Minnesota’s economic news, w/e 3/16/17

Energy

Minn PostMinnesota is in the midst of a massive and historic energy transformation

See our commentary on this here

Labor market

Crow Rover MediaMinnesota gained 2,500 jobs in January

KARE 11MN construction industry dealing with worker shortage

Finance & CommerceWill Minnesota’s worker shortage be eased by apprenticeships?

See our commentary on this here

Minimum wage

Minn PostIt’s locals vs. the Legislature, round 2: The battle over pre-emption is back at the Minnesota Capitol

MPR NewsMinimum wage bill strikes out in Senate committee

Rochester Post BulletinTipped workers invoke #MeToo in fight to raise minimum wage

Minn PostSt. Paul Saints seek minimum-wage exemption for players

Duluth News TribuneSt. Paul Saints seek state minimum wage exemption, saying salary cap threatens operations

Pioneer PressSt. Paul Saints seek state minimum wage exemption, saying salary cap threatens operations

See our commentary on this here

Trade

Mankato Free PressLocal companies, farm group worry about new Trump tariffs

Farm ForumCompanies, farm group worry about new Trump tariffs

Fox 21Minnesota’s Exports up Eight Percent From 2016

Finance & CommerceDEED: Minnesota exports up 8 percent

Star TribuneMinnesota manufacturers, farmers brace for tariff fallout

See our commentary on this here.

Agriculture

Star Tribune: Minnesota crop land prices were down in 2017, but may be starting to stabilize

Mankato Free PressGreenseam: Study necessary to keep, attract agribusiness in region

Economic growth

Eden Prairie NewsPaulsen: Tax reform already is seeing economic benefits

Rochester Post BulletinSurvey suggests rural economy to keep improving in 10 states

Economic development

Bemidji PioneerMPR to hold discussion on local economy in Bemidji

Voice of AlexandriaUSDA Invests $43 Million in Minnesota’s Rural Electric Infrastructure

Star TribuneGov. Mark Dayton wraps up his final State of the State speech with a focus on finances

Minn PostChina is taking less of the U.S.’s recyclables. That might be an opportunity for Minnesota

Albert Lea TribuneMinnesota chamber focused on transportation funding, taxes

Duluth News TribuneOur View: Bonding so nice, do it twice

Pipestone County StarPipestone applies for Opportunity Zone status

Enbridge 3

Pioneer PressRegulators OK environmental review for disputed northern Minnesota oil pipeline

Duluth News TribunePUC approves Enbridge Line 3 environmental review

See our commentary on this here

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