Prepared and Distributed by The Midwest Hardware Association, Inc.
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Wisconsin Worker's Compensation Rates Decline for Seventh Consecutive Year
By Misha Lee, MHA Wisconsin Lobbyist
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There is some welcome news coming to Wisconsin employers next month: Effective October 1, 2022, businesses in Wisconsin will see an overall rate decrease of 8.47 percent in worker’s compensation rates for new and renewal policies. The joint announcement by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) marks the seventh consecutive year that worker's compensation insurance premiums have declined in the state. The lower rates this year will save employers an estimated $146 million, although the overall impact will vary among employers and specific circumstances.
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As the first state in the nation to institute worker’s compensation, Wisconsin continues to have one of the strongest and more competitive state sponsored worker’s compensation programs in the nation. Much of the strength of that system is attributed to the Worker's Compensation Advisory Council (WCAC) process where representatives of Labor (workers) and Management (employers) spend several months every two years negotiating any public policy changes to the system and provide recommendations to members of the Legislature.
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REMINDER: Illinois Annual Sexual Harassment Training Mandate
By Alec Laird, MHA Illinois Lobbyist and Vice President, Government Relations for the Illinois Retail Merchants Association
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As a reminder, the state of Illinois requires all businesses within Illinois to conduct sexual harassment training for their employees. The Workplace Transparency Act (Public Act 101-221) requires Illinois employers to train employees on sexual harassment prevention on an annual basis. This requirement applies to all employers with employees working in this State. Employers must either develop their own sexual harassment prevention training program that equals or exceeds the minimum standards for sexual harassment prevention training outlined in Section 2-109(B) of the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA), or they may use the model training provided by the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR).
Minimum Standards for Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
Employers may develop their own sexual harassment prevention training programs provided they meet or exceed the minimum training standards outlined in Section 2-109(B) which include:
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Minnesota: Minneapolis Minimum Wage to Increase January 1, 2023
From the City of Minneapolis, September 1, 2022
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The minimum wage in Minneapolis automatically increases on January 1, 2023 to $15.19 at franchises or employers with over 100 employees. It remains at $13.50 for other employees working in the city.
Coverage depends on the physical location (in the city of Minneapolis) of the employee while the employee is performing work, regardless of the employee’s age. Remember, tips and gratuities do not count toward payment of a minimum wage.
For technical assistance or questions, email [email protected]. We want to help everyone prevent this outcome.
The City’s Department of Civil Rights oversees compliance assistance and enforcement. Workers are encouraged, when necessary, to report violations online. The Department can also help workers recover back wages and damages in any other type of wage theft or sick and safe time violation that occurs within the city’s borders.
Minimum wage increases directly benefit tens of thousands of families and stimulate the local economy from the bottom up, promoting economic inclusion and reducing economic and racial disparities. For more information about the ordinance, visit the City’s website, call 311 or email [email protected].
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Congratulations to Door County Ace Hardware on their New Building!
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If you'd like to place an ad, please contact Sam Schmidt at
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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 - 17 stores
Minn.-Dakotas - 12 stores
Wisconsin - 53 stores
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MHA is the recognized leader in providing accounting to independent hardware stores of all sizes and of all wholesaler affiliations. We provide accurate, timely, complete monthly financial statements and, because we do accounting for hundreds of hardware stores across the country, we offer something that other accounting firms can't.
With MHA monthly accounting service you receive:
- Monthly Profit & Loss Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow
- Accountant's Interpretation and Analysis Letter
- Complete reconciliation of all bank accounts, outstanding credit card transactions, merchandise payables, and other balance sheet items
- Preparation of sales tax, payroll tax, and other federal, state, and local tax reports
- Nationwide, toll-free telephone access to keep you in touch with the MHA staff
- Outstanding, professional service at reasonable prices
Our trained staff stays up to date on the latest tax developments and works closely with you to prepare and file returns that are accurate, complete, and on time.
Testimonial
“Because they work with other hardware stores around the nation, MHA gives us great insight on what to do when it comes to my accounting and finances. They are the best financial counselors to have for running a hardware store.”
David Tennies, Manager
Tennies Hardware
West Bend, WI
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