Minnesota’s economic news, w/e 2/28/20

Economic development

Duluth News Tribune: Statewide View Column: Invest in Minnesota’s future: its small businesses and family farms

Duluth News TribuneLocal View Column: Tourism industry gets it wrong on copper-nickel mining

Economic growth

Austin Daily HeraldLargest business group supports policies to make Minnesota more competitive

Albert Lea Tribune: Historic rehabilitation tax credit generates economic activity, job growth

Mesabi Daily News: Collective strength at foundation of Minnesota’s economy

State and local taxes and spending

Alexandria Echo PressMinnesota Capitol Notebook: More politicking and a call to give back $1.3 billion surplus

KSTPBill proposes fee for social media companies to have users in Minnesota

MPR NewsCapitol preview: Upcoming budget forecast could define MN Legislature’s work this session

River TownsBiofuels, buffer tax exemption are top priorities for Minnesota Corn Growers Association

KROX: Senator Mark Johnson supports plan to return budget surplus to Minnesotans

Wahepton Daily NewsHow will Minnesota legislators decide to spend the budget surplus?

MPR NewsMinnesota projected budget surplus grows slightly to $1.5B

Star TribuneMinnesota’s projected surplus rises to $1.5 billion, setting up spending battle

The Darien TimesMinnesota’s budget surplus tops $1.5B despite coronavirus

Labor market

Brainerd DispatchNew training tool helps unemployed job seekers grow networking skills

Minneapolis/St. Paul Business JournalIn ranking of big metros, Minneapolis ranks dead last for job growth

Star TribuneMinnesota advocates seek to abolish subminimum wages for people with disabilities

Agriculture

Star TribuneMinnesota farmer on U.S.-China trade pact: ‘The ag economy doesn’t live on promises’

Rochester Post BulletinBiofuels, buffer tax exemption are top priorities for Minnesota Corn Growers Association

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