By now everyone is tuned into the economic downturn. Its effects stretch out over all the state's regions, invade every sector of the economy, and touch individual lives in ways rarely seen. And one immediately clear and cruel consequence is the impact on the state’s budget for the next biennium and beyond: demand for public service is up and revenues are down.

In response to this situation, several Minnesota foundations see the need – and the opportunity – to promote a fuller public discussion of the options that could be considered for moving our state forward. They gave the Public Strategies Group (PSG) a tough challenge: Don’t just come up with ways to balance the budget, come up with ways that will improve Minnesota’s bottom line now and in the future.

Doing so means improving the results Minnesotans get in important services at costs the state can afford – the bottom line of Minnesota government. There is a better bottom line if we can find the bridges to get there.

To the right, you'll find the results of that work. The Citizens League is now convening a public dialogue on these issues. We want to hear from you.