What Happens Without a Special Session?

by | Aug 17, 2016

Legislative leaders and Governor Dayton continue to negotiate over the possibility of a special legislative session. The absence of a special session means no 2016 tax bill (and no bonding/transportation finance package), which in turn would mean more money left on...

Conservative Think Tank's Report Misses the Mark

by | Aug 15, 2016

The Center of the American Experiment (CAE) released a new report today, bemoaning Minnesota’s “mediocre” economic performance since 2000. Some of the trends noted in the report are legitimate, while others are not. However, the insinuation that “Minnesota’s...

Doctor Frankenstein, Meet Your Monster

by | Aug 11, 2016

Several weeks ago, the right wing Center of the American Experiment (CAE) observed that Minnesota’s economic performance over the course of the 21st century has been “mediocre” and touted a forthcoming report that would stimulate debate over “the extent to which...

Mid-Week Reads: Economics and Early Ed

by | Aug 11, 2016

Every week, North Star will take some time out of our schedules to bring you our favorite reads from the past week. Jeff Van Wychen The Third Way: Share-the-Gains Capitalism Economist and for U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich outlines three economic systems in...

Minnesota Receives Highest Possible Bond Rating

by | Aug 10, 2016

Minnesota received good fiscal and economic news recently, as the Fitch rating agency improved the state’s bond rating from AA+ to AAA—the highest rating possible. The improved rating will translate into reduced borrowing costs for Minnesota state and local...