Few legislative priorities will matter more in the long run than improving our workforce readiness, equipping workers with the skills and educational attainment that employers seek and that employees must have for prosperous lives.

Planners predict Rochester’s core could see nearly 2.5 million square feet of private development, more than $870 million in new projects and hundreds of hotel rooms and residences in the next five years as the Destination Medical Center takes shape.

Public comments don’t always reflect behind-the-scenes input.

While it is true that the unemployment rate is low, one of the main reasons is that over the past few years a huge number of people gave up on working altogether.

The former Federal Elections Commission chair has found a more peaceful and productive home at the Department of Revenue.

Senate special committee aims to cut the widening gulf between white Minnesotans and minorities in economic success, health, education and other topics.

The state exported $20.7 billion worth of manufactured, mining and agricultural products last year, down $106 million from a record $20.8 billion in 2012.

In addition, the state unemployment rate dropped down to 5.1 percent in August, compared to the U.S. unemployment rate of 7.3 percent. Trade, transportation and utilities gained about 6,000 jobs last month, while education and health care were a close second with 5,500 jobs gained. Construction, hospitality and government also made gains, while manufacturing shed 3,400 jobs last month.

The House passed its jobs and energy budget bill on Wednesday night 73-59. The bill has increased funding for a passel of economic development projects and also requires investor-owned utilities to produce 1.5 percent of their power from solar sources by 2020.

The House voted 75-57 to pass its workforce and economic development bill that increases funding for a variety of state programs that are designed to spur new business activity. The bill drew fire from Republicans over a provision to allow locked out workers to receive unemployment benefits for three years.