(St. Paul, MN) -- Analysts say federal stimulus money is undoubtedly a factor in the January jump in jobs across Minnesota. State economic development researcher Steve Hine says construction and manufacturing have profited dramatically from stimulus programs and other economic measures. He says, a year ago that sector was down over the year by 26-some percent and is now up 17-point-seven. Hine notes that building and manufacturing are relatively small segments of the state's economy and are not enough by themselves to turn things around. He says 215-thousand Minnesotans were without jobs in January.
