Friends and neighbors,
The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce just released its new Business Benchmarks report, and it confirms what many of us have been feeling for a while. Minnesota used to stand out for strong growth and a high standard of living. Now we are slipping behind. From 2019 to 2024 our real per capita GDP grew only 1% while the national rate was nearly twice that. Job growth ranked 39th. Labor force growth ranked 40th. Household income growth ranked 46th. Nearly 48,000 more people left Minnesota than moved here from 2020 to 2024.
The report points directly to high taxes and heavy regulations that make it difficult for small businesses to grow and create good jobs. Minnesota has the second highest corporate tax rate and the sixth highest personal income tax rate in the country. That hurts local job creators. It also slows down innovation and tech growth. Families are moving because other states offer a better chance at building a future. Our cost of living ranks 19th highest nationwide while nearby states like Iowa and the Dakotas remain far more affordable. Young people and workers are choosing opportunity elsewhere.
Affordability comes up in nearly every conversation I have across the district. People tell me their paychecks do not stretch like they used to. Families are trying to keep up with the rising cost of housing, energy, groceries, and everything in between.
Two years ago Democrats had full control in Saint Paul and an $18 billion dollar surplus. They could have used it to deliver real relief to working Minnesotans. Instead they spent every dollar, increased government spending by 40%, and raised taxes by ten billion more. The priorities were clear, and helping regular people with everyday costs was not one of them.
Minnesota still has everything it needs to thrive. What we do not have is a governor who puts affordability first.
I would love to hear from you. Tell me what you are seeing, how your family is doing, and what concerns you most as we head into the next year.
