Despite being instructed by leaders to wrap up spending plans by May 28^th, most working groups made up of representatives and senators have not met publicly since the MN Legislature closed out their regular session on May 17^th. These deadlines anticipate a special session on or by Monday, June 14^th. A two-year budget must be passed by June 30^th to avoid a state government shutdown.

There has been little work conducted in public (via Zoom) by the informal working groups thus far. Because the legislature is not in session, committees cannot officially meet and informal working groups were created. There is a possibility that the Capitol could be open to the public by the time special session is called by Governor Walz. AGC Government Affairs staff continues to advocate with legislators in our priorities, particularly with a potential bonding bill, transportation spending, and numerous policy provisions. Please reach out to Laura Ziegler, AGC Director of Government Affairs, with any questions or real-time updates. Consider joining AGC’s Legislative Committee meeting on Thursday, June 10^th as well. 

Technical committees provide members with a biannual opportunity to communicate with MnDOT staff and fellow contractors on contractor issues, as well as hear project and program updates relevant to the subject area. These committees continue to foster AGC member partnerships with MnDOT and allow participants to network and share information. Each committee meets once in the fall and once in the spring.

Wednesday, June 16^th

9:00 A.M. (via Zoom)

Any AGC of Minnesota member can join.

Email Laura Ziegler at lziegler@agcmn.org for the Zoom link.

AGC Members: Sign up for our new platform for legislative action alerts and be entered for a Yeti cooler giveaway! You are the construction industry’s best advocate, and AGC's action alerts platform allows you to take action easily and in a timely way.

All members who are registered for AGC action alerts by June 20 will be entered in a giveaway of a Yeti Roadie 24 Hard Cooler. Thank you for your time and advocacy!

Sixty percent of highway contractors report that motor vehicles had crashed into their construction work zones during the past year, putting motorists and workers at risk, according to the results of a new highway work zone study conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and HCSS. In response, officials urged drivers to slow down and remain alert while passing through work zones during the summer driving season. Regional results for the Midwest can be viewed here.

We live in a world where new technologies are outpacing adoption rates. Many times when you bring home a new piece of technology, whether it is a computer, television, or phone, it is already obsolete. The consumer’s desire for the newer and better means that companies need to focus on new products ahead of launching the latest model. The world is changing fast and, yet, as the common person drives past a construction site, they still see big yellow machines moving dirt – the same as it has always been. How could anyone change the way you move dirt? Learn more

This morning, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released new guidance on the interplay among COVID-19 requirements and anti-discrimination laws.

The Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Assessment is an online tool developed by AGC of America specifically for firms in the construction industry to measure and improve the management of their current diversity & inclusion programs, policies, and practices. Participating companies will be asked performance-based questions in four key areas of diversity and inclusion:

Upon completion, companies will be able to analyze results and measure their progress. As the assessment becomes widely used, companies will also be able to benchmark their practices against other construction firms and download best practice resources to expand D&I efforts. For more information about the assessment, please read the FAQ’s.

Join us on September 15 at Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club for our annual fundraiser! Funds raised are used for scholarships for students pursuing degrees in the construction industry.

Get all the details and register here.

Register for this free June 9th webinar here.

Join us on August 6 at Keller Golf Course in Maplewood!

Get all the details and register here.