Minnesota’s economic news, w/e 3/2/17

State finances

Northfield NewsTaxes take center stage during 2018 MN legislative session

Pioneer PressMinnesota’s $329 million surplus erases previous shortfall concerns

MPR NewsMinnesota budget back in black: $329M surplus forecast

Woodbury BulletinFederal tax bill helps push Minnesota budget into surplus

Albert Lea TribuneMinnesota’s $329M surplus erases previous deficit worries

St Cloud TimesRepublicans tout tax cuts as Minnesota goes from expected deficit to surplus

Grand Rapids Herald Review: Federal tax bill helps push Minnesota budget into surplus

The Daily JournalProjected $329 million surplus puts lawmakers at ease in Minnesota

Minn Post‘Limited’ surplus means tough decisions ahead for Minnesota lawmakers

See our commentary on this here and here

Economic development

Duluth News Tribune‘Stability’ not enough for Duluth jobs; aging population isn’t being replaced on pace

Grand Rapids Herald Review: The Iron Range is rich in many natural resources, including a natural appreciation for the arts

MPR NewsConversations on the Creative Economy: Women leaders in business

MPR NewsAuditor: Little evidence of returns on Minnesota business aid fund

Mesabi Daily News: MDI: investing in employees, and Hibbing

City PagesBloomberg gushes over the Twin Cities’ convention-defying economy

Echo PressChamber sets legislative priorities on taxes, regulation

KIMT: Journey to growth

See our commentary on this here.

Trade

Duluth News TribuneOur View: Get it right on NAFTA renegotiation

Business NorthMinnesota exports climb 6 percent during Q4

Business NorthMinnesota iron contributes to increased state exports

MPR NewsThree questions facing MN in wake of steel, aluminum tariffs

State rankings

West Central TribuneMinnesota, North Dakota rank among top five states in the nation, U.S. News and World Report says

Fox 9Minnesota ranked 2nd best state in nation, behind Iowa

City PagesReport: Minnesota is great, but Iowa is better

KIMT 3: Iowa and Minnesota ranked two ‘best states in the U.S.’

Fox 21Minnesota Named #2 Best State in the Nation

MPR NewsBest-state ranking masks a distressing reality for Minnesota

See our commentary on this here.

Labor market

MPR NewsMajor wage hike gets skeptical reception among St. Paul business leaders

Minn PostPrevalence of low-wage jobs: A Minnesota wake-up call

Minn PostStickin’ it to the union: What the Janus case means for organized labor in Minnesota

Star TribuneJudge upholds Minneapolis’ $15 minimum wage ordinance

Rochester Post BulletinJudge upholds $15 minimum wage ordinance in Minneapolis

KSTPJudge Rules for Minneapolis in Minimum Wage Challenge

See our commentary on this here.

Economic growth

Star TribuneMinnesota and Midwest manufacturers continue gains

Rochester Post BulletinMidwest economy: February state-by-state glance

Finance & CommerceMidwest business conditions index up in February

Rochester Post BulletinReport: Midwest business conditions index rose in February

Fairmont SentinelMidwest economy improves

See our commentary on this here.

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