Minnesota’s economic news, w/e 9/7/18

Economic development

Minneapolis/St. Paul Business JournalDaikin plans $40.3 million expansion in Faribault, adding 132 jobs

Prairie BusinessCoalition builder: A Q&A with Ron Johnson, president, Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities

KSTPHVAC Company Plans $40.3M Expansion in Faribault

Labor market

Pioneer PressCitizens League outlines three $15 minimum wage scenarios for St. Paul, with and without tip credits

Pioneer PressJennifer Schellenberg: In minimum wage debate, the argument for a tip credit must be considered

Pioneer PressReal World Economics: Stepping back to see the big picture

Star TribuneEmployers are slowly turning to ex-offenders to fill open jobs in a worker-hungry economy

Brainerd DispatchLow unemployment levels recorded across the region

St. Cloud TimesMinnesota scores high on Best States to Work Index

State and local taxes

Rochester Post BulletinTax bill hinders Bear Creek housing effort

Austin Daily HeraldTwo perspectives on proposed tax levy increase: City, Chamber of Commerce on opposite sides of issue

Economic growth

KTTCMinnesota tourism industry reports strong summer season

WCCOReport: Midwest Economy Takes Leap Forward

Star TribuneFactories report robust business in August

Federal taxes

MPR NewsMinnesota cuts taxpayers a break on 2018 deductions

Minn PostMinnesota to allow taking federal standard deduction while itemizing state taxes for 2018

Fox 9Lawmakers set up rule to give Minnesota taxpayers more options when they file

Trade

MPR NewsMinnesota exports continue growing

KTTCMinnesota exports jump in Q2–top customers are in Canada, China

Mining

MPR NewsFeds reopen forests near Boundary Waters to mining

Business NorthUSDA decision ends request to halt mineral leases

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