Minnesotans have a higher level of personal income than Americans generally. But in recent years the main contributor to its increase has been rising transfer payments. And, odd as it…
As Paul Krugman writes, "Productivity isn’t everything, but in the long run it is almost everything." Productivity drives earnings and data showing that Minnesota's workers are less productive than the national…
In the 21st century, Minnesota's economic growth has lagged that of the United States generally. Is this just because our state is already above average and is bound to grow…
The Senate's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is forecast to create 18,000 jobs in Minnesota and raise incomes in the state by $3,000 a year. But the federal government needs…
In 1980, Nobel prize winning economist Milton Friedman turned TV presenter. Over ten episodes, his PBS program Free to Choose explored the workings of the market economy and explained how…
A last ditch effort was launched yesterday to save the jobs of untold numbers of employees of small businesses in Minneapolis from the unintended consequences of the $15 minimum wage…
A round-up of the last week's economic news stories in Minnesota.
In our new report, The State of Minnesota's Economy: 2017, we examine data and find that Minnesota's economy continues to underperform. We also look at the prospects for future growth,…
I don’t need to be convinced that community colleges are vital, as I started off in one. To be precise, it was an auxiliary program of a community college with…
This is a blog about impressive things going on with technical education in Tennessee. It’s the kind of blog which Minnesota leaders in education, business, and government are likely to…
Who knows the most about the word “apprentice?” Just ask President Trump. After signing an Executive Order (EO) in June calling for apprenticeship expansion, the president remarked on the initiative’s…
The Center’s “Great Jobs Without a Four-Year Degree” project is committed to revealing the relevance and value of vocational education as a post-secondary option. Young people and parents need to…
In response to the state's 'labor shortage', Minnesota's employers are digging into pockets of the labor market. Could they play a role in tackling problems of low wages and racial…
The minimum wage has been a prominent issue in tomorrow's St. Paul mayoral election. When casting your vote, keep in mind what the evidence says.
The laws of economics applied just as much in 1946 as they do now. Here, in Newsweek from this day in 1946, the great economic writer Henry Hazlitt explains some…
A round-up of the last week's economic news stories in Minnesota.
Advocates of bigger government will tell you that it will act in 'the public interest' unlike us selfish individuals. But the people who staff this bigger government are drawn from…
September data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics allows us to take a look at how Minnesota's urban areas are doing compared to those in other states.
If people want to vote for higher taxes that is one thing. But if they do, they should pay them and not expect others to pick up the tab. By…
Mining is vital to Minnesota's economic future. A way can be found to square this in northern Minnesota without ruining the environment. Our state needs it, whatever the snobs might…
A decision on the Enbridge 3 replacement project will have major implications for Minnesota, both economically and environmentally. It has to be discussed openly with as wide a participation as…
The laws of economics applied just as much in 1946 as they do now. Here, in Newsweek from this day in 1946, the great economic writer Henry Hazlitt explains the…
A round-up of the last week's economic news stories in Minnesota.
A new American Experiment study reveals that a tech school education can yield startling future earnings.