A full analysis from our policy team on how the actions of the 2014 Legislature will affect your bottom line, and an early preview of what issues are anticipated for the 2015 Legislature.
Business leaders across the state weighed in on their priority concerns during our Statewide Policy Tour. Their message was clear: Recent changes in legislation make it harder to be successful in Minnesota. They continue to face recurring problems in such areas as workforce, permitting, health care and labor.
Webinar: Council tax support Models that Members can sign up toPolicy in Practice
Listen back to hear Policy in Practice in conversation with Allan Clark, Barnet Council, to learn how they're changing their council tax support scheme for Universal Credit.
We cover how Policy in Practice's comprehensive impact modelling provided the data that Barnet Council's Members needed to agree amended schemes with confidence.
Listen back to learn:
- How LAs’ CTS schemes have evolved since they were first introduced
- What factors Barnet modelled, and why
- What schemes Barnet considered, rejected and implemented
For more information visit www.policyinpractice.co.uk, email hello@policyinpractice.co.uk or call 0330 088 9242.
The Minnesota Chamber’s course for 2014 is set! We will aggressively advocate for the priorities of the statewide business community at the Legislature. The united voice of Minnesota businesses is more important than ever given the current political environment. Your engagement is essential to help keep our businesses competitive in the global economy. Our Priority issues for the 2014 legislative session include: Tax relief (specifically B2B taxes), Education and Workforce, Transportation, Environmental Regualtions & Minimum Wage.
Town of Franklin: Human Resources Update - 10/13/21Franklin Matters
Town of Franklin (MA) - Human Resources presentation to the Finance Committee on Oct 13, 2021. HR Director Karen Bratt presents the updates and answers questions along with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.
Lots have been written on the middle class. Many governments around the world target the middle class as part of helping the middle class. The problem is that many governments are too busy focusing on policies that do little in terms either helping the environment or supporting the middle class.
Investments and outcomes of the CareerSource Florida network have a major impact on our state. According to a new CareerSource Florida analysis, more than half a million individuals assisted by the network who found jobs earned a total of $9.8 billion in one year, supporting themselves and their families while boosting Florida’s economy.
Business leaders across the state weighed in on their priority concerns during our Statewide Policy Tour. Their message was clear: Recent changes in legislation make it harder to be successful in Minnesota. They continue to face recurring problems in such areas as workforce, permitting, health care and labor.
Webinar: Council tax support Models that Members can sign up toPolicy in Practice
Listen back to hear Policy in Practice in conversation with Allan Clark, Barnet Council, to learn how they're changing their council tax support scheme for Universal Credit.
We cover how Policy in Practice's comprehensive impact modelling provided the data that Barnet Council's Members needed to agree amended schemes with confidence.
Listen back to learn:
- How LAs’ CTS schemes have evolved since they were first introduced
- What factors Barnet modelled, and why
- What schemes Barnet considered, rejected and implemented
For more information visit www.policyinpractice.co.uk, email hello@policyinpractice.co.uk or call 0330 088 9242.
The Minnesota Chamber’s course for 2014 is set! We will aggressively advocate for the priorities of the statewide business community at the Legislature. The united voice of Minnesota businesses is more important than ever given the current political environment. Your engagement is essential to help keep our businesses competitive in the global economy. Our Priority issues for the 2014 legislative session include: Tax relief (specifically B2B taxes), Education and Workforce, Transportation, Environmental Regualtions & Minimum Wage.
Town of Franklin: Human Resources Update - 10/13/21Franklin Matters
Town of Franklin (MA) - Human Resources presentation to the Finance Committee on Oct 13, 2021. HR Director Karen Bratt presents the updates and answers questions along with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.
Lots have been written on the middle class. Many governments around the world target the middle class as part of helping the middle class. The problem is that many governments are too busy focusing on policies that do little in terms either helping the environment or supporting the middle class.
Investments and outcomes of the CareerSource Florida network have a major impact on our state. According to a new CareerSource Florida analysis, more than half a million individuals assisted by the network who found jobs earned a total of $9.8 billion in one year, supporting themselves and their families while boosting Florida’s economy.
Here's a run through of today's breakfast briefing which touches on the latest employment updates; auto enrolment, managing performance, managing absence, social media, and health and safety updates, corporate manslaughter and fee for intervention. If you would like any other information, please contact Ken or Jodi on 01302 341 344.
COVID-19 has created residents who are newly financially vulnerable and who will be looking to you for help in the near future. But who are these people, and what action can you take now to stop them falling into crisis? And, critically, how will your support services need to adapt?
As the pandemic continues to hit the financial resilience of many families, councils are looking ahead to what this means for collection rates, and whether their council tax support schemes can cope with increased demand.
In this webinar, Zoe Charlesworth summarised the latest and forthcoming policy updates which will drive the need for local authorities to redesign their CTR schemes, highlighting the importance of how understanding this context can assist scheme design.
Paul Howarth presented some key insights from our analysis on Understanding the Impact of Universal Credit on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and Rent Arrears in Wales.
Dr Ben Fell shared details of our latest work on future modelling and how it can help you future-proof CTR schemes for local authorities.
Finally, Sally Sanders shared how working with Policy in Practice has helped Enfield Council model a new scheme to help protect residents from COVID-19 income shocks.
Listen back to hear:
- New analysis for the Welsh Government on the impact of Universal Credit on rent and council tax arrears
- How COVID-19 is expected to change your caseload, and what this means for your council tax support scheme
-Measures you can take to boost future collection rates and minimise arrears
A presentation on the Louisiana State Budget and its tax giveaways. Shared at the Together Louisiana Statewide Issues Conference on February 15th, 2014.
Check out our Upcoming Events page for news and updates on our future seminars and webinars at http://www.macpas.com/events/.
View a full recap of this webinar at http://www.macpas.com/pennsylvania-2014-budget-and-corporate-tax-update
This webinar was hosted by Jason Skrinak (Tax Principal) and Michael Eby (Tax Manager) from McKonly & Asbury. The presentation included a detailed discussion of the 2014 Pennsylvania Budget where we reviewed key tax implications and compared the changes to the corporate tax reform initiated from last year’s budget. We also discussed recent corporate tax changes in Pennsylvania including Business Privilege Tax, Pennsylvania Department of Revenue modernization, revisions of Pennsylvania’s Board of Finance and Revenue, among other topics. Finally, we highlighted potential corporate tax issues that are being debated by the Pennsylvania legislature.
The Evolving World of Workers' CompensationSkoda Minotti
Ken Haffey, Partner, Skoda Minotti and Mark Clendenin, BWC Northeast Region Business Development Manager discuss the evolution of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ compensation.
The presentation provided an overview of the enacted 2017-2018 Pennsylvania State Budget, including a summary discussion of what tax items have been on the table for negotiation during the past few years.
During the second leg of the webinar, the presenter provided a brief update on recently passed tax legislation and court decisions of interest. The Department of Revenue has been active in releasing several important information notices during the first half of 2017 regarding sales tax on computer services as well as appeal process procedural changes. We also took a look at the numbers from the most recent PA Tax Amnesty.
In the final leg of the webinar, we looked ahead at how some of the tax legislation passing in other states may soon be coming to Pennsylvania.
The Apprenticeship Reform & its Implications on Colleges; by Teresa Frith The Pathway Group
A comprehensive report prepared by Teresa Frith of 'Association of Colleges'.
This document outlines the importance and purpose behind the 'apprenticeship reform' (changes made to apprenticeship funding), and the government's take on it all.
As well as providing information about the apprenticeship reform funding and processes, the implications the levy will have on colleges has also been explained.
With all of the changes going on in the pension world, pension plan sponsors want to better understand the recently updated mortality table and its impact for funding and accounting, further increases to PBGC premiums, extension of HATFA funding relief, and new granular accounting methodologies. This 45 minute Findley Davies recorded webinar will address the impact of these pension world changes on your organization as you make decisions for 2016.
The Illinois Community College Board and Northern Illinois University (NIU) Center for Governmental Studies (CGS) Economic Impact Study (EIS) Project Team collaborated on this study.
Here's a run through of today's breakfast briefing which touches on the latest employment updates; auto enrolment, managing performance, managing absence, social media, and health and safety updates, corporate manslaughter and fee for intervention. If you would like any other information, please contact Ken or Jodi on 01302 341 344.
COVID-19 has created residents who are newly financially vulnerable and who will be looking to you for help in the near future. But who are these people, and what action can you take now to stop them falling into crisis? And, critically, how will your support services need to adapt?
As the pandemic continues to hit the financial resilience of many families, councils are looking ahead to what this means for collection rates, and whether their council tax support schemes can cope with increased demand.
In this webinar, Zoe Charlesworth summarised the latest and forthcoming policy updates which will drive the need for local authorities to redesign their CTR schemes, highlighting the importance of how understanding this context can assist scheme design.
Paul Howarth presented some key insights from our analysis on Understanding the Impact of Universal Credit on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and Rent Arrears in Wales.
Dr Ben Fell shared details of our latest work on future modelling and how it can help you future-proof CTR schemes for local authorities.
Finally, Sally Sanders shared how working with Policy in Practice has helped Enfield Council model a new scheme to help protect residents from COVID-19 income shocks.
Listen back to hear:
- New analysis for the Welsh Government on the impact of Universal Credit on rent and council tax arrears
- How COVID-19 is expected to change your caseload, and what this means for your council tax support scheme
-Measures you can take to boost future collection rates and minimise arrears
A presentation on the Louisiana State Budget and its tax giveaways. Shared at the Together Louisiana Statewide Issues Conference on February 15th, 2014.
Check out our Upcoming Events page for news and updates on our future seminars and webinars at http://www.macpas.com/events/.
View a full recap of this webinar at http://www.macpas.com/pennsylvania-2014-budget-and-corporate-tax-update
This webinar was hosted by Jason Skrinak (Tax Principal) and Michael Eby (Tax Manager) from McKonly & Asbury. The presentation included a detailed discussion of the 2014 Pennsylvania Budget where we reviewed key tax implications and compared the changes to the corporate tax reform initiated from last year’s budget. We also discussed recent corporate tax changes in Pennsylvania including Business Privilege Tax, Pennsylvania Department of Revenue modernization, revisions of Pennsylvania’s Board of Finance and Revenue, among other topics. Finally, we highlighted potential corporate tax issues that are being debated by the Pennsylvania legislature.
The Evolving World of Workers' CompensationSkoda Minotti
Ken Haffey, Partner, Skoda Minotti and Mark Clendenin, BWC Northeast Region Business Development Manager discuss the evolution of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ compensation.
The presentation provided an overview of the enacted 2017-2018 Pennsylvania State Budget, including a summary discussion of what tax items have been on the table for negotiation during the past few years.
During the second leg of the webinar, the presenter provided a brief update on recently passed tax legislation and court decisions of interest. The Department of Revenue has been active in releasing several important information notices during the first half of 2017 regarding sales tax on computer services as well as appeal process procedural changes. We also took a look at the numbers from the most recent PA Tax Amnesty.
In the final leg of the webinar, we looked ahead at how some of the tax legislation passing in other states may soon be coming to Pennsylvania.
The Apprenticeship Reform & its Implications on Colleges; by Teresa Frith The Pathway Group
A comprehensive report prepared by Teresa Frith of 'Association of Colleges'.
This document outlines the importance and purpose behind the 'apprenticeship reform' (changes made to apprenticeship funding), and the government's take on it all.
As well as providing information about the apprenticeship reform funding and processes, the implications the levy will have on colleges has also been explained.
With all of the changes going on in the pension world, pension plan sponsors want to better understand the recently updated mortality table and its impact for funding and accounting, further increases to PBGC premiums, extension of HATFA funding relief, and new granular accounting methodologies. This 45 minute Findley Davies recorded webinar will address the impact of these pension world changes on your organization as you make decisions for 2016.
The Illinois Community College Board and Northern Illinois University (NIU) Center for Governmental Studies (CGS) Economic Impact Study (EIS) Project Team collaborated on this study.
This presentation provides a high level overview of the following elements of the Canada-Ontario Job Grant:
- Background
- Program Description
- Eligibility and Requirements
- Program Delivery
- The Application Process
Yuma County Sheriff's Office 2017 budget proposalAdam Wills
Our 2017 Budget Proposal to the Yuma County Board of County Commissioners is now available to view online. You will quickly recognize that the primary focus of this year's budget presentation is personnel, as it has been the last several years.
Similar to 2014 session wrap up webinar 05.20.14 (20)
A New Model to Support Emerging Businesses. Minnesota Chamber Grow Minnesota Program and local chamber partners offer business assistance to help businesses stay and grow in this state.
Last year’s tax changes were not favorable to Minnesota businesses. Instead of running from these changes, learn how you can embrace them and minimize the impact they will have on your own business.
Joel Germershausen, cpa & manager, Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP
Nick Marshall, manager, Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP
Immigrants are contributing to both the development and growth of our state’s economy. Their role in replacing retiring workers and supporting business growth is particularly important. Learn about their contributions and how you can make this growing and productive workforce part of your business.
Many companies struggle with how to scale and continue growth. They try replacing people, changing comp plans and various kinds of solutions to no avail. This session will focus on six factors that every sales organization needs functioning correctly in order to optimize and grow sales: growth strategy, people, process, measurement, rewards and recognition, execution and sales management. Learn how you can implement these six factors into your sales organization to stimulate growth.
Doug Baker, prominent chairman and CEO of Ecolab, shares the story of Ecolab and a provides a formula for Minnesota to achieve a successful environment for Businesses to thrive.
HEALTH CARE REFORM - GETTING READY FOR 2014
On June 19, 2013, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce hosted a workshop on the new health care reform law. This presentation outlines what small employers need to know about the law changes.
Implementing Health Care in 2014: It’s Far More Than Just a ‘Pay or Play’ Decision
On June 19, 2013, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce hosted a workshop on the new health care reform law. This presentation outlines what small employers need to know about the law changes.
While some manufacturers have had record years, and in some respects, helped to jump start the economic recovery, the outlook may be cloudy. Manufacturing is weakening in Minnesota, and across the nation, according to a closely watched Creighton University Index. Presented at the Minnesota Chamber Manufacturers Summit on October 23, 2012
Are you certain you know how Minnesota employers feel about the most important issues facing the state? For the 9th consecutive
year, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Himle Rapp & Company to conduct the Business Barometer, a comprehensive look into the opinions and concerns of Minnesota business owners and managers. Join us to learn what business is saying and don't be shy about asking for the stories behind the survey results.
Todd Rapp, president, Himle Rapp & Company
When you are thinking of growing your business, are you thinking over the border? Learn about the opportunities available to businesses in Minnesota for doing business in Canada and Mexico.
Ana Luisa Fager, consul general of Mexico, St. Paul;
Michael Flaherty, senior trade commissioner, Consulate General of Canada
Like it or not, social media has become the norm. Social Media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, as well as other informationsharing sites and blogs have forever changed the way people communicate. Employers need to recognize that their employee's personal use of these social networking websites - whether or not the employer permits personal use of these websites at work - is rife with these potential employment issues and other legal exposures, such as potential claims or employee harassment, unfair labor practices and unauthorized disclosure of statutorily-protected information about the company, its customers and employees. This session will address how employers can avoid exposure arising from such risks and how employers need to protect themselves.
Stuart R. Buttrick, partner, Faegre Baker Daniels LLP
Joel Patrick Schroeder, associate, Faegre Baker Daniels LLP
Court decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act did little to clarify the future of health care reform and what it means for business. And once again, health care policy will be one of the key issues helping to decide this year’s presidential election. In late August, two of Minnesota’s most storied names in health care – HealthPartners and Park Nicollet – announced plans to combine their operations at the beginning of next year. Learn about the motivation behind one of the most significant local health care partnerships in decades. And, more importantly, hear how it relates to broader health care trends in our state and the important implications for Minnesota businesses and communities.
Andrea Walsh, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, HealthPartners,Inc.
What is the point of small housing associations.pptxPaul Smith
Given the small scale of housing associations and their relative high cost per home what is the point of them and how do we justify their continued existance
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
Russian anarchist and anti-war movement in the third year of full-scale warAntti Rautiainen
Anarchist group ANA Regensburg hosted my online-presentation on 16th of May 2024, in which I discussed tactics of anti-war activism in Russia, and reasons why the anti-war movement has not been able to make an impact to change the course of events yet. Cases of anarchists repressed for anti-war activities are presented, as well as strategies of support for political prisoners, and modest successes in supporting their struggles.
Thumbnail picture is by MediaZona, you may read their report on anti-war arson attacks in Russia here: https://en.zona.media/article/2022/10/13/burn-map
Links:
Autonomous Action
http://Avtonom.org
Anarchist Black Cross Moscow
http://Avtonom.org/abc
Solidarity Zone
https://t.me/solidarity_zone
Memorial
https://memopzk.org/, https://t.me/pzk_memorial
OVD-Info
https://en.ovdinfo.org/antiwar-ovd-info-guide
RosUznik
https://rosuznik.org/
Uznik Online
http://uznikonline.tilda.ws/
Russian Reader
https://therussianreader.com/
ABC Irkutsk
https://abc38.noblogs.org/
Send mail to prisoners from abroad:
http://Prisonmail.online
YouTube: https://youtu.be/c5nSOdU48O8
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/libertarianlifecoach/episodes/Russian-anarchist-and-anti-war-movement-in-the-third-year-of-full-scale-war-e2k8ai4
ZGB - The Role of Generative AI in Government transformation.pdfSaeed Al Dhaheri
This keynote was presented during the the 7th edition of the UAE Hackathon 2024. It highlights the role of AI and Generative AI in addressing government transformation to achieve zero government bureaucracy
Understanding the Challenges of Street ChildrenSERUDS INDIA
By raising awareness, providing support, advocating for change, and offering assistance to children in need, individuals can play a crucial role in improving the lives of street children and helping them realize their full potential
Donate Us
https://serudsindia.org/how-individuals-can-support-street-children-in-india/
#donatefororphan, #donateforhomelesschildren, #childeducation, #ngochildeducation, #donateforeducation, #donationforchildeducation, #sponsorforpoorchild, #sponsororphanage #sponsororphanchild, #donation, #education, #charity, #educationforchild, #seruds, #kurnool, #joyhome
Canadian Immigration Tracker March 2024 - Key SlidesAndrew Griffith
Highlights
Permanent Residents decrease along with percentage of TR2PR decline to 52 percent of all Permanent Residents.
March asylum claim data not issued as of May 27 (unusually late). Irregular arrivals remain very small.
Study permit applications experiencing sharp decrease as a result of announced caps over 50 percent compared to February.
Citizenship numbers remain stable.
Slide 3 has the overall numbers and change.
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
8. 2014 SESSION: Fiscal
February 2014 Forecast FY 14/15 FY 16/17
Budget Surplus $1.23 billion $2.6 billion
Tax Reduction $482 million $990 million
Spending Increase $570 million $1.06 billion
Budget Reserve $150 million
Remaining $30 million $598 million*
(Does not include inflationary spending of $1.06 billion, which if included would result in deficit of $470
million for FY 16/17.)
13. 2014 SESSION: Taxes
2014 Session Tax Focus:
Unwound some of 2013 tax increases
•Tax Bill #1, Chap. 150
•Tax Decrease $443 million FY 14/15 & $956 million FY 16/17
•Repealed 3 New Business Sales Taxes
•Repealed New Gift Tax/Estate Tax Threshold to $2 million
•Federal Conformity
•Delayed upfront capital equipment sales tax
14. 2014 SESSION: Fiscal
Tax Bill #2, HF 3167
• Tax Decrease $53 million FY 14/15 and an additional
$39 million FY 16/17
• Spending increase $50 million FY 14/15 and another
$80 million 16/17
• June accelerated sales tax remittance
• One time homeowner property tax relief
• Cash payment to farmers
• Increase in local government aid in FY 16/17
16. 2013-14 SESSION: Impact Competitiveness
Income tax: 3.22%
Corporate: 4.53%
Sales: 6.55%
EstateTax: None
Income tax: None
Corporate: None
Sales: 5.83%
EstateTax: None
Income: 9.85%
4th highest rate/
2ndat some incomes
Corporate: 9.8%
3rd highest
Sales*: 7.19%
18th highest
(combined state/local)
Estate: $2 million
Source: Federation of Tax Administrators, Tax Foundation 2014 rates
Income: 7.65%
Corporate: 7.9%
Sales: 5.43%
EstateTax: None
Income tax: 8.98%
Corporate: 12%
Sales: 6.78%
EstateTax: None
17. 2014 SESSION: Labor Management
2013 Labor law changes:
• Labor Lockout Bill
• Ban the Box
• Worker’s Compensation
Agreement
BANTHE
BOX
18. 2014 SESSION: Labor Issues
2014 Labor Law Changes:
Minimum Wage
Women’s Economic Security Act (“WESA”)
REGISTER NOW!
For our Employers Guide
to 2014 Employment Law
Changes featuring attorney
Jody Ward-Rannow
19. 2014 SESSION: Labor Management
Chamber’s priority:
Minimum Wage - A raise to federal conformity
All surrounding states are at federal conformity ($7.25)
20. 2014 SESSION: Labor Management
LABOR MANAGEMENT
• 34 states considered minimum wage increases
during their 2014 session.
• 19 states are at federal conformity and 3 are below.
• 13 states index to inflation, the highest being Oregon
at ($9.10).
• Current highest state in law is Connecticut at $10.10
effective 1/17/2017.
• Minimum wage chart
21. 2014 SESSION: Labor Management
Minnesota Minimum Wage 8/1/2014 8/1/2015 8/1/2016
Large Employers $8.00 $9.00 $9.50
Small Employers $6.50 $7.25 $7.75
Youth Wage $6.50 $7.25 $7.75
Training Wage $6.50 $7.25 $7.75
J nonimmigrant visa $7.25 $7.50 $7.75
22. 2014 SESSION: Labor Management
Minimum Wage Agreement also includes:
• Youth Wage
• Training Wage
• Summer Work Travel
Employee Exemption
23. 2014 SESSION: Labor Issues
“WESA” law:
•Pregnancy Accommodations – provide up to 12 weeks
of unpaid time off after the birth or adoption of a child.
May be used up to one year from the qualifying event.
•Pregnancy and Parenting Leave – accommodate
employees for conditions related to pregnancy or
childbirth unless it presents an undue hardship.
24. 2014 SESSION: Labor Issues
“WESA” law:
•Wage Disclosure Protections – employers may not require
nondisclosure by an employee of their wages or take
adverse employment action against an employee for
disclosing wages.
•Nursing Mothers Protections –reasonable unpaid break
time for nursing mothers and make reasonable
accommodations.
25. 2014 SESSION: Labor Issues
“WESA” law:
•Familial Status New Protected Class – Minnesota
Human Rights Act now prohibits discrimination based on
familial status (i.e. parental status).
•Sick Leave Benefits and Care of Relatives – Added
mother-in-law, father-in-law, and/or grandchildren to the
list of people employers must allow employees to use
existing sick leave to care for. Also allows safety leave.
26. 2014 SESSION: Labor Issues
“WESA” law:
•Equal Pay Certificate of Compliance – Requires
employers with 40 or more employees and contracts with
the state over $500,000 to obtain an equal pay certificate
from the Minnesota Commissioner of Human Rights.
•Definition of Employee – change from individual who
works 12 consecutive months for an employer to 12
months.
27. 2014 SESSION: Education and Workforce
2013 Recap: More Money…
•K-12 - $485 million
•Higher education - $250 million
But Previous Reforms
Unwound
•Graduation tests repealed
•Teacher basic skills test waived
•Teacher evaluations weakened
28. 2014 SESSION: Education and Workforce
Chamber’s 2014 Education Priorities:
• Staffing flexibility: Not Adopted
• Providing parents with better
information about student
progress: Passed
• Improve career and technical
education: Passed
• Training standards for
apprenticeship programs: Passed
29. Earning College Credit in High
School – Post Secondary
Enrollment Options (PSEO)
• Improves the information school
districts must share with students
about dual credit options
• Enables post-secondary institutions to share information
with certain students about the financial benefits of
taking college classes in high school
• Cannot provide information to high schools with less
than 700 students
2014 SESSION: Education andWorkforce
30. 2014 SESSION: Education and Workforce
Halted further rollback of reforms:
•Teacher basic skills test -
weakened but not repealed
•Halted attempt to delay implementation
of statewide teacher evaluation
•Performance pay and teacher development (Q Comp) will be
combined with teacher evaluation system
•Graduation test repealed but no further weakening of
graduation standards
34. 2014 SESSION: Transportation
2013 Laws:
•“Lights on Bill”
•County Wheelage Taxes for Local Roads
•County Local Option Sales Taxes for Local
Roads
•$300 million Corridors of Commerce
35. 2014 SESSION: Transportation
Chamber’s Priority:
Real, Measurable Progress on Efficiencies BEFORE new taxes
Efficiency goal included in Supplemental Omnibus
Budget Bill – passed
5% one-time efficiency measure for MnDOT in FY15:
• First step towards meeting the 15% efficiency measure
identified by Transportation Finance Advisory Committee
• Adds $50 million to construction budget
36. 2014 SESSION: Transportation
Transportation Advocates’ Proposal
(HF2395 / SF2107) - Did not pass
• $700 million a year in new funding split about
evenly between roads and bridges and transit
• 5% Gross Receipts Tax on Fuel
• Increase in metro area sales tax to full 1% from
current .25%
37. 2014 SESSION: Transportation
Additional Funding ForTransportation:
$241 Million
• Bonding (HF2490) / Cash (HF1068)
Capital Investment: $109 Million
• Omnibus Supplemental (HF3172):
$132 Million
38. 2014 SESSION: Health Care
2013 Laws:
• Established MNsure
• Expanded Medicaid
and established state
Basic Health Plan
• Phase out of MCHA
39. 2014 SESSION: Health Care
MNsure
• Virtually No Legislative Activity
• Timely posting of 2015 rates BEFORE November
15 open enrollment
• Premium tax increased to 3.5% 2015
40. 2014 SESSION: Health Care
Percent of 2015 Health Insurance
Premiums Employers Will Pay inTaxes
41. 2014 SESSION: Health Care
Supplemental budget:
• Additional $95 million in FY15 and an
additional $631 million in FY16/ 17 for various
health care programs
• $400 million in expenses transferred from the
Health Care Access Fund (HCAF) to the
General Fund in FY16/17
• HCAF deficit of $93.7 million in FY16 and
$239.4 million in FY17
$
$
$
42. 2014 SESSION: Health Care
Omnibus Health/Human
Services Policy Bill (HF2402):
• Costly new regulations
on prescription drug
insurance - did not pass
• New Regulations on
E-cigarettes
• Medical Marijuana
43. 2014 SESSION: Elections
June Primary
• 2013 – No full House or Senate vote
• 2014 – Full House vote
• 2015 – Goal: increase support
“Disclosure” Bill
• Proposed change - what is
considered election speech
• Disclosure of membership
information
44. 2014 SESSION WRAP UP
SUMMARY
• Back-to-back challenging sessions for
businesses in Minnesota
• Some progress on priority issues
• Far too many mandates, cost increases and
burdens imposed on Minnesota employers
• Policies likely have serious consequences for
longer term economic success and
competitiveness
46. CONTACT OUR POLICY STAFF
Laura Bordelon
SeniorVice President, Advocacy
651.292.4681
lbordelon@mnchamber.com
Jennifer Byers
Vice President, Grassroots and Chamber Relations
651.292.4673
jbyers@mnchamber.com
Ben Gerber
Manager, Energy & Labor/Management Policy
651.292.4663
bgerber@mnchamber.com
Bentley Graves
Director, Health Care andTransportation
651.292.4682
bgraves @mnchamber.com
Beth Strinden Kadoun
Director,Tax and Fiscal Policy
651.292.4678
bkadoun@mnchamber.com
Tony Kwilas
Director, Environmental Policy
651.292.4668
tkwilas@mnchamber.com
Sarah Radosevich
Policy Research Analyst
651.292.4660
sradosevich@mnchamber.com
Amy Walstien
Director, Education andWorkforce
Development, Elections
651.292.4661
awalstien@mnchamber.com
47. 2014 SESSIONWRAP UP
LEARNmore
1. Contact us about how these decisions impact
your business
2. Attend a Statewide PolicyTour meeting
3. Participate on a policy committee
4. Visit our website at www.mnchamber.com
5. Read our new BusinessViews E-magazine
Editor's Notes
Thank you for your membership
Work on your behalf
Issues you asked us to work on this session – how we fared
What decisions mean to your business and employees, to the state’s economic climate and competitiveness.
One session does not make or break the state’s economy
Two consecutive years of policy changes that have been a sharp change in direction for the state – higher taxes, higher spending – that will have implications further down the road.
GDP - 5th highest tied w/ CA
Real GDP – 17th largest
Unemployment rate:
Workforce participation rate:
Median income:
New biz starts:
State relies more heavily on more volatile revenue streams: corporate, individual and cigarette tax increases
$2.6 billion surplus - $ was spent this session - $ remains
Our system less competitive compared with other states both regionally and nationally
The state’s April economic update showed that 2014 tax collections are $78 million below estimates. Income tax, sales tax and corporate taxes were off a combined $12 million. Individual income tax withholding in April was off the most, down $19 million. These numbers may change over time, but this is a four month trend.