Minnesota’s Economic News — W/E 3/25/22

State and local taxes and spending

Star Tribune: Gov. Tim Walz proposes bigger rebate checks as surplus grows

Kare 11: Gov. Walz unveils revised Minnesota state budget

Knox Radio: MN businesses see tax hike amid unemployment insurance impasse

Duluth News Tribune: Walz bumps up proposed direct payments to $500 per Minnesotan, $1,000 for couples

MPR News: Walz pitches bigger one-time checks

Star Tribune: Minnesota businesses see tax hike amid UI impasse at Capitol

Star Tribune: Minnesota Republicans propose paid family leave through private insurance

Fox 9: Paid family leave discussions take twist at Minnesota Capitol

West Central Tribune: Minnesota Republican legislators back private insurance-based paid family leave

Finance & Commerce: Businesses face unemployment tax hike

The Center Square: Minnesota Republicans pitch paid family and medical leave plan

Duluth News Tribune: Our View: Renew tax credit program to keep saving our history

KAAL TV: Rochester businesses react to statewide tax increase

KEYC: Minnesota Republicans propose paid leave plan

Mankato Free Press: Sen. Frentz seeks $20M bonding for new stadium at MSU

KTOE: Battle lines drawn at MN Legislature over paid family leave

Labor market

Minn Post: More Minnesotans are getting back into the workforce. But the state’s labor force participation rate may never be what it once was

Southernminn.com: State demographer warns workforce shortage will get worse

Star Tribune: Minnesota’s jobless rate falls to lowest in more than 20 years

Pioneer Press: Minnesota reports lowest unemployment since 1999

MPR News: Unemployment rate falls, labor market tightens

Economic growth

Alexandria Echo Press: Commentary: COVID-19 funds helped Douglas County grow

Star Tribune: ‘Strained’ Minnesota economy facing many challenges, professor warns

Star Tribune: High fuel costs threaten Minnesota economy

The Globe: In red hot economy, experts offer takes on inflation, workforce issues at Midwest Economic Outlook Summit

Trade

Star Tribune: Minnesota exports jumped 17% last year to above pre-pandemic levels

KSTP: DEED: Minnesota exports up 17% in 2021, exceeding pre-pandemic levels

Twin Cities Business: Minnesota Exports Recover After Pandemic Dip

KROC: Minnesota Exports Returned to Pre-pandemic Levels Last Year 

Economic development

Twin Cities Business: Greater MSP Launches $50M Equity Fund to Boost Diverse Entrepreneurs