ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota employment data continue to show a strong economy, more so in the Twin Cites but also outstate. Angelina Nguyen, of the state Department of Employment and Economic Development, said that unemployment in Minnesota remained steady at 3.4% in October. The average private sector hourly wage fell slightly to $37.76, she said. Over-the-year average hourly earnings, however, have grown $1.21, up 3.3%,outpacing inflation at 2.6%. Nguyen cited thousands of new jobs due to:
> Sofidel. A $200 million expansion of the tissue paper manufacturer in Duluth.
> Solventum. A $209 million state-of-the-art health research and development facility in Eagan
> Rural broadband expansion. Largely government funded.