Minnesota’s economic news, w/e 3/20/20
Economic growth
Rochester Post Bulletin: Minnesota businesses brace for uncertainty amid coronavirus outbreak
WCCO: Coronavirus In Minnesota: Gas Prices Fall Amid COVID-19 Fears
WCCO: Coronavirus In Minnesota: Food Shelves Prepping For Steep Demand, Drop In Volunteers
WCCO: Coronavirus In Minnesota: Gov. Walz Says U.S. Recession Now Expected, Will Stress MN’s Economy
Rochester Post Bulletin: ‘We need to stop congregating,’ Walz says, calling for closure of Minnesota bars, restaurants
Kare 11: As businesses shutter in MN, devastating economic impact could follow
St. Cloud Times: St. Cloud Chamber works to aid hospitality businesses amid coronavirus
Kare 11: Renters, landlords seek relief during coronavirus economic tailspin
MPR News: Coronavirus’ economic impact will be felt widely, but unevenly
Duluth News Tribune: Duluth-area officials urge support for charities, small businesses facing economic uncertainty
WCCO: Coronavirus In Minnesota: Neel Kashkari Speaks On Economic Uncertainty
Star Tribune: Minnesota’s hospitality industry is in danger of collapse
Winona Daily News: Survey suggests virus outbreak to slow the economy
State and local taxes and spending
Chaska Herald: Commentary: Tax relief and other priorities
Alexandria Echo Press: Bracing for economic downturn, pandemic, Walz recommends modest supplemental budget
Duluth News Tribune: Coronavirus brings Minnesota Capitol to a halt, spurs new priorities
Star Tribune: Can Minnesota afford to end its tax on Social Security?
Twin Cities Business: Minnesota Braces for Largest Unemployment Benefit Payout in State History
The Center Square: Minnesota drivers pay 28.6 cents per gallon in state gas taxes
Star Tribune: Minnesota Chamber of Commerce asks for tax concessions
International Falls Journal: Minnesota Chamber President sends letter to lawmakers
Kare 11: State eases rules for unemployment benefits
Labor market
Star Tribune: Minnesota’s job growth in 2019 was slowest since recession
Minn Post: COVID-19, sick leave and unemployment insurance in Minnesota: What workers need to know
Grand Rapids Herald Review: MN unemployment dips to 3.2%
MPR News: Workers affected by coronavirus can apply for unemployment
Star Tribune: Unemployment requests spike as Minnesota businesses close for COVID-19
Twin Cities Business: For Freelancers, Questions Linger About Unemployment Benefits
Star Tribune: Rapid economic shutdown shocks self-employed, independent Minnesota workers
KTTC: Unemployment spikes as COVID-19 impacts Minnesota economy
Agriculture
Kenosha News: MN Department of Ag Assistant Commissioner wants to hear concerns
Economic development
The Ely Echo: Ely Echo Editorial: Anti-mining study’s sky is falling conclusions cater to fear, speculation
Duluth News Tribune: Opportunity zones bring development dollars, new hope to disadvantaged Duluth neighborhoods
Faribault Daily News: New TIF report highlights economic development success
Trade
Grand Rapids Herald Review: Minnesota exports fell 2% in 2019
Regulation
Star Tribune: Minnesota Republicans question governor’s coronavirus orders
John Phelan is an economist at the Center of the American Experiment.