6)
A $248 million reduction (2.2 percent) in estimated spending for health and human
services is the primary factor in the overall reduction in spending in FY 2014-15. Lower
Medical Assistance (MA) spending accounts for the vast majority of the savings due to
lower than projected program enrollment patterns and lower than expected managed care
rates for families with children, elderly basic care, and special needs basic care.
Changes for the current biennium for other spending areas were modest. E-12
expenditures are expected to be $50 million lower (0.3 percent) than prior estimates due
to changes in estimated pupil counts. Debt service expenditures are $11 million lower
(0.9 percent) than projections due to better than expected market conditions at the time of
the August bond sale. Property tax aids and credits spending is $5 million (0.2 percent)
lower than expected. Partially offsetting the overall reduction in the current biennium is
$65 million (0.9 percent) increase in the all other category. This increase is primarily
$51 million higher than expected repayment from the general fund to the closed landfill
trust fund due to significantly higher than forecast investment earnings that would have
53
November 2014
accrued to the trust fund had the money not been loaned to the general fund to help
address a budget shortfall in 2011.
E-12 Education. Education finance is the largest category of state general fund spending.
It consists of aid programs for general education, special education, early childhood and
family education, charter schools, nonpublic pupil programs, and integration programs
among others. In the current biennium the state is projected to spend $16.629 billion on
education aid.
E-12 aids can be divided into two major funding streams: 1) general education, the
primary source of basic operating funds for schools, and 2) categorical aid, tied to
specific activities or categories of funding.
E-12 expenditures are expected to be reduced by $50 million (0.3 percent) for FY 201415 compared to end of session estimates. Spending for general education is expected to
be $42.9 less (0.3 percent) than at end of session, largely due to a change in total
estimated pupils. MDE has made an adjustment in the methodology used previously for
estimating the underreporting by districts in the current year, which has reduced total
pupil units as a result. Additionally, extended time revenue dropped significantly, $21.5
million compared to previous estimates, due to district behavior in response to changes in
the law. Charter schools no longer qualify for extended time revenue and previously it
was assumed these students would be included in programming offered by regular school
districts. So far this has not been seen in pupil counts submitted by school districts.
Categorical expenditures are forecast to decline by $7.3 million (0.2 percent) for FY
2014-15. Literacy Incentive Aid is adjusted downward by $2.6 million (2.7 percent). This
change is primarily due to a correction of an overpayment made in FY 2013, which
accounts for $2.244 million of the change. The FY 2013 overpayment will be recovered
in FY 2015, reducing the appropriation. In addition, there is a slight decrease due to
lower than previously estimated proficiency and growth ratings.
Alternative Compensation, or Q Comp, is also adjusted downward for this forecast.
Spending is anticipated to be $1.7 million less (2.4 percent) than at end of session. This
change is largely driven by the decision of three school districts to delay implementation
of alternative teacher pay systems until FY 2016.
The School Breakfast program offsets a portion of these decreases. Expenditures are
forecast to increase $3.2 million (28 percent) compared to end of session. The change is
driven by revised estimates for providing free breakfast to kindergarteners statewide, a
change enacted in the 2014 legislative session. There is evidence that a number of school
districts are changing the delivery method for breakfasts for kindergarteners, serving
breakfasts to kindergarteners directly in classrooms during the regular school day instead
of before school. This change makes it likely that the number of school breakfasts served
will increase at a higher rate than anticipated at end of session.
Health & Human Services. Health and human services is one-third of total state general
fund spending. The majority of these expenditures (85 percent) are forecast programs
54
November 2014
including MA, Chemical Dependency (CD), the Minnesota Family Investment Program
(MFIP), MFIP Child Care, General Assistance, Group Residential Housing, and
Minnesota Supplemental Aid.
General fund forecast changes are generally driven by changes to the MA forecast, since
it accounts for the largest portion of forecasted program expenditures. MA is a statefederal, means-tested entitlement program for low-income individuals and families,
persons with physical or developmental disabilities, and the low-income elderly. MA
costs are split between the state and federal government, though only the state share of
expenditures is reflected as part of the general fund forecast.
In FY14-15, HHS general fund spending is down $248 million (2.2 percent) relative to
2014 end of session estimates. MA accounts for $243 million of the reduction (2.8
percent change from end of session).
The largest driver ($127m) of this reduction is a change in the forecasted pattern of
enrollment in MA. This forecast uses actual experience to update assumptions about
enrollment following state eligibility expansions and program realignments. The total
health care program enrollment forecast across funds decreased 1.9 percent for 2015.
This forecast incorporates lower enrollment of families and children (2.9 percent),
disabled adults (4.1 percent), and in MinnesotaCare (27.0 percent). One eligibility group,
adults without kids, increased by 25.2 percent, though there was no state expenditure
impact associated with that increase since payments are fully reimbursed by the federal
government until calendar year 2017.
Change in 2015 Minnesota Health Care Program Enrollment from 2014 end of session
estimates. At end of session 2014, 2015 total program enrollment was projected to be
1,159,713. This forecast projects 2015 total enrollment will be 1,137,829, 1.9% fewer
enrollees from end of session.
Lower managed care rates for families with children, elderly basic care, and special needs
basic care are driving a $77 million (1.4 percent) reduction in spending in FY2014-15.
With respect to families and children, much of this reduction may be due to greater
55
November 2014
enrollment of individuals who use less health care, such as children, after 2014 eligibility
changes. Lower health care use translates to lower payments to health plans for MA
coverage.
State law requires that any reductions in expenditures from the original cost projections
of eligibility changes in the 2013 session law be attributed to the Health Care Access
Fund. This drives a forecast adjustment that decreases costs in the Health Care Access
Fund and increases costs in the General Fund. The increased cost to the General Fund in
this forecast is $45 million in FY2014-15. Corresponding savings are attributed to the
Health Care Access Fund.
Spending across all non-health care programs decreased $5 million (0.2 percent) in FY
2014-15. One area of forecast growth is in MFIP child care assistance which increased $8
million in FY 2014-15 due to rapid growth in average monthly payments to participating
families. Average monthly child care payments increase when families move their
children from in-home settings to centers and other more costly forms of child care.
Forecasted spending in other non-health care programs offset the cost growth in the
MFIP child care program due to lower enrollment expectations, increased revenue
collections, and higher federal cost sharing.
Property Tax, Aids, and Credits. Property tax aids and credits are approximately seven
percent of general fund spending. They are paid to local governments, including cities,
counties, towns, public schools, and special taxing districts. These aids and credits help
offset costs of service delivery, defray costs of state mandates, and reduce local property
taxes by substituting state funds for revenues that would otherwise need to be raised
locally. Direct payments to individuals, like property tax refunds for homeowners and
renters, are also included in this category because they reduce property tax burdens.
In the current biennium tax aids and credit spending is now expected to be $2.96 billion,
a decrease of $5.5 million (0.2 percent) from end of session estimates. Driving the
overall reduction is a decrease of $8.1 million in property tax refunds (0.7 percent) due to
slightly lower than expected actual program participation and refund amounts in FY 2014
offset by a small increase in the agricultural market value homestead credit.
Debt Service and All Other Spending. Debt service spending in the current biennium is
now expected to be $1.243 billion, down $11 million (0.9 percent) from prior estimates.
Market conditions at the time of the August 2014 bond sale resulted in a lower interest
rate and a higher bond premium than estimated thus lowering the size of the bond issue
and the debt service payments. The actual interest rate on the August 2014 bonds of 2.8%
was less than the 4.3% estimated from the February 2014 forecast.
Outside of the forecast programs, other state spending is expected to be $65 million
higher in FY 2014-15 compared to end of session estimates. This increase is due to an
upward revision to the total repayment of a 2011 loan from the closed landfill investment
fund to the general fund that was used to balance the general fund budget. Repayment of
the original $48 million loan is required to begin in fiscal year 2015 and must include
interest and other earnings that would have accrued to the investment fund had the money
56
November 2014
not been transferred. Previous estimates included $100,000 per year in investment
earnings; actual earnings over the 2011-15 time period have averaged 18.4 percent
resulting in $51.4 million in earnings that would have accrued to the closed landfill
investment fund. The 2015 repayment from the general fund to the investment fund has
been made, reflecting the growth rate had the funds remained in the investment fund.
Next Biennium
Forecast expenditures in the next biennium are expected to reach $41.243 billion, an
increase of $1.905 billion (4.8 percent) over current estimates for the FY 2014-15
biennium. Driving the overall increase is growth of $1.552 billion (13.9 percent) in
health and human services spending primarily due to higher spending for MA. Property
tax aids and credits is expected to be $411 million (13.9 percent) higher in the next
biennium due full implementation of expanded property tax refunds and aid to local units
of government. Spending for E-12 education is expected to be $190 million (1.1 percent)
higher and debt service is expected to be $34 million (2.8 percent) higher. Offsetting the
overall growth is $282 million (3.9 percent) lower spending in the other areas of state
government primarily due to the discontinuation of one-time payments in the current
biennium.
FY 2016-17 Expenditures Summary
Biennial Comparison
($ in millions)
Blank
K-12 Education
Debt Service
All Other
Total Expenditures
November
FY 2014-15
$16,629
2,964
11,205
1,243
7,297
39,338
November
FY 2016-17
$16,819
3,375
12,757
1,277
7,015
41,243
$
Change
$190
411
1,552
34
(282)
%
Change
1.1
13.9
13.9
2.8
(3.9)
1,905
4.8
Compared to prior estimates for the biennium, overall spending in the next biennium is
expected to be down $502 million (1.2 percent). Reduced projections for health and
human services spending accounts for $443 million (3.4 percent) of this change due to
lower than expected MA enrollment and managed care rates. Spending for E-12
education is down $60 million (0.4) percent primarily as a result of pupil count changes.
Outside of health and human services and E-12 education, other areas of the state budget
remain largely unchanged compared to prior estimates for FY 2016-17.
57
November 2014
FY 2016-17 Expenditure Summary

Change From End-of- Session Estimates
($ in millions)
Blank
K-12 Education
Debt Service
All Other
Total Expenditures
End of Session
Estimate
$16,879
3,371
13,200
1,278
7,017
41,745
November
Forecast
$16,819
3,375
12,757
1,277
7,015
41,243
$
Change
$(60)
4
(443)
(1)
(2)
(502)
%
Change
(0.4)
0.1
(3.4)
0.0
0.0
(1.2)
E-12 Education. E-12 expenditures for FY 2016-17 are expected to decrease $60.3
million (0.4 percent) from end of session estimates and overall E-12 aids spending is
anticipated to grow by $190 million (1.1 percent) over the current biennium.
General education spending is forecast to decline by $85.4 million (0.6 percent) in FY
2016-17 compared to end of session. This decrease is attributed to the changes in pupil
count methodology previously described, as well as to a decrease in the growth of
referendum revenue, a calculation within the general education formula. Growth
expectations for referendum revenue have been lowered for FY 2016-17 as a result of
fewer than expected voter-approved referendum increases.
An increase in categorical expenditures somewhat offsets the downward adjustments in
general education. Categorical education aids are forecast to increase $25.1 million (0.7
percent) in FY 2016-17 compared to end of session. Most of the increase comes in
special education, which is anticipated to increase $17.1 million (0.7 percent). This
adjustment is due to corrections in the model which projects special education costs and
calculates special education aid. The revised model accounts for additional costs eligible
for special education aid under the new special education formula. Some of these costs,
most significantly fringe benefits, were inadvertently excluded in the 2014 February
forecast.
A correction to the FY 2016-17 appropriations tracking for statewide testing causes an
increase of $4.6 million (12.3 percent) compared to previous estimates. Additionally,
the previously described adjustments to the school breakfast program estimates also
contribute to the change. Expenditures are anticipated to increase $6.2 million (46
percent) for FY 2016-17 compared to end of session projections.
Offsetting these increases is a decrease in the regular debt service equalization program.
Debt service aid is forecast to decline by $5.5 million (11.5 percent) in FY 2016-17
compared to end of session estimates. This is due to a higher portion of debt service
being paid from levy, as a result of higher property tax values than previously forecast.
On an appropriations basis, the biennial growth in E-12 education between FY 2014-15
and FY 2016-17 is relatively small, just $190 million (1.1 percent). This change is
artificially deflated due to the one-time buyback of funding shifts in FY 2014 totaling
58
November 2014
over $800 million. In FY 2014, school districts received 90 percent of their current year
aid entitlement and 13.6 percent of their prior year aid entitlement, due to the repayment
of a previous aid payment shift. Fiscal year 2014 spending was also increased due to the
buyback of a property tax recognition shift. In FY 2015 and beyond, schools return to a
regular payment schedule: 90 percent of their current year entitlement and 10 percent of
their prior year entitlement.
Removing the impact of the shift buybacks, E-12 education would be growing by 6.3
percent. This is due in part to legislative changes enacted beginning in the second year of
the biennium, including a 1.5 percent increase on the basic formula and the
implementation of all-day kindergarten. Additionally, total pupil counts are rising and
special education funding is growing at approximately 11 percent between the biennia
due to inflationary factors built into the formula and to a new formula beginning in FY
2016.
Health & Human Services. In FY 2016-17, overall general fund health and human
services spending is down $443 million (3.4 percent) compared to end of session
estimates. As in the previous biennium, changes to MA drive the majority of the
reduction ($442 million, a 4.3 percent change from end of session).
Many of the trends impacting FY 2014-15 spending in health and human services
continue to impact spending estimates in FY 2016-17. Managed care rates and basic care
enrollment patterns are again the primary factors. In FY 2016-17 MA enrollment changes
resulted in a $91 million reduction (1.3 percent) from the end of session forecast.
Enrollment of families and children is expected to reach previous estimates by 2017.
Lower managed care rates led to a $273 million (4.0 percent) reduction in spending in FY
2016-17.
State spending for long-term care (LTC) waivers is expected to be $82 million (2.6
percent) lower than end of session forecasts in FY 2016-17. This is driven by a
moderation in both expected waiver enrollment growth and expected payment growth.
Spending across non-health care programs decreased $1 million (0.05 percent) in FY
2016-17 compared to end of session estimates. MFIP child care assistance spending grew
$30 million from end of session estimates, consistent with changes in FY 2014-15.
Forested spending on other non-health care programs was revised downward, largely due
to lower enrollment expectations.
Though spending estimates are reduced in both the current and next biennium relative to
previously forecasted amounts, health and human services spending continues to grow
year over year. Health and human services general fund spending is expected to grow by
$1.55 billion (13.9 percent) from the current biennium to the next. Ninety percent of this
growth is a result of increased spending for MA, which is expected to grow $1.4 billion.
Families and kids basic care costs will increase by $857 million from the current
biennium, due primarily to 16% higher average biennial enrollment resulting from
expansion of MA eligibility and the individual mandate requirement of the Affordable
Care Act, the effects of which began in January 2014. Elderly and disabled basic care
59
November 2014
will increase by $456 million from the current biennium to the next. This change is due to
a growth in average payments (15 percent from FY 2015 to FY 2017), and a steady
growth in enrollment over time. LTC waivers are also expected to grow by $409 million
from FY 2014-15 to FY 2016-17 as increased demand for long term care services
continues.
Non-health care spending is expected to grow $118 million (4.4 percent) from FY 201415 to FY 2016-17. The biggest driver of this change is MFIP child care assistance, which
is forecasted to increase by $56 million (38 percent) in the next biennium.
Health and human services expenditures are expected to grow 13.9 percent from FY
2014-15 to FY 2016-17, and 11.2 percent into FY2018-19.
Property Tax, Aids, and Credits. Expenditures for tax aids and credits spending are
expected to be $3.38 billion in FY 2016-17, an increase of $411.2 million (13.9 percent)
over estimated spending in the current biennium. Driving this increase is full
implementation of policy and aid payment changes made in the 2013 and 2014 legislative
sessions. Included in the biennial increase is $181.8 million in higher spending for
property tax refunds due to expanded program eligibility and higher maximum refunds
and a $148.5 million increase in general aid to cities and counties. In addition to these
program expansions in property tax aids and credits, new programs were also added in
the 2013 and 2014 legislative sessions that contribute to the biennial growth including
township aid, aquatic invasive species prevention aid, debt service aid for the Lewis and
Clark water project in southwest Minnesota and new payments to Bloomington and
Minneapolis. Property tax aids and credits spending is expected to be $3.8 million higher
(0.1 percent) than prior planning estimates for the FY 16-17 biennium.
Debt Service and All Other Spending. Debt service expenditures are expected to be
$1.277 billion in the next biennium, $34 million (2.8 percent) higher than the current
biennium. This estimate reflects slightly higher interest rate assumptions on future bond
60
November 2014
sales compared to recent bond sales, an increase in the size of projected bond sales, and
the continued growth of long term financing costs based on projected legislative actions
on capital budgets and an increase in debt outstanding.
Expenditures in all other areas of the state budget are expected to be $282 million (3.9
percent) lower in FY 2016-17, compared to the current biennium. This change is largely
due one-time expenditures in the current biennium not continuing into the next budget
period including cash payments for capital projects in FY 2014. Partially offsetting the
overall biennial decrease is $5.6 million in added state aid for the Destination Medical
Center project in Rochester that was not previously projected for FY 2016-17.
Planning Estimates
The growth in state expenditures shown from the current biennium into FY 2016-17 is
expected to be similar into the FY 2018-19 biennium. Total projected spending in the
planning years is expected to reach $43.050 billion, an increase of $1.807 billion (4.4
percent) over estimates for FY 2016-17. The growth trends in the major forecast
programs remain the same as described for FY 2016-17 with growth in health and human
services spending accounting for a majority of the increase ($1.430 billion, 11.2 percent)
due to continued MA growth. E-12 education spending is expected to increase $351
million, largely due to increased special education payments. Property tax aids and
credits is expected to be up $91 million from growth in property tax refunds. Offsetting
the overall increase is a reduction in forecasted debt service due to bonds maturing.
FY 2018-19 Planning Estimates
Biennial Comparison
($ in millions)
Blank
K-12 Education
Debt Service
All Other
Total Expenditures
FY 2016-17
$16,819
3,375
12,757
1,277
7,015
41,243
FY 2018-19
$17,169
3,467
14,187
1,222
7,005
43,050
$
Change
$351
91
1,430
(55)
(10)
%
Change
2.1
2.7
11.2
(4.3)
(0.1)
1,807
4.4
E-12 Education. Total spending for education aids is anticipated to grow by $351
million between FY 2016-17 and FY 2018-19. The long-term growth in this forecast is
largely the result of projected increases in special education aid. Special education is
assumed to grow by $291 million between FY 2016-17 and FY 2018-19. This is driven
by increases built into the special education formula, which recognize both growth in
special education costs and growth in the number of qualifying students.
Health & Human Services. General fund health and human services spending is
expected to grow by another $1.43 billion from FY 2016-17 to FY 2018-19. Growth
trends discussed above will continue to drive spending increases in FY 2018-19. The
exception is in the service category of adults without kids, where spending will increase
61
November 2014
by $207 million (343 percent) in the FY 2018-19 biennium. The costs for this group will
rise as the federal cost share steps down from 100 percent to 95 percent in calendar year
2017. This rate will continue to fall until reaching 90 percent federal share in 2020.
Property Tax, Aids, and Credits. Tax aids and credits spending is expected to reach
$3.47 billion in the 2018-19 biennium, a $91 million increase (2.7 percent) over forecast
expenditures for FY 2016-17. This growth is primarily due to growth in the property tax
refund programs which, in total, are expected to reach $1.37 billion in the planning years,
an increase of $52.5 million (4.0 percent) over FY 2016-17. The Payments in Lieu of
Taxes (PILT) program is forecast to reach $78.6 million in the out biennium, an increase
of $15.1 million (23.7 percent) resulting from increased assessment value of PILT land.
Finally police state aid is expected to be up $16.3 million (8.2 percent) due to forecast
increases in insurance premium tax receipts.
62
November 2014
APPENDIX
SELECTIVE STATUTORY PROVISIONS
Minnesota Statutes 16A.152 Budget Reserve and Cash Flow Accounts.....................64
ECONOMIC DATA
Selective Economic Charts ..........................................................................................66
Minnesota Economic Forecast Summary ....................................................................74
U.S. Economic Forecast Summary ..............................................................................75
Alternative Economic Forecasts Comparison .............................................................76
IHS Baseline Economic Forecasts Comparison .........................................................76
Economic Forecasts Comparison: Minnesota and U.S. ...............................................77
Economic Factors Affecting Tax Revenue .................................................................78
REVENUE EXPERIENCE
FY Close: End-of-Session vs. Actual Comparison ......................................................81
Current Fiscal Year-to-Date: End-of-Session vs. Actual Comparison ........................82
GENERAL FUND BALANCE SHEETS
Current Biennium: End-of-Session vs. Forecast Comparison .....................................83
Current Biennium: By Fiscal Year ..............................................................................84
Next Biennium: End-of-Session vs. Forecast Comparison..........................................85
Next Biennium: By Fiscal Year ...................................................................................86
Biennial Comparison: Current vs. Next .......................................................................87
Planning Horizon: By Biennium ..................................................................................88
OTHER DATA
Historical and Projected Revenue Growth ..................................................................89
Historical and Projected Expenditure Growth ............................................................90
63
November 2014
MINNESOTA STATUTES 2014 16A.152

16A.152 BUDGET RESERVE AND CASH FLOW ACCOUNTS.
Subdivision 1. Cash flow account established. A cash flow account is created in the
general fund in the state treasury. Amounts in the cash flow account shall remain in the
account until drawn down and used to meet cash flow deficiencies resulting from uneven
distribution of revenue collections and required expenditures during a fiscal year.
Subd. 1a. Budget reserve. A budget reserve account is created in the general fund in
the state treasury. The commissioner of management and budget shall transfer to the
budget reserve account on July 1 of each odd-numbered year any amounts specifically
appropriated by law to the budget reserve.
Subd. 1b. Budget reserve level. (a) The commissioner of management and budget
shall calculate the budget reserve level by multiplying the current biennium's general
fund non-dedicated revenues and the most recent budget reserve percentage under
subdivision 8.
(b) If, on the basis of a November forecast of general fund revenues and expenditures,
the commissioner of management and budget determines that there will be a positive
unrestricted general fund balance at the close of the biennium and that the provisions of
subdivision 2, clauses (1), (2), (3), and (4), are satisfied, the commissioner shall transfer
to the budget reserve account in the general fund the amount necessary to increase the
budget reserve to the budget reserve level determined under paragraph (a). The amount of
the transfer authorized in this paragraph shall not exceed 33 percent of the positive
unrestricted general fund balance determined in the forecast.
Subd. 2. Additional revenues; priority. (a) If on the basis of a forecast of general
fund revenues and expenditures, the commissioner of management and budget
determines that there will be a positive unrestricted budgetary general fund balance at the
close of the biennium, the commissioner of management and budget must allocate money
to the following accounts and purposes in priority order:
(1) the cash flow account established in subdivision 1 until that account reaches
$350,000,000;
(2) the budget reserve account established in subdivision 1a until that account reaches
$810,992,000;
(3) the amount necessary to increase the aid payment schedule for school district aids
and credits payments in section 127A.45 to not more than 90 percent rounded to the
nearest tenth of a percent without exceeding the amount available and with any remaining
funds deposited in the budget reserve; and
(4) the amount necessary to restore all or a portion of the net aid reductions under
section 127A.441and to reduce the property tax revenue recognition shift under section
123B.75, subdivision 5, by the same amount.
64
November 2014
(b) The amounts necessary to meet the requirements of this section are appropriated
from the general fund within two weeks after the forecast is released or, in the case of
transfers under paragraph (a), clauses(3) and (4), as necessary to meet the appropriations
schedules otherwise established in statute.
(c) The commissioner of management and budget shall certify the total dollar amount
of the reductions under paragraph (a), clauses (3) and (4), to the commissioner of
education. The commissioner of education shall increase the aid payment percentage and
reduce the property tax shift percentage by these amounts and apply those reductions to
the current fiscal year and thereafter.
Subd. 8. Report on budget reserve percentage. (a) The commissioner of
management and budget shall develop and annually review a methodology for evaluating
the adequacy of the budget reserve based on the volatility of Minnesota's general fund tax
structure. The review must take into consideration relevant statistical and economic
literature. After completing the review, the commissioner may revise the methodology if
necessary. The commissioner must use the methodology to annually estimate the
percentage of the current biennium's general fund no dedicated revenues recommended as
a budget reserve.
(b) By January 15 of each year, the commissioner shall report the percentage of the
current biennium's general fund non-dedicated revenue that is recommended as a budget
reserve to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with
jurisdiction over the Department of Management and Budget. The report must also
specify:
(1) whether the commissioner revised the recommendation as a result of significant
changes in the mix of general fund taxes or the base of one or more general fund taxes;
(2) whether the commissioner revised the recommendation as a result of a revision to
the methodology; and
(3) any additional appropriate information.
65
November 2014

10%
Percent Change Annual Rate

Forecast
8%
6%
4%
2%
0%
-2%
-4%
-6%
-8%
-10%
92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, National Bureau of Economic Research, and IHS Economics
The U.S. economy bounced back sharply from its winter slump in the early part of the year. IHS
Economics (IHS) expects real GDP growth to accelerate from 2.2 percent in 2014, to 2.6 percent
in 2015 and 2.8 percent in 2016, as consumer spending slowly accelerates.
Consumer Price Indexes

8%
Percent Change vs. Year Ago

Forecast
6%
4%
2%
0%
-2%
Consumer Price Index

Core Consumer Price Index (Excludes Food & Energy)
-4%
92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Bureau of Economic Research, and IHS Economics
Inflation remains quiet, as weaker prices for energy commodities, such as gasoline, have helped
offset rising prices for rent and food. Overall, IHS expects growth in consumer prices to
decelerate from 1.7 percent in 2014, to 1.0 percent in 2015 and 1.6 percent in 2016.
66
November 2014
Interest Rates
14%
12%
Percent
Forecast
3 Month T-Bill
10 Year T-Note
30-Year Fixed Mortgage
10%
8%
6%
4%
2%
0%
-2%
92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Source: Federal Reserve Board, Freddie Mac, National Bureau of Economic Research, and IHS Economics
The combination of low inflationary pressures and weak labor market conditions has allowed the
Fed to maintain highly accommodative monetary policies. In the November baseline, the Federal
Reserve begins to raise the federal funds rate in June 2015.
Real Final Sales & Consumption

8%

Forecast
6%
4%
2%
0%
-2%
Real Final Sales of Domestic Product

Real Personal Consumption Expenditures
-4%
92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Stronger economic fundamentals for the consumer will provide welcome momentum next year.
IHS expects real consumer spending growth to accelerate from 2.3 percent in 2014, to 2.8
percent in 2015 and 3.0 percent in 2016, led by autos and other big-ticket durable items.
67
November 2014
Consumer Sentiment and Unemployment Rate

120
Diffusion Index
Percent
Forecast
110
12%
10%
100
8%
90
6%
80
4%
70
60
2%
Unemployment Rate (Right Axis)

U of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index (Left Axis)
50
0%
92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Source: University of Michigan, Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Bureau of Economic Research, and IHS Economics
The job market is improving, which is boosting consumer confidence. Separate measures released
by the Conference Board and the Reuters/University of Michigan show that confidence among
U.S. consumers is at post-recession highs.
Light Vehicle Sales and Oil Prices
22
20
Millions of Units, Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate
$ Per Barrel
Forecast
Average Price of Oil - Brent Crude (Right Axis)
$160
Light Vehicle Sales (Left Axis)
$120
18
16
$80
14
12
$40
10
8
$0
92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, Investors Business Daily, National Bureau of Economic Research, and IHS Economics
Brent oil prices have fallen from a 2014 high of $112/barrel in June to less than $79/barrel in
mid-November, helping to drive down the price of gasoline from $3.70/gallon to below
$3.00/gallon.
68
November 2014
Housing Starts
Millions, Annual Rate
2.5
Forecast
2.0
1.5
1.0
Total
0.5
Single Family
0.0
92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, National Bureau of Economic Research, and IHS Economics
The nations housing recovery has remained persistently weak over the past year. Severe winter
weather took a toll on housing markets at the start of 2014, and recent data show the pace of
household formation has surprisingly slowed, despite an improving labor market.
S&P 500 Stock Index and Pre-Tax Corporate Profits

60%

Forecast
40%
20%
0%
-20%
-40%
S&P 500 Stock Index

Pre-Tax Corporate Profits
-60%
92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Source: Standard and Poors, National Bureau of Economic Analysis, National Bureau of Economic Research, and IHS Economics
During the recovery, companies have largely chosen to spend record profits on nonproductive
activities, such as share buybacks and dividends. As a result, business investment has not yet
rebounded to its pre-recession share of the economy and productivity has stalled in recent years.
69
November 2014
Real Private Investment

40%

Forecast
20%
0%
-20%
Real Non-Residential Equipment

Real Non-Residential Construction
Real Residential Construction
-40%
92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Borrowing costs remain low, fiscal policy uncertainty has diminished, and the job market is
improving, making new equipment spending more attractive. IHS Economics expects investment
in equipment to advance around 6 through 2017.
Total Non-Farm Productivity

12%

Forecast
10%
8%
6%
4%
2%
0%
-2%
-4%
-6%
92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Nonfarm productivity has been subdued this year as the labor market gains momentum. IHS
expects productivity to grow just 0.7 percent in 2014, before drifting up toward 2.1 percent
growth by 2016. Productivity growth will be critical to support growth in both the short and long
terms.
70
November 2014
Federal Budget Deficit (NIPA Basis)

$400
Percent
$ Billions, Annual Rate
Forecast
$200
$0
0%
-$200
-2%
-$400
-4%
-$600
-$800
-6%
-$1,000
-$1,200
-8%
Federal Budget Deficit

Relative to Gross Domestic Product
-10%
-$1,400
-$1,600
2%
92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
-12%
The U.S. Treasury Department concludes that the federal government deficit shrank to $483
billion in fiscal year 2014, or 2.8 percent of GDP. This years deficit represents a meaningful
improvement from recent years, which reached almost 10 percent of GDP in 2009.
Balance of Trade (Net Exports)

$0
$ Billions, Annual Rate
Percent
-$100
0%
-1%
-$200
-2%
-$300
-$400
-3%
-$500
-4%
-$600
-$700
-5%
Net Exports
Relative to Gross Domestic Product
-6%
-$800
-$900
Forecast
92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
-7%
Global growth is slowly strengthening, led by the United States. IHS expects world real GDP to
increase 2.7 percent in 2014, before growth accelerates to 3.2 percent in 2015 and 3.5 percent in
2016. Net trade, however, remains a drag as imports pickup from an improving U.S. economy.
71
November 2014
Industrial Production and Factory Operating Rate

20%
Percent
Forecast
15%
90%
85%
10%
5%
80%
0%
75%
-5%
-10%
70%
-15%
Industrial Production (Left Axis)
-20%
Capacity Utilization (Right Axis)
65%
60%
-25%
92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Source: Federal Reserve Board, National Bureau of Economic Research, and IHS Economics
Recent survey results from the Institute of Supply Management (ISM) strongly suggest that the
manufacturing sector remains in an expansionary phase. Other measures of manufacturing
conditions such as capacity utilization and industrial production have showed similar strength.
Employment Cost Index

6%

Forecast
4%
2%
Total Private Compensation
Private Wages and Salaries
0%
92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Wage growth has remained modest relative to the growth in employment. The employment cost
index, a broad measure of nominal wage and benefits compensation, has averaged only about 2
percent annual growth since the recession ended more than five years ago.
72
November 2014
Total Non-Farm Employment

8%
Forecast
4%
0%
-4%
U.S.
Minnesota
-8%
92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Bureau of Economic Research, IHS Economics, and MN Management & Budget
The November 2014 forecast for Minnesotas economy expects job growth to remain modest.
Minnesota employment is forecast to grow between 1.4 and 1.6 percent though 2016, before
faster productivity gains result in slower job growth for the remainder of the forecast horizon
Wage and Salary Disbursements

12%

Forecast
8%
4%
0%
-4%
U.S.
Minnesota
-8%
92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, National Bureau of Economic Research, IHS Economics, and MN Management & Budget
Preliminary labor market data and income tax withholding collections suggests Minnesotas
nominal wage and salary income rose 3.9 percent in 2014, up from 3.1 percent growth in 2013.
MMB forecasts Minnesota wage income to rise 4.4 percent in 2015 and 4.6 percent in 2016
73
November 2014
Minnesota Economic Forecast Summary

Forecast 2014 to 2019 - Calendar Years
blank
Personal Income
%Chg
Wage & Salary Disbursements
%Chg
Non-Wage Personal Income
%Chg
Supplements to Wages & Salaries
%Chg
Dividends, Interest, & Rent Income
%Chg
Farm Proprietors Income
%Chg
Non-Farm Proprietors Income
%Chg
Personal Current Transfer Receipts
%Chg
Less: Contrib. for Gov. Social Ins.
%Chg
Real Personal Income
%Chg
Real Wage & Salary Disbursements
%Chg
Employment - Total Non-Farm Payrolls
%Chg
Construction
%Chg
Manufacturing
%Chg
Private Service-Providing
%Chg
Government
%Chg
Minnesota Civilian Labor Force
Employment - Household Survey
Unemployment Rate (%)
Total Population
%Chg
Total Population Age 16 & Over
%Chg
Total Population Age 65 & Over
%Chg
Total Households
%Chg
Total Housing Permits (Authorized)
%Chg
Single-Family
%Chg
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Current Dollar Income (Billions of Dollars)
257.466 266.059 278.118 291.925 307.543 322.388 336.893
1.0
3.3
4.5
5.0
5.3
4.8
4.5
139.720 145.147 151.563 158.495 165.898 173.420 181.153
3.1
3.9
4.4
4.6
4.7
4.5
4.5
117.745 120.915 126.553 133.428 141.645 148.965 155.738
-1.3
2.7
4.7
5.4
6.2
5.2
4.5
30.658
32.143
33.903
35.478
37.129
38.754
40.314
2.0
4.8
5.5
4.6
4.7
4.4
4.0
47.043
48.489
49.808
53.303
58.403
62.585
65.879
2.1
3.1
2.7
7.0
9.6
7.2
5.3
3.751
2.363
2.796
3.222
3.465
3.544
3.543
-38.4
-37.0
18.3
15.2
7.5
2.3
0.0
19.338
20.282
21.372
22.248
22.948
23.683
24.644
5.3
4.9
5.4
4.1
3.1
3.2
4.1
40.395
42.383
44.638
46.496
48.505
50.771
53.246
3.7
4.9
5.3
4.2
4.3
4.7
4.9
22.388
23.722
24.939
26.294
27.779
29.344
30.862
17.2
6.0
5.1
5.4
5.6
5.6
5.2
Real Income (Billions of 2009 Dollars)
239.871 244.525 252.858 261.698 270.850 278.653 285.510
-0.2
1.9
3.4
3.5
3.5
2.9
2.5
130.172 133.399 137.800 142.090 146.103 149.898 153.523
1.9
2.5
3.3
3.1
2.8
2.6
2.4
Employment (Thousands)
2,777.8
2,817.7
2,864.3
2,907.7
2,941.4
2,966.9
2,989.1
1.7
1.4
1.7
1.5
1.2
0.9
0.7
100.3
107.4
113.4
117.8
120.9
123.3
124.1
5.6
7.0
5.6
3.9
2.6
2.0
0.6
307.6
311.5
313.8
316.8
319.9
322.2
323.3
0.6
1.3
0.7
1.0
1.0
0.7
0.3
1,948.7
1,975.8
2,013.5
2,045.8
2,067.8
2,082.9
2,097.7
2.0
1.4
1.9
1.6
1.1
0.7
0.7
414.2
416.1
417.1
419.9
424.4
430.0
435.3
0.4
0.5
0.2
0.7
1.1
1.3
1.2
2,973.5
2,987.9
3,006.4
3,034.0
3,058.2
3,080.0
3,098.8
2,822.9
2,858.2
2,884.9
2,913.6
2,939.8
2,962.6
2,980.6
5.1
4.3
4.0
4.0
3.9
3.8
3.8
Demographic Indicators (Millions)
5.420
5.461
5.500
5.542
5.585
5.625
5.666
0.8
0.7
0.7
0.8
0.8
0.7
0.7
4.284
4.320
4.355
4.392
4.429
4.462
4.496
0.9
0.9
0.8
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.8
0.756
0.780
0.807
0.835
0.865
0.894
0.923
3.6
3.2
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.4
3.2
2.120
2.135
2.161
2.193
2.222
2.247
2.270
0.4
0.7
1.2
1.5
1.3
1.1
1.0
Housing Indicators (Thousands)
16.818
17.332
20.364
22.573
23.873
24.209
23.940
12.1
3.1
17.5
10.8
5.8
1.4
-1.1
10.598
10.376
11.852
12.651
12.885
12.582
11.981
23.8
-2.1
14.2
6.7
1.9
-2.4
-4.8
Source: Minnesota Management & Budget (MMB) November 2014 Forecast
74
November 2014
U.S. Economic Forecast Summary

blank
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Real National Income Accounts (Billions of 2009 Dollars)
Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
15,710.3 16,055.5 16,467.4 16,923.5 17,435.4 17,883.8 18,350.9
%Chg
2.2
2.2
2.6
2.8
3.0
2.6
2.6
Real Consumption
10,699.7 10,940.6 11,246.9 11,579.8 11,936.8 12,253.1 12,559.0
%Chg
2.4
2.3
2.8
3.0
3.1
2.6
2.5
Real Nonresidential Fixed Investment
1,990.6
2,107.8
2,196.6
2,303.6
2,448.3
2,572.0
2,675.0
%Chg
3.0
5.9
4.2
4.9
6.3
5.1
4.0
Real Residential Investment
488.4
495.2
546.4
602.9
645.7
655.7
662.9
%Chg
11.9
1.4
10.3
10.3
7.1
1.6
1.1
Real Personal Income
13,198.7 13,570.4 14,005.3 14,496.0 15,041.1 15,508.6 15,955.7
%Chg
0.8
2.8
3.2
3.5
3.8
3.1
2.9
Current Dollar National Income Accounts (Billions of Dollars)
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
16,768.1 17,406.2 18,189.7 19,028.7 19,971.6 20,877.9 21,849.6
%Chg
3.7
3.8
4.5
4.6
5.0
4.5
4.7
Personal Income
14,166.9 14,765.5 15,404.3 16,170.3 17,078.9 17,942.9 18,827.1
%Chg
2.0
4.2
4.3
5.0
5.6
5.1
4.9
Wage & Salary Disbursements
7,124.7
7,475.7
7,831.0
8,209.9
8,630.6
9,058.5
9,504.5
%Chg
2.8
4.9
4.8
4.8
5.1
5.0
4.9
Non-Wage Personal Income
7,042.2
7,289.8
7,573.3
7,960.4
8,448.3
8,884.4
9,322.7
%Chg
1.2
3.5
3.9
5.1
6.1
5.2
4.9
Price and Wage Indexes
U.S. GDP Deflator (2005=1.0)
106.739 108.434 110.455 112.434 114.542 116.738 119.061
%Chg
1.5
1.6
1.9
1.8
1.9
1.9
2.0
U.S. Consumer Price Index (1982-84=1.0)
2.330
2.369
2.391
2.429
2.481
2.537
2.595
%Chg
1.5
1.7
1.0
1.6
2.2
2.2
2.3
Employment Cost Index (Dec 2005=1.0)
1.187
1.213
1.246
1.282
1.322
1.365
1.411
%Chg
1.9
2.2
2.8
2.9
3.1
3.3
3.3
Employment (Thousands)
Employment - Total Non-Farm Payrolls
136.4
138.8
141.4
143.5
145.3
146.6
147.7
%Chg
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.5
1.3
0.9
0.7
Construction
5.8
6.0
6.3
6.7
7.2
7.6
7.8
%Chg
3.3
3.5
5.0
6.6
6.8
4.8
2.8
Manufacturing
12.0
12.1
12.3
12.3
12.3
12.3
12.3
%Chg
0.7
1.0
1.0
0.5
0.3
-0.1
-0.4
Private Service-Providing
95.8
97.9
99.9
101.4
102.5
103.1
103.8
%Chg
2.2
2.2
2.1
1.5
1.1
0.6
0.6
Government
21.9
21.9
22.0
22.1
22.3
22.6
22.8
%Chg
-0.3
0.1
0.4
0.5
0.9
1.2
1.1
U.S. Civilian Labor Force
155.4
155.9
157.7
159.7
161.7
163.4
164.8
Employment - Household Survey
143.9
146.3
148.7
150.9
153.1
154.8
156.1
Unemployment Rate (%)
7.4
6.2
5.7
5.5
5.3
5.3
5.3
Other Key Measures
Non-Farm Productivity (index, 2005=1.0)
1.054
1.062
1.078
1.100
1.124
1.148
1.174
%Chg
0.9
0.7
1.5
2.1
2.2
2.1
2.3
Total Ind. Production (index, 2007=100)
99.932 103.908 106.616 110.827 114.709 117.703 120.511
%Chg
2.9
4.0
2.6
4.0
3.5
2.6
2.4
Manhours in Private Non-Farm Estab.
Billions of Hours
192.9
197.3
201.4
204.4
207.6
209.8
211.8
%Chg
1.9
2.3
2.0
1.5
1.6
1.1
0.9
Average Weekly Hours
32.4
32.5
32.5
32.4
32.5
32.6
32.7
Manufacturing Workweek
41.9
41.9
41.6
41.5
41.5
41.5
41.4
Source: IHS Economics (IHS); November 2014 Baseline
75
November 2014
Alternative Forecast Comparison

Calendar Years
blank
14Q1
14Q2
14Q3
14Q4
15Q1
15Q2
2013
2014
2015
2016
2.2
2.2
2.2
2.2
2.2
2.2
2.2
2.2
2.2
2.2
2.2
2.2
2.6
3.0
3.3
3.0
2.7
2.9
2.8
2.9
3.6
2.7
3.0
2.8
Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Percent Change, Seasonally Adjusted at Annual Rate
IHS Economics Baseline (11-14)
Blue Chip Consensus (11-14)
Moody's Analytics (11-14)
Standard & Poors (11-14)
Wells Fargo (11-14)
UBS (11-14)
-2.1
-2.1
-2.1
-2.1
-2.1
-2.1
4.6
4.6
4.6
4.6
4.6
4.6
3.5
3.5
3.5
3.2
3.5
3.5
2.0
2.7
2.4
2.8
1.6
2.8
2.3
2.8
3.1
3.0
2.4
2.5
2.2
2.8
3.5
2.9
2.6
2.4
Consumer Price Index (CPI), Percent Change, Seasonally Adjusted at Annual Rate (except where noted)
IHS Economics Baseline (11-14)
Blue Chip Consensus (11-14)
Moody's Analytics (11-14)
Standard & Poors (11-14)
Wells Fargo (11-14)*
UBS (11-14)
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.4
1.9
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
2.1
3.0
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.8
1.1
-0.3
0.7
1.0
0.5
1.5
0.6
0.3
1.7
2.0
1.7
1.5
1.9
1.7
2.1
2.4
2.0
1.3
2.5
1.5
1.7
1.0
1.6
1.5
1.7
1.8
2.2
1.5
1.7
1.9
1.5
1.7
1.5
1.6
1.5
1.7
1.7
2.4
1.5
1.7
1.8
2.4
* Year-over-Year Percent Change
IHS Economics Baseline Forecast Comparison

Calendar Years
blank
February 2009
November 2009
February 2010
November 2010
February 2011
November 2011
February 2012
November 2012
February 2013
November 2013
February 2014
November 2014
February 2009
November 2009
February 2010
November 2010
February 2011
November 2011
February 2012
November 2012
February 2013
November 2013
February 2014
November 2014
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Annual Percent Change
3.3
2.9
3.7
2.9
3.7
2.9
2.9
2.7
3.1
3.1
2.9
3.1
3.3
2.9
1.6
2.5
3.5
3.3
2.1
2.3
3.3
3.2
2.1
1.9
2.8
3.3
2.9
2.1
2.2
1.9
2.8
3.3
2.9
2.8
2.8
1.7
2.5
3.1
3.3
3.1
2.8
1.9
2.7
3.3
3.4
3.1
2.3
2.2
2.2
2.6
2.8
3.0
2.6
2.6
Consumer Price Index (CPI), Annual Percent Change
2.3
2.6
2.0
1.8
2.0
1.9
1.9
2.0
2.2
2.2
1.7
1.9
2.2
2.2
1.5
1.7
2.0
2.1
2.0
1.8
1.9
1.9
2.1
1.3
1.8
1.7
1.9
1.9
2.1
1.4
1.7
1.6
1.7
1.8
2.1
1.4
1.4
1.7
1.9
1.9
2.1
1.5
1.3
1.7
1.8
1.8
2.1
1.5
1.7
1.0
1.6
2.2
2.2
2.3
Source: IHS Economics (IHS)
76
November 2014
Forecast Comparison: Minnesota & U.S.

blank
Minnesota
November 2014
%Chg
February 2014
%Chg
U.S.
November 2014
%Chg
February 2014
%Chg
Minnesota
November 2014
%Chg
February 2014
%Chg
U.S.
November 2014
%Chg
February 2014
%Chg
Minnesota
November 2014
%Chg
February 2014
%Chg
U.S.
November 2014
%Chg
February 2014
%Chg
Minnesota
November 2014
%Chg
February 2014
%Chg
U.S.
November 2014
%Chg
February 2014
%Chg
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Personal Income (Billions of Current Dollars)
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
254.9
257.5
266.1
278.1
291.9
307.5
322.4
336.9
5.4
1.0
3.3
4.5
5.0
5.3
4.8
4.5
252.4
258.5
268.9
282.1
296.6
311.7
326.6
340.8
4.6
2.4
4.0
4.9
5.2
5.1
4.8
4.3
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
13,887.7 14,166.9 14,765.5 15,404.3 16,170.3 17,078.9 17,942.9 18,827.1
5.2
2.0
4.2
4.3
5.0
5.6
5.1
4.9
13,743.8 14,133.5 14,696.0 15,446.3 16,278.2 17,173.3 18,039.2 18,889.3
4.2
2.8
4.0
5.1
5.4
5.5
5.0
4.7
Wage and Salary Disbursements (Billions of Current Dollars)
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
135.6
139.7
145.1
151.6
158.5
165.9
173.4
181.2
5.0
3.1
3.9
4.4
4.6
4.7
4.5
4.5
135.4
140.1
147.1
154.9
162.9
170.7
178.0
185.1
4.8
3.5
5.0
5.3
5.2
4.7
4.3
4.0
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
6,932.1
7,124.7
7,475.7
7,831.0
8,209.9
8,630.6
9,058.5
9,504.5
4.5
2.8
4.9
4.8
4.8
5.1
5.0
4.9
6,926.8
7,137.8
7,434.7
7,837.2
8,253.5
8,666.3
9,060.0
9,448.6
4.3
3.0
4.2
5.4
5.3
5.0
4.5
4.3
Total Non-Farm Payroll Employment (Thousands)
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
2,730.7
2,777.8
2,817.7
2,864.3
2,907.7
2,941.4
2,966.9
2,989.1
1.6
1.7
1.4
1.7
1.5
1.2
0.9
0.7
2,730.9
2,776.6
2,820.0
2,881.3
2,942.0
2,991.2
3,025.1
3,047.7
1.6
1.7
1.6
2.2
2.1
1.7
1.1
0.7
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
134,098 136,363 138,838 141,411 143,464 145,299 146,562 147,651
1.7
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.5
1.3
0.9
0.7
133,737 135,927 138,169 141,210 144,194 146,679 148,350 149,458
1.7
1.6
1.6
2.2
2.1
1.7
1.1
0.7
Average Annual Non-Farm Wage (Current Dollars)
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
49,641
50,299
51,513
52,915
54,510
56,401
58,451
60,605
3.4
1.3
2.4
2.7
3.0
3.5
3.6
3.7
49,593
50,467
52,168
53,777
55,381
57,055
58,825
60,721
3.2
1.8
3.4
3.1
3.0
3.0
3.1
3.2
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
blank
51,694
52,248
53,844
55,377
57,226
59,399
61,807
64,371
2.8
1.1
3.1
2.8
3.3
3.8
4.1
4.1
51,794
52,512
53,809
55,500
57,239
59,084
61,072
63,219
2.6
1.4
2.5
3.1
3.1
3.2
3.4
3.5
Source: IHS Economics (IHS) and Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB)
77
November 2014
Factors Affecting Tax Revenue

Billions of Current Dollars
blank
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Individual Income Tax (Calendar Years)
Minnesota Non-Farm Tax Base

February 2012
194.943
203.230
%Chg
4.2
4.3
November 2012
192.573
199.658
%Chg
4.4
3.7
February 2013
193.802
198.765
%Chg
5.1
2.6
November 2013
196.327
204.957
%Chg
5.3
4.4
February 2014
196.327
203.603
%Chg
5.3
3.7
November 2014
199.980
206.101
%Chg
6.9
3.1
Minnesota Wage and Salary Disbursements
February 2012
136.133
141.815
%Chg
4.2
4.2
November 2012
135.623
140.065
%Chg
4.6
3.3
February 2013
136.166
139.090
%Chg
5.0
2.1
November 2013
135.435
141.108
%Chg
4.8
4.2
February 2014
135.435
140.128
%Chg
4.8
3.5
November 2014
135.558
139.720
%Chg
5.0
3.1
Minnesota Dividends, Interest, & Rental Income
February 2012
42.292
43.922
%Chg
4.0
3.9
November 2012
40.582
42.526
%Chg
4.2
4.8
February 2013
41.010
42.685
%Chg
5.3
4.1
November 2013
43.487
45.385
%Chg
6.0
4.4
February 2014
43.487
45.086
%Chg
6.0
3.7
November 2014
46.062
47.043
%Chg
10.4
2.1
Minnesota Non-Farm Proprietors' Income
February 2012
16.518
17.496
%Chg
4.8
5.9
November 2012
16.367
17.064
%Chg
3.6
4.3
February 2013
16.625
16.989
%Chg
5.2
2.2
November 2013
17.405
18.465
%Chg
6.8
6.1
February 2014
17.405
18.390
%Chg
6.8
5.7
November 2014
18.360
19.338
%Chg
13.2
5.3
2017
2018
2019
212.858
4.7
209.583
5.0
210.048
5.7
214.980
4.9
213.810
5.0
213.919
3.8
223.563
5.0
220.465
5.2
220.613
5.0
225.805
5.0
225.420
5.4
222.743
4.1
Blank
231.453
5.0
231.408
4.9
237.873
5.3
238.065
5.6
234.048
5.1
Blank
241.653
4.4
242.315
4.7
250.970
5.5
251.045
5.5
247.250
5.6
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
259.688
5.0
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
271.678
4.6
148.405
4.6
146.545
4.6
146.780
5.5
147.160
4.3
147.110
5.0
145.147
3.9
155.550
4.8
153.708
4.9
153.973
4.9
154.325
4.9
154.948
5.3
151.563
4.4
Blank
160.825
4.6
161.200
4.7
161.890
4.9
162.930
5.2
158.495
4.6
Blank
167.530
4.2
168.063
4.3
169.563
4.7
170.663
4.7
165.898
4.7
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
173.420
4.5
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
181.153
4.5
45.755
4.2
44.862
5.5
44.949
5.3
48.313
6.5
47.300
4.9
48.489
3.1
48.044
5.0
47.427
5.7
47.103
4.8
50.864
5.3
49.877
5.4
49.808
2.7
Blank
50.393
6.3
49.620
5.3
54.301
6.8
53.438
7.1
53.303
7.0
Blank
53.241
5.7
52.949
6.7
58.723
8.1
57.725
8.0
58.403
9.6
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
62.585
7.2
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
65.879
5.3
18.698
6.9
18.176
6.5
18.320
7.8
19.508
5.6
19.403
5.5
20.282
4.9
19.970
6.8
19.337
6.4
19.540
6.7
20.619
5.7
20.595
6.1
21.372
5.4
Blank
20.238
4.7
20.587
5.4
21.681
5.1
21.700
5.4
22.248
4.1
Blank
20.881
3.2
21.300
3.5
22.684
4.6
22.656
4.4
22.948
3.1
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
23.683
3.2
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
24.644
4.1
78
November 2014
Factors Affecting Tax Revenue (Continued)

blank
2012
2013
2014
2015
General Sales Tax (Fiscal Year)
Minnesota Synthetic Sales Tax Base (Fiscal Year)

February 2012
74.383
77.000
%Chg
5.6
3.5
Blank
Blank
November 2012
72.768
75.755
78.287
81.516
%Chg
5.4
4.1
3.3
4.1
February 2013
72.610
75.610
78.247
81.180
%Chg
5.1
4.1
3.5
3.7
November 2013
71.869
74.932
77.285
81.086
%Chg
5.2
4.3
3.1
4.9
February 2014
73.764
77.085
80.121
84.742
%Chg
5.3
4.5
3.9
5.8
November 2014
73.746
76.929
80.113
83.634
%Chg
5.1
4.3
4.1
4.4
Minnesota's Proxy Share of U.S. Consumer Durable Spending (Excluding Autos)
February 2012
14.083
14.571
%Chg
4.1
3.5
Blank
Blank
November 2012
14.011
14.756
15.215
15.636
%Chg
5.2
5.3
3.1
2.8
February 2013
14.005
14.649
15.087
15.547
%Chg
5.2
4.6
3.0
3.0
November 2013
13.866
14.519
15.253
15.862
%Chg
5.4
4.7
5.1
4.0
February 2014
13.866
14.507
15.141
15.746
%Chg
5.4
4.6
4.4
4.0
November 2014
13.820
14.400
14.844
15.336
%Chg
5.2
4.2
3.1
3.3
Minnesota's Proxy Share of U.S. Capital Equipment Spending
February 2012
13.626
14.602
%Chg
8.6
7.2
Blank
Blank
November 2012
12.283
12.896
13.805
15.122
%Chg
9.1
5.0
7.0
9.5
February 2013
12.271
13.306
14.182
15.272
%Chg
8.9
8.4
6.6
7.7
November 2013
12.827
13.602
14.293
15.653
%Chg
7.8
6.0
5.1
9.5
February 2014
12.827
13.580
14.119
15.649
%Chg
7.8
5.9
4.0
10.8
November 2014
12.820
13.487
14.079
15.116
%Chg
7.8
5.2
4.4
7.4
Minnesota's Proxy Share of U.S. Construction Spending
February 2012
5.184
5.539
%Chg
9.3
6.8
Blank
Blank
November 2012
5.327
5.815
6.372
7.021
%Chg
12.4
9.2
9.6
10.2
February 2013
5.257
5.656
6.171
6.870
%Chg
11.0
7.6
9.1
11.3
November 2013
5.441
5.944
6.693
7.396
%Chg
11.6
9.2
12.6
10.5
February 2014
5.439
5.965
6.684
7.483
%Chg
11.5
9.7
12.1
12.0
November 2014
5.514
5.930
6.721
7.363
%Chg
12.7
7.5
13.3
9.6
79
2016
2017
2018
2019
Blank
84.151
3.2
83.936
3.4
84.764
4.5
89.234
5.3
87.403
4.5
Blank
86.583
2.9
86.428
3.0
88.492
4.4
93.625
4.9
91.537
4.7
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
95.285
4.1
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
98.523
3.4
Blank
15.999
2.3
16.044
3.2
16.467
3.8
16.512
4.9
15.920
3.8
Blank
16.292
1.8
16.424
2.4
17.091
3.8
17.212
4.2
16.601
4.3
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
17.316
4.3
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
17.943
3.6
Blank
16.402
8.5
16.522
8.2
17.022
8.7
17.368
11.0
16.412
8.6
Blank
17.397
6.1
17.549
6.2
18.358
7.8
18.748
7.9
17.910
9.1
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
19.108
6.7
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
20.061
5.0
Blank
Blank
Blank
8.196
10.8
8.173
9.2
7.899
7.3
Blank
Blank
Blank
8.869
8.2
8.819
7.9
8.319
5.3
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
8.713
4.7
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
9.026
3.6
November 2014
Factors Affecting Tax Revenue (Continued)

blank
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Corporate Franchise Tax (Calendar Year)
2018
2019
U.S. Corporate Profits (w/ IVA and capital consumption adjustment, less profits from Federal Reserve)
February 2012
1,418.7
1,406.6
1,499.4
1,539.6
%Chg
-5.4
-0.9
6.6
2.7
Blank
Blank
Blank
November 2012
1,445.1
1,373.8
1,390.2
1,405.9
1,398.0
1,399.5
%Chg
5.1
-4.9
1.2
1.1
-0.6
0.1
Blank
February 2013
1,449.4
1,372.8
1,411.1
1,445.5
1,452.9
1,469.8
%Chg
5.4
-5.3
2.8
2.4
0.5
1.2
Blank
November 2013*
1,947.8
2,012.2
2,097.9
2,209.0
2,311.5
2,371.8
%Chg
4.8
3.3
4.3
5.3
4.6
2.6
Blank
February 2014
1,947.8
2,027.7
2,167.7
2,270.4
2,352.2
2,412.5
%Chg
4.8
4.1
6.9
4.7
3.6
2.6
Blank
November 2014
1,960.6
2,024.0
1,994.3
2,183.5
2,282.4
2,295.8
2,331.1
%Chg
8.4
3.2
-1.5
9.5
4.5
0.6
1.5
Insurance Gross Premiums Tax (Calendar Year)
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
2,427.9
4.2
Minnesota Direct Premiums Written: Property and Life (Index: 2003=100.0)

February 2012
%Chg
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
November 2012
%Chg
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
February 2013
%Chg
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
November 2013
%Chg
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
February 2014
%Chg
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
November 2014**
121.521
124.190
129.157
131.687
133.996
%Chg
5.0
2.2
4.0
2.0
1.8
Deed & Mortgage Tax (Fiscal Year)
U.S. New and Existing Home Sales (Current $ Value)
February 2012
%Chg
Blank
Blank
November 2012
%Chg
Blank
Blank
February 2013
939.3
1,088.2
%Chg
9.7
15.9
November 2013
937.7
1,140.5
%Chg
9.7
21.6
February 2014
937.7
1,140.6
%Chg
9.7
21.6
November 2014
937.7
1,140.9
%Chg
9.5
21.7
Blank
Blank
1,234.0
13.4
1,334.6
17.0
1,273.5
11.7
1,221.3
7.0
Blank
Blank
1,446.5
17.2
1,509.4
13.1
1,472.5
15.6
1,339.7
9.7
Blank
Blank
1,527.7
5.6
1,574.1
4.3
1,574.3
6.9
1,455.0
8.6
2017
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
135.511
1.1
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
136.147
0.5
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
136.934
0.6
Blank
Blank
1,523.8
-0.3
1,548.1
-1.7
1,559.7
-0.9
1,517.0
4.3
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
1,525.4
0.6
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
1,600.0
4.9
* Beginning November 2013 includes rest-of-world profits to account for change in the Minnesota tax base.
** Beginning November 2014 primary factor became Minnesota Direct Premiums Written: Property and Life.
80
November 2014
FY Close
End of Session vs. Actual Comparison
(FY 2014, $ in thousands)
Blank
5-14 Enacted
FY 2014
Actual & Estimated Resources

Balance Forward From Prior Year
Actual
FY 2014
$
Change
%
Change
Blank
1,711,915
Blank
1,711,915
Blank
0
Blank
0.0%
Current Resources:
Tax Revenues
Non-Tax Revenues
Subtotal - Non-Dedicated Revenue
Blank
18,365,033
725,093
19,090,126
Blank
18,553,847
721,298
19,275,145
Blank
188,814
(3,795)
185,019
Blank
1.0%
-0.5%
1.0%
Dedicated Revenue
Transfers In
Prior Year Adjustments
Subtotal - Other Revenue
Subtotal-Current Resources
Total Resources Available
189
188,442
25,000
213,631
19,303,757
21,015,672
505
187,906
58,702
247,113
19,522,258
21,234,173
316
(536)
33,702
33,482
218,501
218,501
167.2%
-0.3%
134.8%
15.7%
1.1%
1.0%
Actual & Estimated Spending

K-12 Education
K-12 Ptx Rec Shift/Aid Payment Shift
K-12 Education
Blank
7,660,326
812,574
8,472,900
Blank
7,626,951
812,574
8,439,525
Blank
(33,375)
0
(33,375)
Blank
-0.4%
0.0%
-0.4%
Higher Education
Public Safety & Judiciary
Transportation
Environment & Agriculture
1,392,346
1,326,697
5,573,973
974,280
150,195
154,928
1,381,461
1,320,534
5,429,890
943,905
148,201
152,703
(10,885)
(6,163)
(144,083)
(30,375)
(1,994)
(2,225)
-0.8%
-0.5%
-2.6%
-3.1%
-1.3%
-1.4%
232,733
502,764
619,935
194,367
435,873
619,935
(38,366)
(66,891)
0
-16.5%
-13.3%
0.0%
Capital Projects & Grants

Estimated Cancellations
Subtotal Expenditures & Transfers
281,923
(5,110)
19,677,564
281,913
0
19,348,307
(10)
5,110
(329,257)
0.0%
n/m
-39.9%
Dedicated Expenditures
Total Expenditures & Transfers
Balance Before Reserves
189
19,677,753
1,337,919
0
19,348,307
1,885,866
(189)
(329,446)
547,947
-100.0%
-1.7%
41.0%
Cash Flow Account

Budget Reserve
Stadium Reserve
Appropriations Carried Forward
350,000
660,992
37,444
0
350,000
660,992
39,780
178,751
0
0
2,336
178,751
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank
Budgetary Balance
289,483
656,343
366,860
Blank
Jobs, Economic Development, Housing & Commerce

State Government & Veterans
Debt Service
81
November 2014
Current Fiscal Year-to-Date

End-of-Session vs. Actual Revenue Comparison
Fiscal Year-to-Date 2015 (July-October, 2014)
($ in Thousands)
End-of-Session
FY 2015
Actual
FY 2015
Difference
Act-Est.
blank
2,511,300
441,333
177,955
3,130,587
73,162
3,057,425
blank
2,478,627
431,174
211,158
3,120,959
67,922
3,053,037
blank
(32,673)
(10,158)
33,203
(9,628)
(5,241)
(4,388)

Withholding
Declarations
Miscellaneous
Gross
Refunds
Net
Corporate & Bank Excise
Declarations
Miscellaneous
Gross
Refunds
Net
blank
Sales Tax
Gross
Refunds (including Indian Refunds)
Net
blank
Other Revenues:
Estate
Liquor/Wine/Beer
Cigarette/Tobacco/Cont Sub
Deed and Mortgage
Insurance Gross Earnings
Lawful Gambling
Health Care Surcharge
Other Taxes
DHS SOS Collections
Income Tax Reciprocity
Investment Income
Tobacco Settlement
Departmental Earnings
Fines and Surcharges
Lottery Revenues
Revenues yet to be allocated
Residual Revenues
County Nursing Home, Pub Hosp IGT
Other Subtotal
Other Refunds
Other Net
blank
Total Gross
Total Refunds
Total Net
355,364
85,485
440,849
21,991
418,858
1,690,646
65,040
1,625,606
60,155
22,768
174,826
56,531
83,003
14,066
96,847
243
190,989
19,150
1,300
100
65,080
22,851
12,951
31,935
948
853,743
1,198
852,545
6,115,826
161,391
5,954,434
82
blank
blank
blank
402,851
108,650
511,501
18,585
492,915
1,684,962
64,255
1,620,707
48,722
24,507
168,698
59,796
86,041
11,604
61,013
249
194,463
36,521
3,647
100
57,054
21,241
14,613
145
28,129
2,264
818,807
1,565
817,242
6,136,229
152,328
5,983,902
blank
Blank
blank
47,488
23,164
70,652
(3,406)
74,058
(5,684)
(784)
(4,899)
(11,433)
1,739
(6,128)
3,265
3,038
(2,462)
(35,834)
6
3,474
17,371
2,347
(8,026)
(1,610)
1,662
145
(3,806)
1,316
(34,936)
367
(35,303)
20,404
(9,064)
29,468
November 2014
Current Biennium Comparison: FY 2014-15 General Fund Budget

End of Session vs. November 2014 Forecast
($ in thousands)
5-14 Enacted
FY 2014-15
blank
11-14 Fcst
FY 2014-15
$
Change
blank
1,711,915
blank
1,711,915
Blank
0
Current Resources:
Tax Revenues
Non-Tax Revenues
blank
37,316,822
1,444,965
38,761,787
blank
37,584,975
1,429,663
39,014,638
blank
268,153
(15,302)
252,851
Dedicated Revenue
Transfers In
190
280,137
50,000
330,327
39,092,114
40,804,029
1,005
256,635
98,702
356,342
39,370,980
41,082,895
815
(23,502)
48,702
26,015
278,866
278,866

K-12 Education
K-12 Education
blank
15,866,744
812,574
16,679,318
blank
15,816,577
812,574
16,629,151
blank
(50,167)
0
(50,167)
Higher Education
Transportation
2,840,411
2,969,438
11,452,909
1,985,099
269,240
325,242
2,842,782
2,963,896
11,205,276
1,979,800
274,401
384,683
2,371
(5,542)
(247,633)
(5,299)
5,161
59,441
438,357
982,193
1,253,992
438,935
978,912
1,242,995
578
(3,281)
(10,997)

411,103
(20,110)
39,587,192
411,840
(15,000)
39,337,671
737
5,110
(249,521)
190
39,587,382
1,216,647
0
39,337,671
1,745,224
(190)
(249,711)
528,577
Cash Flow Account

Budget Reserve
Stadium Reserve
350,000
810,992
23,392
350,000
994,339
28,227
0
183,347
4,835
Budgetary Balance
32,263
372,658
340,395

Debt Service
83
November 2014
Current Biennium: FY 2014-15 by Fiscal Year

November 2014 General Fund Forecast
($ in thousands)
Actual
FY 2014
blank
11-14 Fcst
FY 2015
Biennial Total
FY 2014-15

Current Resources:
Tax Revenues
Non-Tax Revenues
blank
1,711,915
blank
1,885,866
blank
1,711,915
18,553,847
721,298
19,275,145
19,031,128
708,365
19,739,493
37,584,975
1,429,663
39,014,638
Dedicated Revenue
Transfers In
505
187,906
58,702
247,113
19,522,258
21,234,173
500
68,729
40,000
109,229
19,848,722
21,734,588
1,005
256,635
98,702
356,342
39,370,980
41,082,895

K-12 Education
K-12 Education
blank
7,626,951
812,574
8,439,525
blank
8,189,626
0
8,189,626
blank
15,816,577
812,574
16,629,151
Higher Education
Transportation
1,381,461
1,320,534
5,429,890
943,905
148,201
152,703
1,461,321
1,643,362
5,775,386
1,035,895
126,200
231,980
2,842,782
2,963,896
11,205,276
1,979,800
274,401
384,683
194,367
435,873
619,935
244,568
543,039
623,060
438,935
978,912
1,242,995

281,913
0
19,348,307
1,885,866
129,927
(15,000)
19,989,364
1,745,224
411,840
(15,000)
39,337,671
1,745,224
Cash Flow Account

Budget Reserve
Stadium Reserve
Appropriations Carried Forward
350,000
660,992
39,780
178,751
350,000
994,339
28,227
0
350,000
994,339
28,227
0
Budgetary Balance
656,343
372,658
372,658

Debt Service
84
November 2014
Next Biennium: FY 2016-17 General Fund Budget

End of Session vs. November 2014 Forecast
($ in thousands)
5-14 Enacted
FY 2016-17
blank
11-14 Fcst
FY 2016-17
$
Change
blank
1,216,647
blank
1,745,224
blank
528,577
Current Resources:
Tax Revenues
Non-Tax Revenues
blank
40,633,918
1,412,598
42,046,516
blank
40,252,578
1,400,411
41,652,989
blank
(381,340)
(12,187)
(393,527)
Dedicated Revenue
Transfers In
2
196,062
50,000
246,064
42,292,580
43,509,227
1,000
156,314
70,000
227,314
41,880,303
43,625,527
998
(39,748)
20,000
(18,750)
(412,277)
116,300

K-12 Education
Higher Education
Transportation
blank
16,879,132
2,899,030
3,371,266
13,200,416
2,025,402
211,522
333,277
blank
16,818,839
2,892,530
3,375,110
12,757,252
2,006,509
213,072
337,738
blank
(60,293)
(6,500)
3,844
(443,164)
(18,893)
1,550
4,461
352,730
941,116
1,278,082
358,594
957,371
1,277,493
5,864
16,255
(589)

272,802
(20,000)
41,744,775
268,401
(20,000)
41,242,909
(4,401)
0
(501,866)
2
41,744,777
1,764,450
0
41,242,909
2,382,618
(2)
(501,868)
618,168
350,000
810,992
0
603,458
350,000
994,339
1,390
1,036,889
0
183,347
1,390
433,431

Debt Service
Cash Flow Account

Budget Reserve
Stadium Reserve
Budgetary Balance
85
November 2014
Next Biennium: FY 2016-17 by Fiscal Year

($ in thousands)
11-14 Fcst
FY 2016
blank
11-14 Fcst
FY 2017
Biennial Total
FY 2016-17
blank
1,745,224
blank
1,734,982
blank
1,745,224
Current Resources:
Tax Revenues
Non-Tax Revenues
19,623,908
701,869
20,325,777
20,628,670
698,542
21,327,212
40,252,578
1,400,411
41,652,989
Dedicated Revenue
Transfers In
500
71,181
35,000
106,681
20,432,458
22,177,682
500
85,133
35,000
120,633
21,447,845
23,182,827
1,000
156,314
70,000
227,314
41,880,303
43,625,527

K-12 Education
Higher Education
Transportation
blank
8,355,352
1,446,265
1,674,747
6,264,883
1,005,371
106,536
169,297
blank
8,463,487
1,446,265
1,700,363
6,492,369
1,001,138
106,536
168,441
blank
16,818,839
2,892,530
3,375,110
12,757,252
2,006,509
213,072
337,738
177,182
478,059
636,290
133,718
(5,000)
20,442,700
1,734,982
181,412
479,312
641,203
134,683
(15,000)
20,800,209
2,382,618
358,594
957,371
1,277,493
268,401
(20,000)
41,242,909
2,382,618
350,000
994,339
10,323
380,320
350,000
994,339
1,390
1,036,889
350,000
994,339
1,390
1,036,889

Debt Service
Cash Flow Account
Budget Reserve
Stadium Reserve
Budgetary Balance
86
November 2014
Biennial Comparison: FY 2014-15 vs. FY 2016-17 General Fund Budget

($ in thousands)
blank
11-14 Fcst
FY 2014-15
11-14 Fcst
FY 2016-17
$
Difference
%
Difference
blank
1,711,915
blank
1,745,224
blank
33,309
blank
1.9%
Current Resources:
Tax Revenues
Non-Tax Revenues
blank
37,584,975
1,429,663
39,014,638
blank
40,252,578
1,400,411
41,652,989
blank
2,667,603
(29,252)
2,638,351
blank
7.1%
-2.0%
6.8%
Dedicated Revenue
Transfers In
1,005
256,635
98,702
356,342
39,370,980
41,082,895
1,000
156,314
70,000
227,314
41,880,303
43,625,527
(5)
(100,321)
(28,702)
(129,028)
2,509,323
2,542,632
-0.5%
-39.1%
-29.1%
-36.2%
6.4%
6.2%

K-12 Education
K-12 Education
blank
15,816,577
812,574
16,629,151
blank
16,818,839
0
16,818,839
blank
1,002,262
(812,574)
189,688
blank
6.3%
-100.0%
1.1%
Higher Education
Transportation
2,842,782
2,963,896
11,205,276
1,979,800
274,401
384,683
2,892,530
3,375,110
12,757,252
2,006,509
213,072
337,738
49,748
411,214
1,551,976
26,709
(61,329)
(46,945)
1.7%
13.9%
13.9%
1.3%
-22.4%
-12.2%
438,935
978,912
1,242,995
358,594
957,371
1,277,493
(80,341)
(21,541)
34,498
-18.3%
-2.2%
2.8%
411,840
(15,000)
39,337,671
1,745,224
268,401
(20,000)
41,242,909
2,382,618
(143,439)
(5,000)
1,905,238
637,394
-34.8%
n/m
4.8%
36.5%
350,000
994,339
28,227
372,658
350,000
994,339
1,390
1,036,889
0
0
(26,837)
664,231
Blank
Blank
Blank
blank

Debt Service
Cash Flow Account
Budget Reserve
Stadium Reserve
Budgetary Balance
87
November 2014
Planning Horizon: By Biennium, FY 2014-19

($ in thousands)
Blank
11-14 Fcst
FY 2014-15
11-14 Fcst
FY 2016-17
11-14 Plng Est

FY 2018-19
Blank
1,711,915
Blank
1,745,224
Blank
2,382,618
Current Resources:
Tax Revenues
Non-Tax Revenues
Blank
37,584,975
1,429,663
39,014,638
Blank
40,252,578
1,400,411
41,652,989
Blank
44,294,629
1,383,762
45,678,391
Dedicated Revenue
Transfers In
1,005
256,635
98,702
356,342
39,370,980
41,082,895
1,000
156,314
70,000
227,314
41,880,303
43,625,527
1,000
51,716
70,000
122,716
45,801,107
48,183,725

K-12 Education
K-12 Education
Blank
15,816,577
812,574
16,629,151
Blank
16,818,839
0
16,818,839
Blank
17,169,369
0
17,169,369
Higher Education
Transportation
2,842,782
2,963,896
11,205,276
1,979,800
274,401
384,683
2,892,530
3,375,110
12,757,252
2,006,509
213,072
337,738
2,892,530
3,466,548
14,187,425
2,006,193
213,072
322,080
438,935
978,912
1,242,995
358,594
957,371
1,277,493
362,892
956,521
1,222,471
411,840
(15,000)
39,337,671
1,745,224
268,401
(20,000)
41,242,909
2,382,618
271,110
(20,000)
43,050,211
5,133,514
350,000
994,339
28,227
372,658
350,000
994,339
1,390
1,036,889
350,000
994,339
0
3,789,175

Debt Service
Cash Flow Account
Budget Reserve
Stadium Reserve
Budgetary Balance
88
November 2014
Historical and Projected Revenue Growth

($ in millions)
Blank
Actual
FY 2012
Actual
FY 2013
Actual
FY 2014

$ change
% change
$ 7,972
443
5.9%
$ 9,013
1,041
13.1%
$ 9,660
647
7.2%
Sales Tax
$ change
% change
4,678
275
6.2%
4,774
96
2.1%
5,043
269
5.6%
5,155
112
2.2%
Corporate Tax
$ change
% change
1,044
119
12.9%
1,281
237
22.7%
1,278
(3)
-0.2%
799
32
4.2%
811
12
1.5%
Other Tax Revenue

$ change
% change
Total Tax Revenue
$ change
% change
1,158
(73)
-5.9%
$ 15,651
796
5.4%
Non-Tax Revenues
$ change
% change

$ change
% change
Transfers, All Other

$ change
% change
Total Revenue
$ change
% change
Estimated
FY 2015
5,269
114
2.2%
5,527
258
4.9%
Blank
Blank
3.9%
1,359
81
6.3%
1,280
(79)
-5.8%
1,327
47
3.7%
Blank
Blank
6.6%
836
25
3.1%
840
4
0.5%
846
6
0.7%
863
17
2.0%
Blank
Blank
2.0%
1,268
110
9.5%
$ 17,147
1,496
9.6%
1,737
469
37.0%
$ 18,554
1,407
8.2%
1,722
(15)
-0.9%
19,031
477
2.6%
1,727
5
0.3%
19,624
593
3.1%
1,749
22
1.3%
20,629
1,005
5.1%
Blank
Blank
6.9%
Blank
Blank
5.7%
774
(34)
-4.2%
798
24
3.1%
722
(76)
-9.5%
709
(13)
-1.8%
702
(7)
-1.0%
700
(2)
-0.3%
Blank
Blank
-2.3%
661
140
26.9%
$ 17,086
902
5.6%
711
50
7.6%
$ 18,656
1,570
9.2%
246
(465)
-65.4%
$ 19,522
866
4.6%
109
(137)
-55.7%
19,849
327
1.7%
106
(3)
-2.8%
20,432
583
2.9%
119
13
12.3%
21,448
1,016
5.0%
Blank
Blank
-12.9%
Blank
Blank
4.8%
10,502
547
5.5%
Average
Annual
Blank
Blank
6.8%
9,955
295
3.1%
Estimated
FY 2017
11,163
661
6.3%
89
Estimated
FY 2016
November 2014
Historical and Projected Spending Growth

($ in millions)
Blank
Actual
FY 2012
Actual
FY 2013
Actual
FY 2014
K-12 Education
$ change
% change
$ 6,616
538
8.9%
$ 8,870
2,254
34.1%
$ 8,440
(430)
-4.8%
Higher Education
$ change
% change
1,275
(82)
-6.0%
1,295
20
1.6%
1,381
86
6.6%
1,461
80
5.8%
Prop. Tax Aids & Credits

$ change
% change
1,457
56
4.0%
1,320
(137)
-9.4%
1,321
1
0.1%

$ change
% change
5,385
1,062
24.6%
5,208
(177)
-3.3%
Public Safety
$ change
% change
883
(63)
-6.7%
Debt Service
$ change
% change
All Other
$ change
% change
Total Spending
$ change
% change
Estimated
FY 2015
1,446
(15)
-1.0%
1,446
0.0%
Blank
Blank
1.2%
1,643
322
24.4%
1,675
32
1.9%
1,700
25
1.5%
Blank
Blank
3.7%
5,430
222
4.3%
5,775
345
6.4%
6,265
490
8.5%
6,492
227
3.6%
Blank
Blank
7.3%
958
75
8.5%
944
(14)
-1.5%
1,036
92
9.7%
1,005
(31)
-3.0%
1,001
(4)
-0.4%
Blank
Blank
1.1%
192
(209)
-52.1%
223
31
16.1%
620
397
178.0%
623
3
0.5%
636
13
2.1%
641
5
0.8%
Blank
Blank
24.2%
772
(57)
-6.9%
$ 16,580
1,245
8.1%
865
93
12.0%
$ 18,739
2,159
13.0%
1,212
347
40.1%
$ 19,348
609
3.2%
1,261
48
4.0%
19,989
641
3.3%
1,061
(200)
-15.9%
20,443
454
2.3%
1,057
(4)
-0.4%
20,800
357
1.7%
Blank
Blank
5.5%
Blank
Blank
5.3%
8,355
165
2.0%
Average
Annual
Blank
Blank
6.4%
8,190
(249)
-3.0%
Estimated
FY 2017
8,463
108
1.3%
90
Estimated
FY 2016

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NOVEMBER 2014

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Budget & Economic Forecast

Higher Revenues, Lower Spending Generate FY 2014-15 Forecast Balance

U.S. Economic Outlook Has Weakened

Income Tax Receipts Improve FY 2014-15 Forecast, Contribute to Growth in FY 2016-17

Budget & Economic Forecast

Budget & Economic Forecast

U.S. Economic Outlook

Budget & Economic Forecast

Budget & Economic Forecast

Annual Percent Change

Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), IHS Economics (IHS)

Budget & Economic Forecast

Monthly, Seasonally Adjusted

Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

Budget & Economic Forecast

Budget & Economic Forecast

Budget & Economic Forecast

Budget & Economic Forecast

FY 2016-17 Budget Forecast

Budget & Economic Forecast

FY 2016-17 Revenues Summary

Budget & Economic Forecast

Estimated Inflation (CPI)

Budget & Economic Forecast

Budget & Economic Forecast

Millions of Households, Annual Change

U.S. Civilian Labor Force

Average Annual Percent Change

'70 '75 '80 '85 '90 '95 '00 '05 '10

'70 '75 '80 '85 '90 '95 '00 '05 '10

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (BLS)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau; IHS Economics (IHS)

Budget & Economic Forecast

Encouragingly, economic fundamentals support an upturn in productivity, and thereby an

Employment Cost Index

Year-Over-Year Percent Change

Year-Over-Year Percent Change

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (BLS)

Budget & Economic Forecast

Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), IHS Economics (IHS)

Budget & Economic Forecast

The Conference Board

Not Seasonally Adjusted, Index: 1966=100.0

Source: Reuters/University of Michigan

Source: The Conference Board

Budget & Economic Forecast

Household Financial Obligations Ratio

Percent of Disposable Income

Percent of Disposable Income

Source: Federal Reserve

Budget & Economic Forecast

Monthly, Seasonally Adjusted,

U.S. Labor Force Participation Rate

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (BLS)

Budget & Economic Forecast

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (BLS)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)