HOW DID YOUR LEGISLATOR VOTE ON YOUR PRIORITIES?

The time is opportune to review how legislators represented your interests this year at the Capitol.

“With today’s uncertain economy, it is more important than ever for Minnesota to position itself to compete in the global marketplace,” Chamber President David Olson said. “The laws passed in St. Paul have considerable impact on Minnesota businesses and all Minnesotans’ well-being.”

The Minnesota Chamber annually publishes key votes of legislators on issues important to maintaining a healthy economy. The 2009 Voting Record, released this week, can be found at http://www.minnesotaprosperity.org/page.asp?content=VR2009&g=minnesota

NEW MANDATES, TAX INCREASES TAKE EFFECT

Several new laws on the state and federal levels take effect this month. Businesses should pay particular attention to the following:

State general sales and use tax rate increases: Effective July 1, 2009, the state’s sales tax will increase from 6.5 percent to 6.875 percent. The tax, which expires in 2034, is dedicated to fund wildlife habitat, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and culture. The appropriate sales tax rate charts will be added to the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s Web site as they become available: http://www.taxes.state.mn.us/ .Any local or regional sales tax is in addition to the state sales tax rate.

State gas tax increases: Effective July 1, 2009, motorists will pay another 1.6 cents surcharge per gallon of gasoline. The gas tax increase is the fourth in 15 months under a bill passed by the 2008 Legislature to finance a 10-year, $6.6 billion program to improve the state's highways, bridges and transit systems.

Federal minimum wage increases: Effective July 24, the federal minimum wage will increase to $7.25 per hour on July 24 in accordance with the three incremental steps enacted into law in 2006. The rate previously was raised to $5.85 in 2007 and $6.55 in 2008. For more information on the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, visit www.dol.gov/compliance/laws/comp-flsa.htm.

Section 125 health insurance mandate takes effect: Effective July 1, 2009, Minnesota businesses with 11 or more full-time equivalent employees that do not currently offer health insurance to employees must establish a Section 125 “cafeteria” premium-only plan. The law, enacted in 2008, also permits employees to opt out after reviewing the potential benefits of a Section 125 plan. For specific information on Section 125 plans and how to establish these plans, employers are encouraged to contact an employee benefits expert or insurance broker.
Read More

2009 CHAMBER CENTENNIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT A SUCCESS

2009 Golf Tournament Winners The Cook Hill Girard Associates, LTD foursome won the Minnesota Chamber’s Centennial Golf Tournament on June 23 at Willingers Golf Club in Northfield.

Team members were: (from left): Wade Brod, Seagate Technology; Jim Girard, Cook Hill Girard; Todd Hill, Cook Hill Girard; Troy Nygaard, The First Tee of Three Rivers Park District. Click here for the story and list of sponsors.

 

Site Map|Privacy & Security|Contact Us|Send Feedback
© Copyright 2009 Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.

This web site is developed and owned by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Any use or reprinting is strictly prohibited without prior consent of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.