Minnesota’s economic news, w/e 9/21/18
Agriculture
Minn Post: Why Minnesota companies have a lot to say about addressing global food insecurity
Northfield News: Minn. farmers are in D.C. to talk to officials. Here’s what’s on their minds
Pioneer Press: Real World Economics: Farm trade payments by the numbers
KSJB: Current farm economy differs from 1980s farm crisis
Energy
Star Tribune: Clean-energy advocates want Minnesota to double down
Economic development
Star Tribune: Minnesota seeks more small-technology business grant applications
Minn Post: Minnesota should take steps to protect small businesses, support entrepreneurs, and empower workers
Labor market
KSTP: Toolkit Designed to Help Promote Second-Chance Employment for Those With Criminal Records
WCCO: Paisley Park To Hold Job Fair For Various Positions
Star Tribune: Public unions: Navigating new era of opting in rather than opting out
KRFO: Just how big a problem is it to find workers in SE MN
Minn Post: What we know — and don’t know — about a $15 minimum wage ordinance for St. Paul
KIMT3: Minnesota school districts scramble amid bus driver shortage
WCCO: St. Paul Minimum Wage Debate Heats Up Over Tip Credits
Fox 9: St. Paul divided over how tipping should affect $15 minimum wage
WCCO: Strong Economy, Low Unemployment Could Make Seasonal Hiring Difficult
WCCO: Finding Enough Seasonal Workers Could Prove Challenging
WCCO: Minimum Wage, Tip Credit Debate Heats Up In St. Paul
Minneapolis/St Paul Business Journal: Minimum wage increase debate heats up as St. Paul restaurant workers rally for, and against, tip credit
KSTP: Metro Transit Turns to Apprentice Program to Address Bus Driver Shortage
Southwest Journal: Apprentice program targets bus driver shortage
Star Tribune: Minnesota’s unemployment rate dips to 2.9 percent, but hiring momentum stalls
Finance & Commerce: Minnesota construction industry leads job growth
MPR News: Minnesota employers pause after hiring spree
Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal: Minnesota’s unemployment rate drops to 2.9%; employers shed 200 jobs
State and local taxes
Austin Daily Herald: Tax levy, budget, special vehicle ordinance on council agenda
West Central Tribune: State Legislature Should Oppose Opioid Tax
Albert Lea Tribune: County approves preliminary 4.8 percent tax levy increase
KAAL: Rochester City Council Approves Preliminary Property Tax Increase
John Phelan is an economist at the Center of the American Experiment.