Prepared and Distributed by The Midwest Hardware Association, Inc.
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Economic Study Calls for Elimination of State Income Tax
By Misha Lee, MHA Wisconsin Lobbyist
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A new academic study released this month by University of Wisconsin-Madison Professor of Economics, Noah Williams, also with the nonpartisan Center for Research On the Wisconsin Economy (CROWE), suggests that eliminating Wisconsin’s state personal income tax would help bolster the economy and state workforce. The study’s findings are quickly garnering support from a variety of statewide and national reform groups including, the Institute for Reforming Government, Americans for Tax Reform (ATR), Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC), and Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin (AFP-WI).
The study, “Fundamental State Tax Reform: Eliminating the Income Tax in Wisconsin,” details the positive economic impact that would occur in the state if lawmakers completely eliminated the state’s personal income tax and replaced a substantial portion of the revenue with a 3 percent increase in the state sales tax.
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Illinois 2022: New Year, New Laws
By Alec Laird, MHA Illinois Lobbyist and Vice President, Government Relations for the Illinois Retail Merchants Association
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The first year of the 102nd General Assembly officially adjourned on September 13, 2021. It has been one of the most interesting General Assemblies in recent memory for the following reasons:
- A new House Speaker was elected for the first time in 40 years and the leadership structure was completely revamped;
- The nation, including Illinois, was reeling from social disruption;
- The State was easing its way out of a complete COVID-19 shutdown and has recently started to retreat again as Omicron fears manifest;
- The State was/is facing unprecedented levels of unemployment as a result of the COVID-19 shutdown;
- The General Assembly tackled the largest energy bill since deregulation;
- Lawmakers were tasked with redistricting;
- 2022’s legislative primaries were pushed from mid-March to June 28th.
All of the aforementioned issues impacted the General Assembly and the legislative measures. The following bills have either already become law or are set to become law on January 1, 2022.
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COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard: What Employers Need to Know |
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On January 13, 2022, the US Supreme Court issued a stay of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) and remanded the case back to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, thereby blocking OSHA from enforcing the ETS. As a result, covered employers (i.e., employers with 100 or more employees) are not currently required to comply with OSHA’s ETS. Notwithstanding this ruling, private employers may continue to implement their own workplace vaccination and testing policies. We will continue to monitor legal developments and will update as necessary. |
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As you are aware, we went live with our new payroll software on January 3, 2022. We had an unexpected start with several staff members out due to illness and had some of the processes not operate as smoothly as hoped. While an apology will regrettably not alter the outcome of some of your experience, I do extend it with all sincerity. I certainly empathize with some of the expressed concerns.
If you experienced any delays or concerns our team is moving with a sense of urgency to work with each of you. Know that our team has been working almost around the clock to answer your question(s) and walk you through step-by-step on how to navigate the new system. We vow to take every effort to resolve any concerns.
For those of you who have offered constructive feedback, we have listened and we have learned. We appreciate all of your patience as we navigate this process.
As for the year-end process, we are working on creating the W-2’s and they will arrive a bit later than what you may have normally experienced. They will arrive within the Federal mandate by January 31.
If you have any concerns, please contact Jody or Colleen 800-888-1817 at ext. 346 and 314 respectively. Please know when we get your message, we will return your call as soon as possible. We are helping clients and staff through this process and we will get back to you.
Thank you for your patience and partnership during this time.
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Your Employee's Employment Ends... What are the Requirements for the Final Paycheck? |
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State wage payment laws govern when an employer must pay final wages to an employee who has separated from employment. Some state laws make a distinction between when an employer must pay an employee who has been fired (involuntary separation) and an employee who quits (voluntary separation).
State wage payment laws also dictate whether an employer must pay a separated employee the value of any accrued but unused time, such as vacation time or paid sick leave, or whether the employee forfeits the value of this time. In some states, individual localities have their own requirements regarding payment of accrued time.
The following link summarizes each state’s requirements on when to pay final wages to an employee who has separated from employment, how to treat any accrued but unused time and the penalties that apply if an employer fails to comply with these requirements. A notation of “N/A” means there is no law on the issue in the jurisdiction.
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Sales Trends November 2021
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Here are the most recent Illinois, Minnesota-Dakotas, and Wisconsin hardware store sales trends, gathered from association members using the MHA's monthly accounting services. The figures derived for each region include sales data from the following number of stores:
Illinois - 20 stores
Minn.-Dakotas - 14 stores
Wisconsin - 56 stores
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Forklift Workshop DVD Training
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The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 requires employers to have formal and practical training and evaluation for all forklift operators. Once initial training is conducted, employers must then evaluate each operator at least once every three years. The Forklift Workshop DVD Training can help you meet OSHA forklift training requirements.
The Forklift Workshop DVD is an innovative approach on education new and veteran operators on proper forklift safety procedures as required by OSHA. The workshop contains everything necessary, such as a 35 minute DVD, trainer’s tools on CD- ROM, operator’s handbook, quizzes, forklift poster, and more!
Testimonials
“The Forklift Workshop DVD is a handy tool. It includes basic information to help train new forklift operators and provides a heads up on possible safety issues. The video and material provided make training quick and easy.”
Mike, Manager
United True Value
Oconto Falls, WI
“We purchased the forklift training DVD system after a surprise OSHA visit as a necessity. Among the things we were fined and cited for was failure to have a formal and well-documented forklift training program. We purchased the forklift DVD training program from the Midwest Hardware Association to become compliant and avoid additional penalties.”
Matt Johnson
Johnson's Hardware & Rental
Mora, MN
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