A $1.9 billion public projects package failed to get the necessary votes to pass in the Senate on Thursday. The projects were primarily funded by general obligation bonds, which requires a 60% supermajority to pass. The threshold requires that some Republicans in the minority vote for the bill. The bonding bill passed in the House last week, but did not get across the finish line in the Senate. The bill is being leveraged for tax relief before some Republicans will lend their support for the infrastructure package. There will be future opportunities for the Senate to take up the bill if there is broader agreement before the end of session. The DFL majority could also decide to pass a cash bill utilizing the surplus money. This would not require Republican support. 

The Legislature will adjourn by May 22. 

For additional background politics on the bonding bill, see this MinnPost article. 

AGC is in many active conversations and negotiations with bills of interest to AGC. A more detailed report will be available as the Legislature approaches Easter/Passover break and an overview will be provided at our Day at the Capitol. We are expecting to learn budget targets next week, which will set committee budget talks in motion. 

Click here for more information and to apply.

Applications must be received by May 19.

The AGC Education and Research Foundation offers Workforce Development Scholarships to students enrolled in accredited technical schools or craft training programs in any discipline of commercial construction. Students in technical or approved craft training programs will have until June 1^st to apply for $1,000 scholarships (renewal for up to two years) from the AGC Education and Research Foundation.

To review the complete list of criteria click here. Students can click here to apply.

The Minnesota Legislature is working quickly to legalize recreational marijuana before the legislative session ends, and the changes in Minnesota law raise important questions about whether contractors need to update their workplace and drug testing policies. This Briefing Paper examines the new challenges for employers and provides recommendations on best to implement drug testing going forward. Learn more

Julia is a shareholder in Fabyanske, Westra, Hart & Thomson's Construction Law Department. She can be reached at 612.359.7622 or jdouglass@fwhtlaw.com.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will end winter load increases - and start spring load restrictions - in the CENTRAL zone Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 12:01 a.m.

 

Spring load restrictions are already in effect in the SOUTH, SOUTHEAST and METRO zones. Seasonal load limit zones and restricted routes can be found on the MnDOT load limits map. Start and end dates and other load limit information are shown here.

Congratulations to AGC member C.S. McCrossan, Inc. on being recognized with a Construction Safety Excellence Award (CSEA) at the 2023 AGC of America Convention this week!

Congratulations to LS Black Constructors and Bolander on their two CHASE Level 3 projects at Canvas Apartments in Minneapolis and at Crown College in Saint Bonifacius!

Now in its 20th year, the Construction Health and Safety Excellence (CHASE) program is the longest-running partnership with MNOSHA. As we rightly celebrate this successful partnership and the significant gains in safety within the industry that have resulted, we're also looking to the future of CHASE within a changing industry. Changes in project delivery and contracting methods, safety specifications, workforce demographics, training and experience levels, and owner expectations necessitate a review by CHASE stakeholders to make it even more effective and relevant.

Therefore, to improve CHASE, AGC is developing a new position fully dedicated to the CHASE program and is hereby expanding the CHASE advisory committee to increase the number of participants to be more representative of AGC’s membership and a changing industry. This change will facilitate more discussion about needed program changes and broaden CHASE ownership to better reflect AGC’s diverse membership and experience.

Please contact Matthew with any questions or interest in involvement!

Congratulations to the following AGC members celebrating milestone years of membership in 2023!

Make your voice heard! Each year, AGC members meet with key decision makers and advocate for the construction industry. It’s important to communicate with legislators this time of year as they make key budget and policy decisions.

Join us as we discuss the best ways to advocate for the industry, and hear from legislators, MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger, and Dept. of Admin leadership on what's in store.

Join the 2022-2023 Leadership Blueprint cohort on April 12 (immediately following AGC Day at the Capitol) as they celebrate their graduation! Hear from graduates on how the program helped equip them as leaders, and then hear from nationally recognized speaker Jake Thompson.

AGC members and prospective members are encouraged to join the AGC Board of Directors and staff for a member networking event at Coyote Moon Grill (on the Territory Golf Course property) in St. Cloud on April 13th!

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!

Sponsorship opportunities can be found during registration.

Interested in how advertising through AGC could benefit your firm?

Take a look at AGC's Media Kit, and contact Katie to learn more.