Politifact aims and misses on Wisconsin Minnesota economic comparison

Politifact did it again. Minnesota is superior to Wisconsin on all economic performance measures except business climate indices.

So how does Politifact rate a Minnesota Legislator’s claim that Minnesota is outperforming Wisconsin?

Rather than acknowledge that Minnesota is experiencing faster growth (3.5% to 1.5%) with higher incomes (Minnesota's per capita income is $4500 more than Wisconsin's), more jobs (between July 2012 and July 2013 Minnesota created twice as many jobs as Wisconsin) , and lower unemployment (5.2 percent, nearly one-quarter lower than Wisconsin’s 6.8 percent.), Politifact rates the statement half true because Wisconsin scores better on some business climate and competitiveness indices.

 Since Minnesota leads Wisconsin in all the economic measures that matter. what this really tells us is that business climate and competitive measures which are subjective and heavily weighted toward states with low tax rates and minimal regulations are of virtually no value.