Weekly Update from AGC

April 28, 2023

MnDOT Honors Fallen Transportation Workers

During Worker Memorial Day

The Minnesota Department of Transportation today honors transportation workers who have been killed or injured while working on state roadways. Gov. Tim Walz has proclaimed April 28, 2023, as Worker Memorial Day in Minnesota in recognition of these transportation workers. In addition, the Interstate 35W Bridge in Minneapolis will be lit orange overnight tonight to honor those highway workers who have died while working in work zones.

Since 1960, 35 MnDOT workers and 16 contractors have

lost their lives while working on Minnesota highways.

“Workers are out on Minnesota roads every day, often just feet away from moving traffic, to keep roads safe for everyone,” said Nancy Daubenberger, MnDOT commissioner. “We’re all in the work zone together. Every person in every work zone deserves to get home safely, every day. Do your part to keep everyone safe – slow down and avoid distractions while driving in work zones.”

Visit MnDOT’s Transportation Worker Memorial website to see the list of fallen workers in Minnesota and the permanent worker memorial installation at MnDOT headquarters.

LABOR NEWS

All Contracts Settled

Thank you to all contractors who donated their time, attention, energies, analysis, goodwill, and efforts to serve on the negotiating committees with the trades. Good news, we have reached settlements to renew all expiring contracts. AGC members can view the Summary of Settlements on our website (email Renee if you need login credentials to view this page). Feel free to email Mike if you have any questions.

Wage allocations for May wages are slowly coming in. You (and we) should get a copy from the trades. We will review and convert the trades’ data into the consolidated wage allocation sheet that provides AGC members with one-stop access to all of the allocations, in the same (familiar) format, and detailing both taxable/nontaxable wage and the correct number to report for prevailing wage surveys. It is very important for prevailing wage to report the correct number.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS NEWS

Week 17: Omnibus Mode

Legislators spent most of their days and nights at the Capitol passing their respective budget bills. Conference committees, made up of a handful of Representatives and Senators, will start meeting to iron out their differences between each budget and policy omnibus bill ahead of May 22 adjournment. Here are some highlights from the week:

Transportation: The Senate passed a $1 billion package for transportation projects (HF2887) on Thursday. The Senate version includes a .5% metro-wide sales tax for transit, while the House’s version has a .75% tax. The House also has a 75-cent package delivery fee to fund transportation. Both versions have a phase-in for full dedication of the auto parts sales tax to transportation, which is currently capped at a flat amount.
Strict Liability: The Senate and House both passed labor and industry budget bills (SF3035). The House version contains AGC-opposed language that would make general contractors liable for wage theft by subcontractors. AGC distributed a letter to all representatives on the House floor as it was being debated.
Taxes: The House passed HF1938 late Thursday. Their bill includes rebate checks, a new 5th tier income tax bracket, but omits all requests for local option sales taxes. The Senate released their tax bill earlier in the week and will likely debate it next Monday. Their bill includes rebate checks and local option sales tax requests, keeps the construction materials sales tax exemption as a refund, and reinstates the Historic Tax Credit.
Housing: The Housing bill, HF2335, was also passed in the House and Senate. The joint budget target sits at $1 billion, but the House version includes a .25% metro-wide sales tax to fund rental assistance.
Adult-Use Cannabis: The House passed HF100 this week. Today, the Senate is debating their version legalizing recreational marijuana. The bills have differences, but both included considerations for safety-sensitive employment positions.

Please watch your inbox Monday and throughout the week for AGC Action Alerts to communicate our positions with key legislators as they make their final decisions.

GENERAL NEWS

Why Declining College Enrollment Isn't (Necessarily) a Bad Thing

AGC CEO Tim Worke and Operating Engineers Business Manager Jason George co-authored an op-ed on why declining college enrollment may be a positive sign about nationally shifting perspectives on career pathways.

What’s the State of the Construction Rental Equipment Market? Senior Vice President of Equipment Dennis Howard Explains What to Expect

With over 25 years of experience, Howard identifies what market conditions have affected the equipment and technology rental options. Howard explains how contractors large and small integrate different strategies — like rental purchase options and leases — to manage costs and planned maintenance to keep specialized equipment working. Learn more

Senior Vice President of Equipment Dennis Howard focuses on all aspects of the RDO’s fleet management. Check out more from The Track, a web series delivering the latest news about the equipment and construction market.

Last Call: AWC Scholarships

AWC scholarship applications are due by THIS SUNDAY. AWC offers scholarships to women entering the construction industry through either the academic or apprentice track. All applicants must be a Minnesota resident or attending a post-secondary school in Minnesota.

Learn more

Three Weeks Left to Apply for 2023

AGC Foundation Scholarships

Do you know a student pursuing a secondary degree in a construction-related field? Encourage them to apply for an AGC of Minnesota Foundation scholarship!

Click here for more information and to apply.

Applications must be received by May 19.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION (DEI) NEWS

NEXT FRIDAY:

Spring Spotlight on Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Awareness

The Minnesota Construction Coalition to Advance Worker Wellbeing, in partnership with Wings of Hope, is hosting an event on Suicide Prevention Awareness.

Following December's Leadership Summit, the goal is to continue the conversation on worker wellbeing and the power of lived experience. Join us on Friday, May 5 to hear a special presentation by suicide attempt survivor, storyteller, and filmmaker Kevin Hines.

MnDOT Offers Free Training for Individuals in Highway Construction Trades and Future Careers

MnDOT and its partners provide free workforce training for eligible women, BIPOC people and people facing disadvantage. Participants must be at least 18 years-old, have a valid driver's license and a high school diploma or GED. They must also have skills in basic math and in English reading and speaking.

MnDOT also offers two summer camps to introduce youth to careers in transportation.

Highway heavy laborer training in Rochester

Get hands-on experience in highway heavy construction labor. Gain access to placement assistance and services that help you enter the construction industry. MnDOT offers this training in partnership with Workforce Development, Inc.

May 1 – May 26, 2023 (four weeks)
Contact Melanie Bersano for more information and how to enroll

Highway heavy carpenter training in Rochester

Gain highway carpentry skills through hands-on training. Earn safety certifications and connect with employers. MnDOT offers this training in partnership with the Carpenters Training Institute.

June 12 - July 14, 2023
Contact Katie Jaeckels for more information and how to enroll

EDUCATION & EVENTS

2023 Executive Circle Cohort Concludes

The 2023 Executive Circle cohort concluded their time together in Stillwater today, discussing technology and innovation. Click the photo for a larger version.

Front row (L-R): Jason Krueger (The Boldt Company), Jason Soderberg (Palmer-Soderberg, Inc.), Steve Kaldenbach (Kraemer North America)

Second row (L-R): Mike Cook (Veit & Company), Tina Serafin (Danny's Construction), Facilitator Tina Nazier (Wipfli, LLC), Alex Carlin (Ames Construction)

Third row (L-R): Chad Mathiowetz (The Mathiowetz Construction Company), Holly Ward (MG McGrath, Inc.), Kendra Kron (InSite Contracting), Mike Benike (Benike Construction)

Top row (L-R): Jacob Fick (Enebak Construction Company), Tim Worke (AGC of MN), Ryan Rademacher (MG McGrath, Inc.)

Not Pictured: Pete Moeller (Atlas Foundation Company)

Registration is open for AGC's Golf Tournament on August 4 at Keller Golf Course!

Registration is open for the 24th annual Sporting Clays Fundraiser at Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club on September 13!

Many sponsorships are already sold out, and team spots are filling quickly, so act soon if you'd like to participate!

Saints Game with MBEX

Does this warm weather get you in the mood for baseball? We're ready!

Join AGC staff and members along with MBEX Young Professionals for a St. Paul Saints game against the Louisville Bats on Wednesday, August 9 at 1:07 pm! Food and comfortable accommodations included!