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Green energy, a diamond in the rough economy
MPR: How does Minnesota's economy compare to the national economy?
Minnesota's State Economist analyzes the current condition of Minnesota's economy and compares it to the past two decades he's served in this post. He'll also look into his crystal ball.
TC Daily Planet: Rent or food? Housing costs burden one in three metro families
One-third of all households in the seven-county metro region now pay more than 30 percent of their income on housing. That's considered "cost-burdened," with high housing costs eating up money so there's not enough for other household needs. About 75 percent of all low-income households are cost-burdened compared to 33 percent of all people. A total of 215,000 households - about one in five in the metro area - are both low-income and cost-burdened, according to Trends and Issues 2008:Affordable housing for low-income families a report issued by the Wilder Foundation at the end of 2008.
MPR: Minn. auto dealers optimistic about Obama plan
"Car dealers in Minnesota are expressing optimism about President Obama's plan to jump-start domestic auto sales. The plan includes a promise that the government will stand behind domestic car makers' warranties. That's designed to reassure customers that it's safe to buy from financially troubled manufacturers, even if they declare bankruptcy. The plans aim to inspire consumer confidence and jolt the domestic automakers out of 30-year lows in sales."
MPR: Economic worries gnaw at Minn. Guard members
"I tried finding a job," said Johnson, 26. "I was trying to find anything. McDonald's, Wal-Mart, anybody that would hire. And you know, I got thinking, they'll let me do a one-year contract, it'll help get caught up on bills, get some extra money in the savings account. When I get back [from Iraq] hopefully the economy is up a bit.
Political Animal: $500,000 a day for special session, Sen. Minority Leader? Nope. (Check out our quick poll on this matter over at MN2020)
According to legislative researchers, the per day cost of special session is closer to $40,000 a day, if per diem, mileage and staff costs are included, he said. Brodkorb quite adamantly said he hadn't heard Senjem use the $500,000 figure before last Friday.
Minn Post: Foundation group throws out big ideas to shake up state budget talks
"The library stacks are full of reports with great ideas that never went anywhere. This latest set of ideas could go out with a bang, a whimper and maybe a success or two. But give the foundations credit for thinking big and throwing out controversial ideas. (Note: They refer to the ideas as the beginning of a conversation, not recommendations.)"
Finance and Commerce: Wayzata-based Broit Light goes after multi-billion-dollar LED market
Given Broit Light's unique technology, the company's revenue potential could be enormous. In the United States alone, total lighting is more than a $122-billion-a-year industry. The federal Department of Energy estimates that LED lighting is currently more than a $20-billion-a-year segment that's projected to grow at a rate of 20 percent or faster during the next five years.
Posted in Economic Development | Related Topics: Energy Housing Market Sustainability Unemployment Poverty Veterans