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

State and local taxes and spending

WCCO: How To Spend Federal COVID Relief Hangs Over Minnesota Legislature

Minn Post: Legislature agrees to deal on exempting unemployment, PPP payments from Minnesota taxes

KSTP: Budget negotiations continue as Minnesota lawmakers head toward special session

Brainerd Dispatch: Minnesota leaders strike budget deal, start gearing up for special session

KTTC: Minnesota budget deal in place, details to be worked out

Kare 11: Minnesota budget deal will bring PPP, unemployment tax relief. Here’s what you need to know

Star Tribune: Minnesota leaders strike broad budget deal

KVRR: Minnesota leaders agree on $52 billion budget bill

Bemidji Pioneer: What got done — and what didn’t — during Minnesota’s 2021 legislative session

The Timberjay: Business loans, unemployment benefits won’t be taxed by state

SW News Media: Column: Budget does not help Minnesota families, businesses

Labor market

KSTP: Twin Cities businesses having a difficult time hiring help

KSTP: Labor patterns changing in Minnesota as economy rides out of pandemic

KEYC: Worker shortage affecting southern Minnesota businesses

KTOE: Officials urge employers to give workers flexibility as MN vaccinate rate slows

Star Tribune: As recovery slows, Minnesota jobs agency calls thousands to point out openings

Mitchell Republic: Minnesota unemployment rate drops to 4.1%

Minnesota Reformer: Help wanted: Restaurants struggle to hire workers

KDHL: Rochester Area Job Growth Slowest Among MN Metro Areas

Pioneer Press: Minnesota adds 11,300 jobs in April. Here are the industries hiring

Agriculture

Mankato Free Press: In Response: Biofuels support local economy

Trade

Grand Forks Herald: Minnesota reports exports of $5.4 billion in first quarter

Pioneer Press: Minnesota exports drop 4% this winter, officials tout emerging positive signs

Economic growth

The Center Square: How Minnesota’s Economy Compares to Other States

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