Minnesota’s economic news, w/e 1/19/17
Labor market
Star Tribune: Minnesota is feeling the pinch from a record number of job openings
Twin Cities Business: For the First Time in a Decade, Average Wages in Minnesota Appear to be Increasing
WCCO: Walmart Bumps Starting Pay To $11 An Hour, Expands Parental Benefits
Star Tribune: Minimum-wage battle is far from settled in Twin Cities
Pioneer Press: Minnesota job gains lead to lowest unemployment rate for blacks on record
KDUZ/KARP: MN gains 8,900 jobs in December/Unemployment rate 3.1%
WCCO: Unemployment Rate For Blacks In Minnesota Hit A Record Low Last Month
Finance & Commerce: Minnesota construction jobs spike in December
Star Tribune: Minnesota gained 8,900 jobs in December, led by construction
MPR News: Minnesota unemployment at 17-year low
Mankato Free Press: Local job growth continues with 1.7% December jump
WDIO: Twin Ports Lead Greater Minn. Job Growth
Lake County News Chronicle: Legal Learning: $15 an hour not a big deal
See our commentary on this here.
Agriculture
Minn Post: Is it even possible to become a farmer in Minnesota today?
Star Tribune: Banker survey suggests economy remains slow in rural areas
Economic Development
St. Cloud Times: Community Pillars session to highlight safety, economy and jobs
Pine and Lakes Echo Journal: State denies broadband grant for Mille Lacs
Star Tribune: Gov. Mark Dayton wants $1.5B for Minnesota infrastructure projects
Kare 11: Dayton eyes $1.5b in public construction
Rochester Post Bulletin: Study: Mayo physicians add more than $5 billion to economy
The Timberjay: Henry shares insights on tourism’s value
KIMT 3: Minnesota misses the cut for new Amazon HQ
Star Tribune: Twin Cities don’t make the cut as Amazon narrows list of possible second HQ cities
KARE 11: Analyst: HQ2 list further proof Amazon will buy Target
Minn Post: Twin Cities fail to make finalist list for Amazon’s second headquarters
Finance & Commerce: Minnesota among the Amazon also-rans
Hutchinson Leader: Chamber beats drum: ‘Lower taxes needed’
Star Tribune: Poll: Jobs and the economy will dominate governor race
See our commentary on this here.
Enbridge 3
Mesabi Daily News: Yet another delay for critical Enbridge pipeline project
See our commentary on this here.
Super Bowl LII
WCCO: How Would Vikings Being In Super Bowl LII Affect Local Economy?
Kare 11: Economic impact if Vikings go to Super Bowl
Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal: Could a Vikings Super Bowl appearance actually be good for the local economy?
John Phelan is an economist at Center of the American Experiment.