Supplying Hope and Demanding (Real) Affordability

An agenda for Minnesota’s future

Preview:

With “affordability” the new buzzword for state and national politicians, Center of the American Experiment offers a list of 41 concrete steps policymakers can take to make Minne- sota more affordable. Supplying Hope and Demanding Real Affordability includes a comprehensive list of specific policy changes beginning with taxes and spending and extending to housing, utilities, health care, childcare, occupational licensing and education.

Understanding that affordability is impacted by factors outside of Minnesota, the report focuses on topics directly influenced by state government. Affordability for Minnesotans is most directly impacted by state tax and regulatory policies, so reducing the cost of state government by cutting tax rates is the first step towards affordability. The second step involves identifying state policies that artificially restrict the supply of goods and services, exacerbating the affordability of those services. As the report outlines, this economic reality drives Minnesota’s misguided policymaking in housing, utilities, healthcare, and childcare.

Affordability problems are worse in Minnesota than in the average or comparable state. Our taxes are relatively high; our housing is relatively expensive; our energy is relatively costly; our healthcare is now ranked 15th in the country in terms of cost and quality. Supplying Hope and Demanding Real Affordability not only answers why these things are expensive, but more importantly, why they are more expensive in Minnesota.

A full copy of the report can be viewed here.