Budget
The Minnesota Department of Health relies on a mix of state, federal, and other funds to accomplish its public health mission. For the 2024-2025 state biennial period—from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025—the department's projected budget authority is $1.53 billion.
Historic and projected spending
Historic department expenditures grew from $1.17 billion in the 2018-2019 biennium to $2.04 billion in the 2020-2021 biennium to an estimated $2.72 billion in the 2022-2023 biennium, with growth since 2020 largely a result of temporary federal and state funding for the COVID-19 pandemic response. Amounts for the 2024-2025 biennium at $1.53 billion and for the 2026-2027 biennium at $1.37 billion are based on spending outlays in the November 2022 state budget and economic forecast.
Sources of budget authority
Of the total projected department budget authority of $1.53 billion for the 2024-2025 biennium, federal funding is the largest source at $836 million, or 55%. The general fund is $316 million, or 21%, of the department's budget authority. The remaining $381 million, or 24%, of budget authority is from a variety of sources, such as licensing and fees, health care access fund, dedicated state funds, and non-state funds.
Uses
All operating money at the department must be spent per the requirements of Minnesota statutes and laws, federal awards, and contractual agreements. For the 2024-2025 biennium, $682 million, or 45% of total expenditures, are planned for grants, loan forgiveness, and other forms of aid. $448 million, or 29%, is for operating expenses such as contractual agreements, information technology, supplies and materials, and facility leases. And $404 million, or 26%, is for employee compensation for a workforce of 1,607 full-time equivalent staff, as of the November 2022 Economic Forecast.
Further reading
Health 2026-27 Governor’s Biennial Budget Recommendations (PDF)
November 2024 base budget forecast and recommendations (as of Jan. 16, 2025) for the Minnesota Department of Health.
2026-27 Biennial Budget - Departmental Earnings Report (PDF)
January 2025 update on state licensing and fee-based programs for all state agencies, including the Minnesota Department of Health.
State Budget Process
Overview of Minnesota's two-year budget cycle by the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library.
Transparency MN
Public information about state expenditures for all state agencies from the Minnesota Open Checkbook.
Contact
Brendan Wright, legislative budget director
Minnesota Department of Health
brendan.wright@state.mn.us