Like most manufacturers, the Uponor company in Apple Valley is confronting a skilled labor shortage. In October, the company—which is engaged in plastic pipe manufacturing—tackled this challenge in an exciting…
Fracking shows what a technological disruption in the energy truly looks like, a rapid adoption of new technology that lowers prices for consumers regardless of the hurdles placed in front…
It turns out that labor demand curves do slope downwards after all.
It turns out there was no blue wave or red wave, and the purple haze that settled over the country in the wake of the midterm elections gives me reasons…
Today sees a public hearing on a proposed $15 minimum wage in Saint Paul. Reports suggest that the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association (MLBA) has enough votes on the City Council to exempt…
We often hear from so-called progressives that we must fight income inequality and move toward renewable energy, but the problem is these two goals are incompatible with each other. This is…
The Minneapolis Fed’s most recent Beige Book report on current business conditions shows that Minnesota's labor market - like that nationwide - is a seller's market right now. That's a good thing…
One issue won’t be on the ballot in the Twin Cities suburb of Andover. It’s the mega-bucks proposed expansion to the city’s community center. The nearly $19 million price tag has stirred…
Rising interest in skilled technical positions shows efforts to counter the image of manufacturing, construction and similar fields as dirty and dangerous work environments are succeeding. But it is important…
Last week's blockbuster jobs report showed that sound economic policy can enable strong growth and reveal the bankruptcy of notions of stagnation.
MPR recently ran a piece describing the issue of mining may have on the upcoming elections. The story cites our research, and then goes on to describe the positions politicians…
Steve Kalina, a veteran of more than two decades in manufacturing, is the still-new executive director of the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association, having started in August. He’s also (I’m guessing…
Giovanetti recognizes that saving for retirement is very hard for most people and addresses the problem of social security being a terrible deal for most Americans---the negative return for many…
Renewable energy advocates like to say we should be a lot more like Germany when it comes to generating more electricity from wind and solar. This argument often goes like…
Every acre planted to organics represents an opportunity cost for the productivity of the American agricultural sector. It means we must plant more acres to grow our food, which means…
A round-up of the last week’s economic news stories in Minnesota.
At some point, the irresistible force of insufficient government revenues is going to meet the immovable object of entitlement commitments.
Wind energy is supposed to be the cheapest energy source available, providing energy savings to Minnesota businesses and families. Just read this opening paragraph of a StarTribune article, which claims that “The cost of wind energy…
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says the Heliene solar panel manufacturing plant opening on the Iron Range is one of the highlights of his economic development record. What do you think? The plant received…
Center of the American Experiment congratulates PolyMet Mining Corp. on receiving a Permit to Mine for its NorthMet copper-nickel project from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The proposed PolyMet mine is the most…
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources held a press conference to announce the agency’s decision to issue the Permit to Mine for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northern Minnesota.…
Gee, I wonder how the folks over at the StarTribune feel about the DNR’s decision to grant the needed Permit to Mine for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine. Oh wait,…
The proposed PolyMet copper-nickel, and precious metal mine took a major step forward as the Minnesota DNR has just issued the permit to mine, stating the project meets Minnesota’s environmental…
Under the proposed Minnesota Health Plan, eight people would be appointed to the new Minnesota Health Board by regional health boards. These eight would then appoint another seven people. Together, these…