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Asbestos Statute Change

Due to recent changes in state law and rules, Minnesota renovation contractors doing work on single family homes or buildings with no more than four dwelling units will now need to know if they are conducting asbestos-related work.

The Minnesota Department of Health recently amended the Minnesota Asbestos Abatement Act (Minnesota Statutes 326.70 to 326.81) to include specific changes to the definitions section (MS 326.71) and fees (MS 326.75). These changes became effective July 1, 2021. In the definition of asbestos-related work (subdivision 4), the previously exempt materials of floor tiles and sheeting, roofing materials, siding, and all ceilings with asbestos-containing material are now regulated in single family residences and buildings with no more than four dwelling units, if the materials are friable or are made friable during renovation activities. The change was made in order to better protect workers and dwelling occupants from the harmful health effects of asbestos.

We recognize this change poses a challenge as contractors working on such projects will need to comply with both the Minnesota Statute and Rules (Minnesota Rules, parts 4620.3000 – 4620.3724) as well as the  Federal Renovation Repair and Paint Regulation (40 CFR 745.80 – 745.92 ). If you have any questions or need compliance assistance, please contact the Minnesota Department of Health Asbestos / Lead Compliance unit at:

 651-201-4620 or Health.Asbestos-Lead@state.mn.us

 Additional information can be found at:

Asbestos – Professionals – EH: Minnesota Department of Health (state.mn.us)

Dan Miller

Industrial Hygienist | Asbestos and Lead Compliance Unit

Minnesota Department of Health

Office: 651-201-4612  |  Fax: 651-201-4606

Property Tax Relief Could Be on the Way Via Boost to Annual Refund

They call it a “circuit breaker.” Minnesota’s property tax refund program is intended to keep low-income households from becoming overloaded with tax burden, just as a circuit breaker is designed to keep electric circuits from being overloaded with energy.

But a lot of state residents believe the wiring needs an update. As housing prices are rapidly rising, so are property taxes, and household budgets are getting stressed.

That’s why the House Property Tax Division laid over two bills on Wednesday that would boost the size of most Minnesotans’ property tax refunds, altering the algorithm to get more money back into the hands of homeowners.

The larger increase would come courtesy of an amended HF3866, sponsored by Rep. Kristin Bahner (DFL-Maple Grove). It has no Senate companion.

It would increase the maximum refund by $500 for all income ranges currently eligible for the credit. And it would push the income cap to receive a refund up to $155,000 from its current $126,290. Co-pays for new claimants would be 50%, with income thresholds ranging from 2.6% to 2.8%. The bill would also increase the exemption amount for claimants who are seniors or have a disability.

“This bill has three main goals,” Bahner said. “To help our seniors age in place, to help with the expenses of a growing young family, and to help those with disabilities to stay in their homes, where they feel stable and independent.”

For those with household incomes under $46,720, the maximum refund would increase from the current $3,090 to $3,590. The maximum refunds would continue to decrease by gradations according to income, but would be $500 larger than under current law. Those with household incomes over $126,290, currently ineligible for refunds, would top out at a maximum refund of $350 for those with household incomes of $155,000.

The Department of Revenue estimates that the change would result in a reduction to the General Fund of $60.9 million for fiscal year 2024 and $66.3 million for fiscal year 2025. It estimates that about 441,000 property tax refund claimants would receive an increased refund.

Sponsored by the division chair, Rep. Cheryl Youakim (DFL-Hopkins), HF3518, as amended, would also increase the maximum refund, but by $300, not $500, and would cap refund eligibility at $126,290 of household income.

Its companion, SF3185, sponsored by Sen. Matt Klein (DFL-Mendota Heights), awaits action by the Senate Taxes Committee.

“The property tax refund is an important investment we make in all of our communities,” Youakim said. “I know a lot of members have been receiving emails from constituents asking for a little bit of help with their property taxes. Maybe it’s a young family trying to make ends meet with rising child care costs or school loans. Maybe from someone trying to downsize and facing a crazy housing market or a senior trying to age in place. This bill is a good place to start.”

“Property taxes are going up and it hits a lot of people on fixed incomes,” said Rep. Paul Marquart (DFL-Dilworth). “Regardless of your income, if you lost a spouse or your spouse lost a job, you still have that home. And you still have those property taxes even though your income has changed dramatically. So anything we can do to cut property taxes is a good thing.”

 

 

(Minnesota House of Representatives)

MNDOLI Introduction to Construction Industry Apprenticeship Presentations June 21st, 2022

Join representatives from Apprenticeship Minnesota at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry to learn about registered apprenticeship and the benefits of growing and sustaining an innovative workforce. As a strategy to meet your need for skilled workers while increasing engagement and retention, registered apprenticeship offers a time-tested employee training system that can be customized to meet the needs of any business. There is no cost to attend. Each month we will feature a specific industry or community-based organization.

Date and time Topic/Title Registration
Feb. 22, 2022
10 to 11 a.m.		 (Canceled) Highlight on the manufacturing industry
March 30, 2022
10 to 11 a.m.		 Highlight on community-based organizations Register here
Password:  VkdhrpE5d23
April 26, 2022
10 to 11 a.m.		 Highlight on the information technology industry Register here
Password:  JpTG6YVAw69
May 24, 2022
10 to 11 a.m.		 Highlight on community-based organizations Register here
Password:  snMdPAPr22
June 21, 2022
10 to 11 a.m.		 Highlight on the construction industry Register here
Password:  VKhGpwMY663

There will be no in-person meetings due to the current status of the state of Minnesota operating under the COVID-19 pandemic. See Minnesota Statutes 13D.021 for remote meeting requirements. Meetings will occur via Webex. View Webex instructions:  interactive instructions; and printable instructions. To ensure your ability to connect, attempt log in at least five minutes prior to the start of the meeting. Contact Kelly Henriksen at kelly.henriksen@state.mn.us or 651-728-0439 for more information or if you are unable to connect to the meeting.

Questions?

Contact Kelly Henriksen at kelly.henriksen@state.mn.us or 651-284-5837.

Group looking at plans.
Apprenticeship funding opportunities

URGENT! House Needs to Pass UI Tax Fix by March 15th!!

Recently, the Minnesota Senate passed a bill providing the $2.73 billion needed to restore the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund by March 15. Now, the House needs to quickly pass the bill or employers will see UI payroll taxes skyrocket.

On Monday, the state announced that the budget surplus grew to a historic $9.25 billion. It’s common sense that the state should prevent this $2.7 billion tax increase on businesses struggling from rising inflation, a worsening workforce crisis, supply chain disruptions and more. The clock is ticking. The House has just two weeks to act before Minnesota employers are hit with this $2.7 billion payroll tax increase. Today’s news of the largest surplus in state history makes repaying the Unemployment Insurance debt that much easier. The governor supports this move. The Senate has already passed its bill. The House needs to do the same now.

Now’s the time to contact your House representatives and urge them to support the passage of the Senate’s UI Trust Fund fix legislation before the March 15 deadline. PLEASE contact your representatives today!

Message Body:

If the Minnesota House of Representatives doesn’t pass a bill providing the $2.73 billion needed to restore the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund by the March 15 deadline, I will see UI payroll taxes skyrocket. With an enormous budget surplus of $9.25 billion, the state should prevent this $2.73 billion tax increase on employers struggling from rising inflation, a worsening workforce crisis, supply chain disruptions and more.

Now isn’t the time to play politics or use Minnesota small businesses as a negotiation tactic. I urge you to pass the Senate’s UI Trust Fund fix by March 15 to prevent a double digit tax increase on employers.