Legislative committee work continues with legislators hearing from various state agencies on their policy and funding proposals this year. Due to the wide breadth of infrastructure projects AGC members build, AGC monitors many state and local programs that affect these projects and community needs. To that end, AGC had the opportunity to weigh in on the Local Road Wetland Replacement program during the House Environment Committee this week.

On Tuesday, February 15, maps that redraw current legislative districts will be released by a five-judge panel. Even though the state constitution delegates the MN Legislature to draw district maps every ten years using the new census data, the Legislature has historically failed to agree on new geographical boundaries. These new district lines will create a new focus for legislators and political candidates next Tuesday as they evaluate changes. In the past, redistricting has set off a flurry of legislator retirements. 

The MN Senate is expected to take up an issue the business community is closely tracking- filling the $2.7 billion hole in the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. AGC is working with a coalition led by the MN Chamber in support of this effort.

Yesterday, Governor Tim Walz announced an application process to select a new commissioner to lead the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher was appointed by Governor Walz in December 2018. Her last day as Commissioner is March 1, 2022. Deputy Commissioner and Chief Engineer Nancy Daubenberger will serve as temporary commissioner until the Governor appoints a new commissioner. 

The AGC Government Affairs team, led by Director Laura Ziegler, discuss what to expect during the 2022 Minnesota legislative session.

If you are signatory with any building union agreements, be sure to complete both of these two forms ASAP:

First— the Bargaining Form, found here. This should be signed and sent to Mike as soon as possible. (Don't have credentials to access the website? Contact Renee.)

Second— the registration form to attend the February 28 kickoff meeting. This should be completed by February 25.

Contact Mike with any questions.

President Biden issued an executive order on February 4 requiring project labor agreements on all federal construction projects valued at $35 million or more. This means that a process has begun to change the FAR rules regarding PLAs and nothing changed immediately. AGC of Minnesota generally supports PLAs (and is trying to find ways to improve their promotion of WMBEs). AGC of America recognizes that some areas of the country do not share Minnesota’s union environment, will look carefully at the exceptions to this mandate, and may provide comments that would have the effect of softening this mandate to account for differences among the states.

The new form contracts should be released next week, along with a surprise announcement. Stay tuned!

AGC of America has posted a new edition of the Construction Inflation Alert, an 8-page document to inform owners, officials, and others about what contractors are experiencing with regard to materials costs, supply chain disruptions, and worker shortages.

One more week to sign up for classes, beginning February 23 and 24:

AGC of America proudly offers Lean Construction Education Program (LCEP) Courses virtually with a series of three-hour sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning March 29th and running through May 19th, sessions held from noon to 3 pm EDT via Zoom. 

Register now, or learn more about Lean.

All students who complete the series are eligible to take the CM-Lean Exam and earn your Certificate of Management - Lean Construction

Check out the media kit

or contact Jennifer to create a partnership customized to your needs.