Minnesota’s economic news, w/e 4/27/17

Labor market

Fairmont SentinelFair aiming to link workers, jobs

Grand Rapids Herald Review: Grand Rapids area community foundation spotlights MDI workforce development

Minn PostWhy, amid the push for higher minimum wages, talking about a ‘benefits cliff’ has become so controversial

Pioneer PressDavid Schultz: The case against a $15 minimum — and for no-cost child care

Pioneer PressSt. Paul asks Citizens League to complete second study on $15 minimum wage

Wahepton Daily NewsMN adds 2,900 jobs in March, U.S. jobs up 1.6 percent

Economic development

Mankato Free PressMankato valley qualifies as “Opportunity Zone”

Hutchinson LeaderArts impact the city to the tune of $2.2 million

The GlobeDayton nominates Worthington, other communities as ‘Opportunity Zones’

Duluth News TribuneOpportunity knocking: Zones could spur investment in poor neighborhoods

MPR NewsConversations on the Creative Economy: Bemidji entrepreneurs

KEYCDEED Awards Local Job Development Grants

Pipestone County StarGovernor puts Pipestone on Opportunity Zone list

Marshall IndependentGov. Dayton recommends Marshall for Opportunity Zone

Enbridge 3

Pine and Lakes Echo JournalLetter to the Editor: Enbridge pipeline bad for environment, economy

The Virginian-PilotJudge: Enbridge Line 3 project should follow existing route

The Virginian-PilotAppeals court allows necessity defense in pipeline protest

Daily ReporterMinnesota judge to rule on Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 project 

Economic growth

Twin Cities BusinessHow Mankato Came to Be Minnesota’s Hottest Economic Region

Duluth News TribuneOur View: Council again ignores business concerns

Twin Cities BusinessBusiness Optimism Still Strong But Concerns Are Growing

Taxes

Star TribuneHouse GOP wants income tax cut for 2.1 million Minnesotans, but smaller number would see hikes

Star Tribune: Minnesota tax bill heads to House floor

Valley News LiveTax debate coming into focus at Capitol

Winona Daily NewsSome Minnesotans will see taxes rise under House GOP plan

WCCOMinn. Lawmakers Running Out Of Time For Legislative Priorities

Twin Cities BusinessWhat the New Tax Order Really Means

Crookston TimesMinnesota tax debate heats up as GOP plans trickle out

WDIOMinnesota Tax Bill Heads to House Floor

Agriculture

Rochester Post BulletinBio-based everything

John Phelan is an economist at Center of the American Experiment.