To become a state where truly all of us can thrive, we need an economy that works for all
Minnesota has one of the highest rates of labor force participation in the country, but too many Minnesota workers struggle to make ends meet. We research economic trends to understand who’s faring well in today’s economy, and who is left behind.
Minnesota is built on a foundation of interwoven cultures, and we benefit from the ways immigrants from across the globe continue to help build the vibrant communities we live in and love today. From Albert Lea to Zumbrota, Minnesota cities and towns thrive because of our diverse immigrant populations. Our research on immigration focuses on the contributions that New Americans bring to Minnesota.
Our work also looks at economic policies so that all Minnesotans can thrive, particularly by improving wages and job quality standards, and dismantling barriers that keep our immigrant and refugee neighbors from fully participating in our communities and economy.
Research Highlight
Modernizing Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance system
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic disruption, many workers relied on Unemployment Insurance (UI) to get through a tough stretch. We examine ways Minnesota’s UI system could be strengthened to better match workers’ needs and no longer penalize folks who work multiple jobs or face barriers during and after applying.
Publications
Brief
Expanding health care options for immigrants benefits us all
April 25, 2023 • Jessie Luévano
Health Care, Income and Inclusive Economy
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how our own health and the health of our neighbors and communities are interconnected, and the… Continue reading Expanding health care options for immigrants benefits us all
Brief
Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance system should be updated to meet realities of today’s workforce
April 25, 2023 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy
Over the course of the pandemic, workers have needed to navigate the ups and downs of a continually shifting economy,… Continue reading Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance system should be updated to meet realities of today’s workforce
Post
Driver’s licenses for all would strengthen Minnesota
February 21, 2023 • Clark Goldenrod
Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy
Minnesota policymakers have an important opportunity in 2023 to expand access to driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status. This policy… Continue reading Driver’s licenses for all would strengthen Minnesota
Post
Minnesota college students increasingly facing basic economic, mental health challenges
November 9, 2022 • Minnesota Budget Project
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
No student should have to go hungry or worry about having stable housing. But Minnesota’s college students are increasingly finding… Continue reading Minnesota college students increasingly facing basic economic, mental health challenges
Post
Today’s high inflation highlights longer-term trend of wages not keeping up with cost of living
October 31, 2022 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
While corporations are experiencing the largest profit margins in 70 years, this isn’t being reflected in what Minnesota workers are… Continue reading Today’s high inflation highlights longer-term trend of wages not keeping up with cost of living