Recent content from Jessie Van Berkel
Black unemployment rate falls to record low in Minnesota, but do numbers tell the whole story?
Community leaders question who is reflected in the numbers and whether workers are landing living-wage jobs.
Government jobs grew this year in Minnesota after post-pandemic lag
Private-sector jobs rebounded to pre-pandemic levels earlier this year, but government employment has not fully returned.
'I want you to hear me': Hildie Edwards becomes Minnesota's foremost trans youth advocate
From speaking at the State Capitol to performing at the Pride Festival, the 13-year-old is telling her story amid a national furor over transgender rights.
Twin Cities has one of the lowest inflation rates in U.S., at 1%
Minnesota low annual inflation continues to stand out from other metro areas nationwide.
Has tipping gotten out of control? How to navigate the new world of tipping
Touch-screen tip requests seem to be everywhere and the typical restaurant tip has climbed. Why are we tipping more?
Minnesota is losing more college students than it attracts, a troubling trend
Snowbirds are not the primary culprits in Minnesota's population losses. For years, it's been college students.
Former House Speaker Kurt Zellers to lead Minnesota Business Partnership
The former GOP gubernatorial candidate will lead one of the state's most prominent business advocacy organizations.
New DEED commissioner shares vision for Minnesota's jobs, economic future
New employment and economic development leader Matt Varilek said an influx of cash for his agency will help with workforce and child care challenges.
Teen employment hovers near decadeslong high amid tight Minnesota labor market
The teen unemployment rate nationally is the lowest it's been since the 1950s. Yet, employers still say there are not enough young workers to meet their labor needs.
Minnesota's top short-term lender ceases payday loans after state caps interest rates
Payday America stopped offering the loans it's known for and questioned where people will turn now for quick cash.
Fed's Kashkari: Banks need to have more money on hand if inflation remains high
The Minneapolis Fed president supported a plan to boost capital requirements for big banks.
Minnesota bans 'pervasive' noncompete agreements
New noncompete agreements are void starting July 1, but existing contracts will remain in place.
Archivist Jean-Nickolaus Tretter celebrated for preserving LGBTQ history
Tretter's friends and family reflected on a man whose collection is now housed at the University of Minnesota.
Minnesota loses 2027 Expo bid
The massive trade show, which city leaders hoped would spur development, went to Serbia instead.
Minnesota government workers push for higher pay in union negotiations
State pay hasn't kept pace with inflation and has fallen behind other government organizations, workers say.
Minnesota Democrats tout legislative session on national stage
DFL leaders are using legislative accomplishments to try to entice workers, and as a campaign season tool.
Minnesota needs to hire thousands of new workers. Can the state find them?
The state will be searching for staff to enact new programs and agencies amid the tightest labor market in a generation.
Higher daily expense payments, salaries on tap for Minnesota legislators
House members signed off this week on a $20 increase to their per diem pay, a move GOP legislators disputed.
Senate leader Dziedzic: 'I just listened to what the doctor said and just focused'
DFLer worked from hospital and home as she faced surgery and chemotherapy.
Minnesota first state to allow hourly school workers to seek unemployment benefits
Bus drivers, paraprofessionals and others can apply for unemployment insurance during summer break.
Craig injures ankle, missing vote on debt ceiling deal
She tripped while doing yard work and was scheduled for surgery Thursday.
Minnesota passes major drug changes, from psychedelics task force to legalizing paraphernalia
The state's new drug policies reach far beyond legalizing marijuana.
How did Minnesota Democrats unify to pass sweeping change?
From Social Security tax exemptions to gun restrictions, DFL leaders at the State Capitol held their caucuses together on divisive issues.
Minnesota's paid family and medical leave program becomes law
The benefit program and accompanying payroll tax won't start until 2026.
Walz, Democrats and advocates celebrate $72 billion budget
Republicans say the new budget will make it much more expensive to live in Minnesota.
Legislature ends session by passing largest infrastructure package in state history
Lawmakers sent a $2.6 billion infrastructure package to Gov. Tim Walz's desk on the final day of session.
Legislature passes $1.3B transportation deal with gas tax hike, sending it to Walz
Debate throughout the session has centered on how to fund much-needed fixes to the state's roads, bridges and public transit systems.
Minnesota House passes $3 billion tax cut plan, goes to Senate for final vote
The proposal also raises $1 billion in new revenues over the next two years.
Minnesota DFL legislators agree to index gas tax to inflation
Democrats struck a transportation budget deal they say raises funding long-term.
Legislature wrapping work on one of the most consequential sessions in Minnesota history
Democrats crossed off a long list of priorities in a single session in power. Republicans say they overreached.
Minnesota legislators strike deal on $2.6B infrastructure plan
The agreement includes more money that can be used to aid distressed nursing homes. The deal also aims to end the session on time.
Will this be year for Minnesota's long-stalled Equal Rights Amendment?
Backers herald "historic" legislative votes, await House action on proposed constitutional amendment.
Sick time provision would allow Minnesota workers to earn time off, paid by employers
Employees would earn one hour off for every 30 worked under a controversial provision in a sweeping jobs bill headed to the governor.
Lactating or pregnant workers could see new accommodations
Minnesota legislators are also pushing sales tax breaks on baby items and coverage of infertility treatments.
Minnesota legislators contemplate scaled-back $1.3B infrastructure plan
With the end of session fast approaching, Democrats have shifted from a borrowing bill to a smaller, all-cash plan.
Five takeaways from Minnesota Legislature's housing deal
The $1 billion bill is the most the state has ever spent on housing, but much of the money is one-time cash.
Minnesota Senate votes for paid family and medical leave
Republicans and some business owners have concerns about the bill, while a coalition supporting the proposal rallied outside the Senate chambers.
Minnesota nonprofits urge legislators to boost funding for homeless services
Nonprofits say that without additional state funding, some critical homelessness services could shrink or disappear altogether.
Minnesota legislators consider $100 million or more for communities hit by unrest
Businesses say more help is needed as legislators try to align differing proposals.
What the Minnesota Legislature passed this year, and what's still to be signed
From recreational marijuana to tax cuts, we track the major bills at the State Capitol.
Could Minnesota become a 'Top 10' destination? Tourism officials seek cash, new approach
The state tourism bureau is poised for a post-pandemic spending boost as it aims to stand out from "Midwest wallpaper."
How do Minnesota Democrats' three tax plans differ?
DFL leaders must align tax bill differences, from rebate checks to Social Security tax breaks.
State Senate OKs conversion therapy ban, transgender and abortion refuge bills
The votes come as GOP-led states take steps to restrict access to abortion and and gender-affirming health care.
Minnesota's governor, other top state officers could see two pay raises
Gov. Tim Walz has said he would not take the higher pay.
Flooding escalates in Minnesota as rivers rise: 'Rain will not help'
After a winter of record-setting snowfall, melting snow and rain is flowing through tributaries across the state. The Crow River was expected to crest in Delano, Minn., on Wednesday.
Minnesota leaders monitor rain as floodwaters near peak
The state and local governments are starting to assess damage and recovery needs.
Rebate checks, credits and Social Security tax cuts proposed in House DFL bill
Minnesotans could see one-time checks of $275 to $550, tax credits for families and Social Security tax cuts under a proposal House Democrats unveiled Monday.
Minnesota bolsters disaster aid dollars as floods loom
Mississippi, Minnesota and St. Croix rivers will reach flood levels in some places in the next few days, the National Weather Service predicts.
Report shows delays, inaccuracies in Minnesota rent help program
Housing official says auditor's recommended standards were unreasonable given unprecedented circumstances.
Minnesota Republicans rally at Capitol to oppose DFL policies, spending
GOP supporters gathered on the day of Trump's arraignment, but their focus was on state politics.
President Joe Biden highlights economic agenda in Minnesota visit
His visit is part of a national tour focused on job creation, manufacturing and clean energy.
Minnesota Democrats consider tax and fee increases
From deliveries to outdoor recreation to the metro sales tax, DFL lawmakers eye price hikes along with tax cuts.
Minnesota Republicans, Democrats are polarized by Trump indictment
Voters in both parties questioned whether the criminal indictment will stick to the controversial former president.
Republicans attempt to limit governor's temporary housing costs
The state is spending more than $17,000 a month to house Walz's family during a renovation project.
Walz family will move as the governor's residence gets $6.3M overhaul
The state will pay about $330,000 to rent a house for the governor's family for 18 months in Sunfish Lake.
Minn. businesses fear expense, expanse of paid family leave bill
State leaders consider changes to paid leave proposal, which is more sweeping than some other states.
Could Minnesota's proposed rebate checks fuel even higher inflation?
Some economists have raised the question after a number of states already passed tax rebates, but rebate supporters argued much bigger factors drive inflation.
GOP senators reject state infrastructure package
The Republican lawmakers said they would not vote for infrastructure borrowing unless the Legislature acts on tax cuts.
Minnesota may boost film tax credit 400% in hope of attracting production
Legislators aim to lure productions, but other states' incentives have had questionable results.
Minnesota legislators will get 7.25% pay hike
The $3,500 annual boost is driven by retention and inflation concerns.
Legislators tackle 'sinkholes' in Minn. mental health system
Lawmakers and advocates said the state could spend hundreds of millions on mental health needs, with an emphasis on children.
Can state leaders pass early $1.9B infrastructure package?
The fate of the borrowing bill could be decided Monday. Legislators who negotiated the agreement — which is on par with a record-setting 2020 state construction package — are waiting to see whether it holds or disintegrates on the House floor.
GOP legislators propose state tax plan with rebate checks they once criticized
Republicans say the state's record surplus also should be used on tax cuts.
Minnesota's surplus mostly unchanged at $17.5 billion
For the first time in 20 years, the prediction accounts for inflation in spending.
Minn. Democrats rapidly advance most progressive agenda in a generation
Concern about voter pushback is seemingly absent, with Democrats saying voters sent them to St. Paul to act.
Minnesota legislators aim to ensure campaigns have apartment access
Candidates have run into problems as they try to knock on doors in multi-unit buildings.
Families of overdose victims press Minnesota legislators to act
Family members want to require schools to carry naloxone, and some are also calling for increased fentanyl penalties.
How would paid leave and sick time plans work in Minnesota?
Workers could accrue short-term leave under one legislative proposal, while a payroll-tax funded program would allow for longer absences.
Mike Pence visits Minnesota, says parents' rights being 'trampled'
The former vice president criticized school policies supporting transgender students.
Can a DFL-controlled Minnesota Legislature buck bad habits?
Key legislators aim to prevent "garbage bills" and end an oft-criticized budget forecasting practice.
Community leaders press Minnesota lawmakers to address racial disparities
Legislators contemplate how to sustain momentum to close racial gaps.
Lawmakers aim to redesign 'outdated' Minnesota flag
The state's flag offends many and violates modern design principles.
Minnesota Democrats dramatically outspent GOP in midterm
DFL Gov. Tim Walz spent nearly twice as much as GOP's Scott Jensen in 2022, new finance reports show.
Minnesota lawmakers consider police reforms after Tyre Nichols' death
Major rules changes could come next week from the state board that regulates law enforcement.
Walz says Minnesota needs more than $3B for infrastructure
Lawmakers have been considering an infrastructure deal about half that size, left on the table last year.
