How Minnesota funds its roughly $50 billion state budget

The ongoing budget debate at the State Capitol begs the question: Where does Minnesota get the cash used to fund government programs?

By the numbers: Pew Trusts broke it down and found the majority — just over 60% — comes from taxpayers.

• Federal funding represents another 25% of our fiscal pie.
• Service fees, local funds and other sources make up the rest.

Between the lines: The heavy reliance on tax revenue — we're # 1 in the nation for that — explains the roller-coaster revenue projections that saw the state swing from a $1.3 billion deficit to a $1.6 billion surplus over the course of the pandemic.

Of note: This year's bottom line is bolstered by infusion of $2.8 billion in federal funds via the COVID-19 relief packages.

• Lawmakers received guidance on how they can use the money on Monday. But the cash is one-time funding and likely won't be used for any new, ongoing programs.