Forget rising taxes, unemployment rates and recent corporate layoffs, HERE'S a real sign things just ain't what they used to be in our economy here in Minnesota:

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Target's CEO no longer has unlimited personal use of the corporate jet.

Really. Can you imagine such an injustice?!? If you can bring yourself to read more of this sad tale, BringMeTheNews.com has the story today of how Target CEO Brian Cornell -- who makes around $9 million a year -- can now only use the corporate jet for personal trips costing up to $175,000 a year. After that, he's gotta pay for it out of his own pocket-- like the rest of us working stiffs, I guess. Sad, but true.

The story goes on to say, "According to the Pioneer Press, the cap was agreed upon when he became CEO last summer.  Target told the Pioneer Press that this 'represents a change,' as use of the jet under former CEO Gregg Steinhafel was unlimited."

To my way of thinking, two things stand out. The first is, we're talking PERSONAL use of the private jet here -- not using the corporate jet to fly to New York for a business meeting; that's still paid for, I'm guessing. But apparently this means that if Cornell wants to jet off to Napa, Calif. for a quick getaway to wine country this weekend, he still can -- on the company's dime, no less -- until he racks up costs of $175,000. Then, I guess he'll have to figure out just how much of that $9 million he can afford to spend out of his own pocket.

The second thing that stands out, though, is that the former Target CEO used to have UNLIMITED personal use of the company jet. Yes, the guy who was let go last year because of the whole data security breach debacle and Target closing all its Canadian stores -- which perhaps resulted in the recent loss of 1,700 jobs here in Minnesota -- used to be to take the 'ol corporate bird wherever he wanted, whenever he wanted, with no limits, all while the company paid for his excursions.

Sheesh. Must be nice. I just hope the current CEO has set up a good vacation savings account. God forbid he'd have to fly commercial!

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