Friends and neighbors —

A troubling new report by the Chamber of Commerce on Minnesota’s economic indicators shows our state ranked near the bottom among U.S. states in several key economic indicators so far this decade. While some sectors like tech and finance had growth, Main Street businesses and the service industry have struggled mightily to recover jobs lost during the pandemic. This uneven recovery means too many working, middle-class Minnesotans are missing out on prosperity – especially prosperity of government.

Minnesota was once the envy of the Midwest, but we have fallen behind. As the Chamber’s report highlights, our state’s growth is now lagging in most key areas: We ranked 25th in per capita income growth, so worker incomes aren’t rising as fast as we would like. We ranked 35th in GDP growth. 40th in job growth. And 42nd in domestic net migration, because we lost a net of 36,000 residents to other states. More people are leaving than want to move here.

We must empower our workers and help Main Street businesses thrive once again. Fluffy, feel-good things may generate headlines, but we need to focus on the basics that will help workers. We need major, permanent tax relief – not $260 rebate checks – so people can afford gas, groceries, and childcare more easily. We need to enhance skills training and opportunities for those struggling to get ahead. We need to cut red tape for small businesses trying to expand and create jobs. 

Most of all, we need an economy that works better for the middle-class families who are the backbone of our state. With smart policies centered on empowering workers and small businesses, Minnesota can get back on track to faster growth that works for everyone.

Bill