Minnesota’s Economic News — W/E 2/28/25

State and local taxes and spending

Minnesota Reformer: Minnesota’s paid leave program will launch with 0.88% payroll tax, state agency says

KAXE: Senate Majority Leader Murphy talks state budget, federal funding concerns

KSTP: DEED confirms 0.88% payroll tax to support paid leave, a 25% bump from original proposal

Willmar Radio: Association of Minnesota Counties says Walz is shifting more costs to counties

KSTP: House GOP bill would ask voters to approve automatic rebates of budget surplus

Marshall Radio: Minnesota House Bills Propose Tax Breaks for First-Time Homebuyers

KFGO: Minnesota House bills proposes tax credit for homebuilding construction materials

Economic development

Star Tribune: State tourism builds the economy — and communities

Labor market

Minnesota Reformer: Amid Trump’s threats to deport workers, Wisconsin and Minnesota dairy farmers travel to Mexico

MPR News: Report: Immigrants make up increasing share of Minnesota’s overall workforce

Star Tribune: What society pays in consequences for a higher minimum wage

Pioneer Press: After win on wages, Minnesota Uber, Lyft drivers push for right to unionize

Pine Journal: Minnesota rideshare drivers push for ability to unionize

Minnesota Reformer: Minnesota Democrats propose path to unionize for Uber and Lyft drivers

Economic growth

Brownfield Ag News: Rural economy continues to slide

MPR News: Minnesota economy is resilient, even as federal job cuts create uncertainty

Twin Cities Business: Minnesota Chamber Report: Immigrants Drive Economic, Population Gains

Shan Journal: Report: Immigrants make up increasing share of Minnesota’s overall workforce

Star Tribune: Minnesota Chamber study finds immigrant population shifting to higher-paying jobs

Pioneer Press: New report finds that immigrants fueling Minnesota’s labor force and employment growth

Agriculture

InForum: Letter: Minnesota farms have suffered from years of free trade failures

Star Tribune: After a decade, Minnesota beef farmers finally having a good year