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
KSTP: Tough budget battle ahead in Minnesota Legislature
Star Tribune: Emphasize pandemic recovery in building state budget
Star Tribune: Taxing the rich is trickier than it seems
Pioneer Press: 5 reasons Gov. Walz’s tax-raising proposals are bad policy
Inforum: Minnesota movie theater grants close tonight as the state seeks to help the industry
Austin Daily Herald: CGMC looking to Legislature to aid in economic recovery
WCCO: Talking Points: The Looming Budget Battle
KAAL TV: New MN law signed on Saturday allows 2020 unemployment insurance tax rates to ‘carry over’ to 2021
Southernminn.com: Walz’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
KTOE: Walz Announces 39 New Border-to-Border Broadband Grants
Detroit Lakes Online: Broadband persists as a priority for Minnesota lawmakers
Star Tribune: Why some Minnesota companies are ditching the office and going remote, forever
Faribault Daily News: Natural areas and working lands are key to Minnesota’s future
Grand Forks Herald: Job Creation Fund helps seven businesses to expand in Minnesota
KROC: MN DEED Announces Nearly $2 Million In Awards For Job Creation
Star Tribune: Duluth took harder economic hit, having slower recovery than rest of state
Economic growth
Star Tribune: Buy local movement saved many small Minnesota retailers
WNAX: Mid America Economy Showing Strong Signs of Growth
Duluth News Tribune: Outdoor recreation shops enjoy boom amid pandemic
WDIO: Midwest economy improving, but pandemic still taking a bite
WCCO: Minnesota Fed: COVID-19 ‘Still In Charge’ Of Economy; Vaccines Essential To Recovery
Star Tribune: Minneapolis Fed chief: Vaccinations key to economic recovery
Finace & Commerce: Midwest economy improving, but pandemic still taking a bite
WJON: Economists Optimistic for Growth in 2021, Jobs Lag
St. Cloud Times: What are local economists expecting in 2021?
Regulation
Star Tribune: Yes, there’s a better plan than rent control
Labor market
Fox 9: Working moms in Minnesota hit especially hard by COVID-19 unemployment
John Phelan is an economist at the Center of the American Experiment.