Minnesota’s economic news, w/e 12/28/18

Federal, state, and local taxes

Star Tribune: IRS pursues tax fraud in Minnesota with fewer resources

Brainerd DispatchLake Shore: Residents’ city taxes to soar to fund road improvements

Bemidji PioneerBemidji spending mirrors other cities

Mesabi Daily News: County expects some tax bills to decrease after passing budget

Duluth News TribuneEconomist’s View: High taxes sap Minnesota’s productivity, economic growth

Duluth News TribuneMinnesota’s gas tax hike debate renewed. Will this be the year?

Fox 9Government shutdown will affect workers, taxpayers in Minnesota

Pioneer PressRumble ahead over road funding: raise the gas tax or use existing cash?

MPR NewsTax pros warn Minnesotans to prepare for headaches as tax prep begins

Mankato Free PressMankato not counting on online sales tax windfall

Sun CurrentRichfield residents will see 5.3 percent increase in school property tax

Labor market

Star Tribune: Minnesota’s jobless rate stays at 2.8% as job growth slows

Minneapolis/St. Paul Business JournalMinnesota’s unemployment rate holds at 2.8% in November; here’s who’s hiring and firing

Finance & CommerceMinnesota construction employment holds steady

St. Peter HeraldMinnesota has low unemployment, high Medicaid rate

Minn PostMinnesota’s supply of licensed alcohol and drug counselors isn’t meeting employer demand

Wahepton Daily NewsUnemployment rate in Minnesota remains at 2.8 percent

Star Tribune: Labor crunch in Twin Cities adds up to homebuilding delays, higher costs

Owatonna People’s PressJobless rate dips slightly across the region

Mining

CBS 3Politicians, organizations release statements on PolyMet permits

Wadena Pioneer JournalNew economic project aims to help Wadena County businesses

Economic development

WatchdogMinnesota’s high marks in best-run states study mask challenges ahead, officials say

Agriculture

WNAXMinnesota Farmers Union Wants Depressed Farm Income Focus in Legislative Session

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