MN2020’s Fellow and Director of Tax Policy and Analysis, did a great post August 11 disecting the conservative excuses on why Gov. Dayton’s Minnesota’s economy is doing so much better that Gov. Walker’s Wisconsin.

The excuse:  Minnesota has more industries that have performed better in recent years.  Wisconsin has more manufacturing, and that’s performed less well.

What happens when you look at the Gross Domestic Product (the GDP we all hear about on the news) compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis?

Minnesota’s real GDP growth  — 7.5% from 2010 to 2013

Wisconsin’s real GDP growth — 4.5% from 2010 to 2013

Here are some great graphs from the post:

Minnesota is leading the pack. Wisconsin? Bringing up the rear.

So, what about the concept that manufacturing is causing Wisconsin’s lag? Again, MN2020 has a great graph disproving the premise:

What does this information show?

“Under progressive leadership, Minnesota has responsibly balanced the state budget, restored a portion of past funding cuts to K-12 and higher eduction, and made important new investments in all-day kindergarten and early childhood education, infrastructure, workforce development and affordable housing and healthcare. All this was achieved while simultaneously increasing tax fairness, lowering taxes for most Minnesotans and reducing the projected Price of Government to an all-time low.

Sounds pretty darn clear to us, and we’re glad we live west of the St. Croix. You can read the full post here.

Minnesota economic recovery · Minnesota GDP · Minnesota vs. Wisconsin · MN vs. WI

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