There has been a lot of confusion about who is impacted by the law passed in 2023 creating the MN Secure Choice Retirement Plan and the program’s timeline for implementation. This new mandate will impact employers with five or more employees that do NOT offer a retirement program to their employees. At a recent meeting of the SCRP board, a timeline of implementation was set out by staff stating that the new retirement program will NOT start until first quarter of 2026 at the earliest and then will likely be
New laws for Minnesota retailers starting January 1, 2025 As we ring in 2025, several new Minnesota laws will impact retailers across the state. Here's a quick rundown of key updates to keep on your radar, and see the video from Minnesota Retailers' Will Hagen to learn more: PFAS Products Ban: Many products containing "forever chemicals" like cookware, cosmetics, and juvenile products are now prohibited. Mercury Light Bulb Sales Restrictions: Certain
Paid Leave Updates – November 2024Implementation UpdateMinnesota will be the 13th state to launch a statewide Paid Leave program. We’re committed to collaborating with stakeholders to build an intuitive and accessible Paid Leave program that works for businesses, individuals, healthcare providers, and all Minnesotans.Final proposed rules for Minnesota Paid LeaveEarlier this year, Minnesota Paid Leave asked a broad cross-section of workers, industries, service providers and advocates for feedback on draft
Judge strikes down federal overtime rule From Reuters, Daniel Wiessner, November 15, 2024 A federal judge in Texas on Friday permanently blocked a Biden administration rule that would have made about 4 million more salaried U.S. workers eligible for overtime pay. U.S. District Judge Sean Jordan in Sherman, Texas, said the U.S. Department of Labor rule that took effect in July improperly bases eligibility for overtime pay on workers' wages rather than their job duties. The state
Gift cards are a top holiday gift From 106.9 KROC Rochester, Curt St. John, November 21, 2025 It's not a surprise that gift cards are shaping up to be an incredibly popular holiday present again this year in Minnesota. And we now know just which cards are the best to give... or get! Once again this year, Americans are set to spend billions of dollars on gift cards this holiday season, making them one of the hottest presents out there. "We see over and over every holiday season, gift cards
For the second time in seven years, a federal court in Texas has struck down a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) rule aimed at expanding the scope of overtime eligibility to workers across the country. On November 15, 2024, in State of Texas v. United States Dep’t of Labor, Judge Sean D. Jordan of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas ruled that the DOL exceeded its rulemaking authority by raising the minimum salary for exemption as an executive, administrative, or professional
Northern Exposure: Measuring Artificial Intelligence in Minnesota's Economy By Luke Greiner and Cameron Macht September 2024Executive SummaryArtificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly improving technology that will impact businesses and workers in Minnesota, enhancing some jobs, disrupting others, and creating new ones.With more than 1.6 million jobs in occupations that are highly exposed to AI, Minnesota has a high concentration of employment that will be impacted.These occupations tend to have higher
New workplace poster required for Minnesota's minimum wage adjustments The State of Minnesota has released a new mandatory workplace poster reflecting updates to the minimum wage, effective January 1, 2025. All employers are required to display these updated posters prominently in the workplace. You can print the posters or order physical copies directly from the Department of Labor and Industry's (DLI) website using the following link: download posters. Beginning January 1, 2025,
Important update: Attorney General releases FAQ on Minnesota's price transparency (junk fee) lawOn Friday the Minnesota Attorney General sent Minnesota Retailers an FAQ document regarding the state's new price transparency law, commonly known as the "junk fee" law. This law, which will take effect on January 1, 2025, aims to provide consumers with clearer pricing by ensuring that all mandatory fees are disclosed upfront in advertised prices. The Attorney General's office mentioned to Minnesota Retailers
"Manufacturing employment is growing in Northeast Minnesota." This is a statement that has not been uttered often over the last couple of decades. However, after a decade of significant decline, followed by a decade of stagnation, employment has now grown three consecutive years, building upon the modest growth that was perforated by the Pandemic Rescession. As a result, Manufacturing employment is at the highest it has been since before the Great Recession. To read more:Northeast Region / Minnesota