COBRA Premiums Now Being Paid by Employers Are you aware of the COBRA rules we now live in under the Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)? From April 1st to September 30th, 2021, employers are required to pay COBRA premiums for employees who were involuntarily separated or had a reduction in hours. Under this federally subsidized program, the government will reimburse employers dollar for dollar against their quarterly payroll tax obligations. How Does it Work? As a standard, employers are already required to offer COBRA coverage for 18 months after the involuntary termination and some states have implemented continuation plans. But under the new subsidy, employees and their qualifying dependents can be covered at no cost for Read More...
Federal Judge Blocks Overtime Rule
Federal Judge Blocks Overtime Rule An employee’s exempt status is based on duties performed, not wages paid. A U.S. District Judge issued a nationwide injunction stopping implementation of the Department of Labor’s rule on overtime pay for exempt employees. It was set to take effect on December 1. According to the Washington Times, the judge ruled: “Congress defined the … exemption with regard to duties, which does not include a minimum salary level,” Judge Mazzant wrote. “The Department’s role is to carry out Congress’s intent. If Congress intended the salary requirement to supplant the duties test, then Congress, and not the Department, should make that change.” The full ruling is 20 pages, but this paragraph captures the essence Read More...
MN Minimum Wage Increase 2016
Effective August 1, 2016, the minimum wage in Minnesota will increase. The increase will impact all businesses, including agri-businesses. Hourly Rate Overview Below is a brief overview of the new minimum wage rates for hours worked beginning August 1, 2016. LARGE EMPLOYER Any enterprise with an annual gross dollar volume of sales made or business done of $500,000 or more $9.50 SMALL EMPLOYER Any enterprise with an annual gross dollar volume of sales made or business done of less than $500,000 $7.75 TRAINING RATE May be paid to employees younger than 20 years of age for the first 90 consecutive days of employment $7.75 YOUTH RATE Paid to employees younger than 18 years of age who are not covered under Read More...
