Center of the American Experiment

The Center of the American Experiment creates unique research, shares insightful commentaries, and commissions various studies. We organize public events that highlight both local and national experts, hold legislative discussions, and provide presentations for students and community groups. Every year, through these diverse activities, we reach a wide audience with the ideas and solutions that we think can positively shape Minnesota's future.

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Minnesota loses residents of all age groups and incomes over $25,000 annually to other parts of the country

3 days ago | americanexperiment.org | John Phelan

Net domestic migration — whether more people are moving to Minnesota from other parts of the United States than are moving from it to other parts of the United States — is a touchy subject. When the Star Tribune ran an op ed of mine back in 2020 titled “Migration out of Minnesota is on the rise” — an admittedly dry recitation of official data — Bob Collins, formerly of MPR’s NewsCut blog, took to Twitter to invoke the Ku Klux Klan.
High school girls speech competition coming again this fall

4 days ago | americanexperiment.org | Catrin Wigfall

The fourth biennial Speaking Proudly oratory competition is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Minnesota State Capitol. The competition is open to all Minnesota high school girls interested in speaking freely about a Constitutional issue. Contestants are expected to deliver a well-researched, persuasive speech on the topic, “The Consent of the Governed” in America’s 250th year.
Good news for Wisconsin leaves Minnesota lagging the rest

4 days ago | americanexperiment.org | John Phelan

In American Experiment’s 2021 report, “The State of Minnesota’s Economy: 2020 — A focus on economic growth,” we wrote:What matters for economic welfare is per capita income. This is a general measure of welfare, telling us how much per person is available to be consumed, invested, or put to some other use. If we want to increase economic welfare, we should pursue policies that increase per capita incomes. Given its importance, Minnesota’s recent record on per capita GDP growth is concerning.
What might Sen. Mitchell’s looming burglary trial mean for the budget debate?

5 days ago | americanexperiment.org | John Phelan

On June 16, just two weeks from now, Sen. Nicole Mitchell (DFL) is due to stand trial for burglary. As I noted in the Summer 2024 issue of our magazine Thinking Minnesota:Around one o’clock in the morning of Monday, April 22 [2024], Democratic state Sen. Nicole Mitchell set off on the 200-mile drive from her home in Woodbury to her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes.
Minnesota’s Economic News - W/E 5/30/25

1 week ago | americanexperiment.org | John Phelan

Five years ago, the Twin Cities were in the midst of rioting following the death of George Floyd. The victims of the destruction were, in large part, ethnic minority and…
Teams from low tax states have an advantage over teams from high tax states

1 week ago | americanexperiment.org | John Phelan

Photo by Matias J. Ocner ([email protected])Every year, in either December or January, I post something along the lines of “Did the Vikings suck this year because of Minnesota’s high taxes?” Indeed, I grade Vikings’ seasons by how early I post the article.
All Minnesota’s businesses should be paying less sales tax

1 week ago | americanexperiment.org | John Phelan

One of the few things we know with reasonable certainty about the budget brewing in St. Paul is that data centers will be required to pay sales tax on their electricity in future, like other Minnesota businesses. That isn’t the only fiscal change this growing industry faces in our state.
DFL deficit: DFLer’s fight to give illegal immigrants free healthcare is holding up budget deal

1 week ago | americanexperiment.org | John Phelan

Last week, I summarized the state of play in the budget negotiations in St. Paul and suggested that you “watch this space” to stay informed. If you have been watching this space, you will have noticed that it has basically been empty. That is because budget negotiations appear to have made no significant progress since last week. What is the hold-up?
Minnesota’s Economic News - W/E 5/23/25

2 weeks ago | americanexperiment.org | John Phelan

Five years ago, the Twin Cities were in the midst of rioting following the death of George Floyd. The victims of the destruction were, in large part, ethnic minority and…
People greatly underestimate public school spending

2 weeks ago | americanexperiment.org | Catrin Wigfall

When it comes to education spending in Minnesota, there never appears to be enough dollars at play. Gov. Walz and the teachers’ union continually call to “fully fund” public schools, yet the catchphrase is not accompanied with a specific price tag and consistent budgetary increases from the legislature don’t ever end up being enough despite education spending being the state’s biggest general fund expenditure. How does the general public feel when they hear this message?