Minnesota’s Economic News – W/E 2/5/21

State and local taxes and spending

Minn Post: Walz’s ‘tax the rich’ plan doesn’t just tax the rich

KSTPTough budget battle ahead in Minnesota Legislature

Star TribuneEmphasize pandemic recovery in building state budget

Star TribuneTaxing the rich is trickier than it seems

Pioneer Press: 5 reasons Gov. Walz’s tax-raising proposals are bad policy

InforumMinnesota movie theater grants close tonight as the state seeks to help the industry

Austin Daily HeraldCGMC looking to Legislature to aid in economic recovery

WCCOTalking Points: The Looming Budget Battle

KAAL TVNew MN law signed on Saturday allows 2020 unemployment insurance tax rates to ‘carry over’ to 2021

Southernminn.comWalz’s budget would tax all profitable companies–not just the ‘large’ and ‘rich’ ones, economist says

Winona Post: County: Could another sales tax pay for jail?

Economic development

KTTC: State provides millions to ensure high-speed internet access in SE Minnesota

KTOEWalz Announces 39 New Border-to-Border Broadband Grants

Detroit Lakes OnlineBroadband persists as a priority for Minnesota lawmakers

Star TribuneWhy some Minnesota companies are ditching the office and going remote, forever

Faribault Daily NewsNatural areas and working lands are key to Minnesota’s future

Grand Forks HeraldJob Creation Fund helps seven businesses to expand in Minnesota

KROC: MN DEED Announces Nearly $2 Million In Awards For Job Creation

Star TribuneDuluth took harder economic hit, having slower recovery than rest of state

Economic growth

Star TribuneBuy local movement saved many small Minnesota retailers

WNAXMid America Economy Showing Strong Signs of Growth

Duluth News TribuneOutdoor recreation shops enjoy boom amid pandemic

WDIOMidwest economy improving, but pandemic still taking a bite

WCCOMinnesota Fed: COVID-19 ‘Still In Charge’ Of Economy; Vaccines Essential To Recovery

Star TribuneMinneapolis Fed chief: Vaccinations key to economic recovery

Finace & CommerceMidwest economy improving, but pandemic still taking a bite

WJON: Economists Optimistic for Growth in 2021, Jobs Lag

St. Cloud TimesWhat are local economists expecting in 2021?

Regulation

Star TribuneYes, there’s a better plan than rent control

Labor market

Fox 9Working moms in Minnesota hit especially hard by COVID-19 unemployment

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