On May 24, 2023, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed into law a sweeping omnibus jobs and economic development and labor funding bill that will invest $500 million in a fund to match federal investments in infrastructure and large-scale development projects. This bill also fundamentally changes several areas of Minnesota employment law, including instituting a ban
Employment & Labor
Why Chongqing Is Now One Of The World’s Coolest Cities
By Jeff Dutton
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Chongqing blowing up on your TikTok? Me too! So I wanted to explore this city I had never even heard of before I started I seeing all these cyberpunk videos of the Chongqing skyline (which is weird considering just how big and advanced this city is).
Lets Learn…
State Department Delays Fee Increases for Nonimmigrant Visa and Special Visa Applications
On May 26, 2023, the U.S. Department of State announced the delay of the implementation of the final rule raising nonimmigrant visa (NIV) application processing fees and the fee for a Border Crossing Card (BCC) for Mexican citizens age fifteen and older. The effective date has been delayed from May 30, 2023, to June 17,…
Beltway Buzz, May 26, 2023
Debt Ceiling Debate Deadlock. Over the years, the Buzz has bemoaned our elected officials’ penchant for brinksmanship, but the current situation is getting ridiculous. Once again, negotiations over raising the debt ceiling took center stage in Washington, D.C., this week. Like most disputes in life, it all comes down to money, with Republicans seeking less…
Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer: Seek Justice and Compensation
TBI injury is some of the worst kinds of accident injury you can get. If someone else’s carelessness caused you or a loved one to get a traumatic brain injury, you will need the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer who can figure out if you are eligible and make sure you get fair…
It Is Time to Check Your Onboarding Documents – Employer’s Confidentially Agreement Renders Its Arbitration Agreement Unenforceable
On April 19, 2023, the California Court of Appeal held that an employer’s arbitration agreement was unenforceable because of unconscionable terms found in other documents provided to employees during the onboarding process. The decision was certified for publication on May 10, 2023. In Alberto v. Cambrian Homecare (Apr. 19, 2023, No. B314192) ___Cal.App.5th, the Court of…
District Court Finds Lincoln National Improperly Terminated LTD Benefits and Remands Matter to Lincoln for Further Claim Administration
By Kristin Kyle
In Bombassei v. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, No. 22-10593, 2023 WL 3605968 (E.D. Mich. May 23, 2023), Michigan Eastern District Judge Denise Page Hood granted judgment to Plaintiff on her ERISA claim for LTD benefits, finding that Plaintiff remained totally disabled from any occupation due to her medical conditions, in particular, narcolepsy…
California Supreme Court Extends Whistleblower Protections Again
On May 22, 2023, the Supreme Court of California answered the following question in People ex rel. Garcia-Brower v. Kolla’s, Inc., S269456:
“Does Labor Code section 1102.5(b), which protects employees against retaliation for ‘disclosing information’ about suspected violations of the law to their employer or a government agency, encompass a report of unlawful activities…
The High Stakes and Risks of California’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA)
Enacted in 2004, California’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) was designed by the California Legislature to offer financial incentives to private individuals to enforce state labor laws by recovering certain civil penalties. Aggrieved employees can seek recovery of civil penalties for Labor Code violations they suffered, in addition to penalties for all Labor Code violations…
Minnesota Establishes State-Sponsored ‘Secure Choice’ Retirement Program for Private-Sector Employers Without Retirement Plans
On May 19, 2023, Governor Tim Walz signed into law House File No. 782, establishing the Minnesota Secure Choice retirement program. Minnesota has now joined California, Colorado, Oregon, Illinois, and other states in creating a state-run retirement savings program for employees working with small employers without their own retirement plans.
Quick Hits
- The Minnesota
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