With the president signing the Covid-19 Stimulus Package on Friday, here are some things that you need to know:
– You do not need to apply for the stimulus check if you fit the criteria to get one. You will receive a check, or have it deposited into your account depending how you received your taxes. The criteria for receiving the full $1,200 check is if you made less than $75,000. There is a sliding scale from $75,000 to $99,000.
– For example, if you are single and made $85,000 you would receive $700. Here is a link to an online calculator to figure out your personal amount: https://grow.acorns.com/coronavirus-stimulus-checks-calculator/
– Most payments will take up to 3 weeks and you will not have to pay income taxes on this check.
– Even if you’re already receiving unemployment benefits or you have exhausted your benefits for reasons unrelated to the coronavirus, Minnesota benefits would be extended by 13 weeks and you would also gain the extra $600 weekly benefit from the federal government. Payments would last for up to four months, covering weeks of unemployment ending July 31. It’s unclear how long it would take to process claims, especially with Minnesota offices strained by a flood of claims, so please be patient. It is not clear if Minnesota will split the payment into 2 checks or give it in one, but you should get them on a weekly basis.
– The bill would put a temporary, nationwide eviction moratorium in place for any renters whose landlords have mortgages backed or owned by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and other federal entities. This will last for 120 days starting March 27, 2020. Landlords cannot charge any fees or penalties for nonpayment of rent. You should contact your personal mortgage lender to see if you are eligible for an extension as benefits may differ from lender to lender.
Please be aware that updates are occurring frequently on both state and federal levels. If you have any questions or concerns, please call or email me:
Justin Pruett
1(507)577-1109 or justinp@ibewlocal343.org
2020 NEC Adoption Postponement
/in Uncategorized /by Neil2020 National Electrical code adoption has been delayed because the board has received 25 valid requests for a hearing regarding the adoption of the code. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hearing has been moved from May 4th to Aug 19th, 2020. As of now, all permits, installations, inspections, and examinations will continue to be under the 2017 NEC. At this time, there is no information on when the 2020NEC will come into effect in Minnesota.
Online CE Classes for Journeyman!
/in Uncategorized /by NeilATTENTION: 90 DAY EXTENSION
From the DOLI: Anyone whose license expires in MARCH, APRIL or MAY 2020 still have to RENEW to avoid late fees. If you do not have your Continuing Education credits you are given 90 days to get them in after your renewal. So you have 90 days after your license renewal to get a code class in.
At this point Code Class sizes will be limited. First come first come first serve. If you do not call and register you CANNOT JUST SHOW UP. If you do not need your CE class to renew in the next several months please push back your class to later in the year.
If your LICENSE EXPIRES in APRIL or MAY, you can take an online class and get reimbursed for it by submitting the cost and completion certificate to the JATC
3 CLASSES ARE APPROVED FOR REIMBURSEMENT:
1: Tradesmance.com 16 ceu’s $288
2: Pacepdh.com 16 ceu’s $300
3: Nfpa.org 16 ceu’s $99
IF YOU DO NOT CALL 507-529-7721 TO REGISTER YOU CANNOT JUST SHOW UP AND EXPECT TO SIT IN AN RECEIVE CREDIT.
New Grant for Veterans
/in Uncategorized /by NeilA new grant is available for veterans or surviving spouses who are negatively impacted by COVID-19 and pertains to financial constraints, such as paying utility bills, rent, mortgage, medical bills, auto repairs, etc. People that qualify could receive a one-time financial relief grant for $1,000. There is no set end date for applying for the grant, as it depends on the length of the peacetime emergency and the availability of the funds. Visit https://mn.gov/mdva/blog/?id=1066-425565 for more detailed information and links for the application.
Latest Update
/in Uncategorized /by NeilThe latest updated on receiving unemployment insurance for people that are newly applying and the extra 600
What you need to know:
Information I have been given says it may take up to two to three weeks until you get your first payment, April 21st could be how long you could wait, and affect new people applying for benefits as well.
If there are any questions, don’t hesitate to call or email me Justin Pruett 1(507)577-1109 justinp@IBEWlocal343.org
2nd Quarter Newsletter 2020
/in Newsletters /by Colleen MarksClick here for 2nd Quarter 2020 Newsletter
Added UI Clarification and Paid Sick Leave
/in Uncategorized /by NeilHere is some added information to UI for individuals that can receive these benefits if available for work, but are unemployed or unavailable to work because:
Paid Leave Under FFCRA: The Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA) and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLEA)
These two laws provide paid leave to employees who cannot work for COVID-19-related reasons. Both:
Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act
Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act
Covid-19 Stimulus
/in Uncategorized /by NeilWith the president signing the Covid-19 Stimulus Package on Friday, here are some things that you need to know:
– You do not need to apply for the stimulus check if you fit the criteria to get one. You will receive a check, or have it deposited into your account depending how you received your taxes. The criteria for receiving the full $1,200 check is if you made less than $75,000. There is a sliding scale from $75,000 to $99,000.
– For example, if you are single and made $85,000 you would receive $700. Here is a link to an online calculator to figure out your personal amount: https://grow.acorns.com/coronavirus-stimulus-checks-calculator/
– Most payments will take up to 3 weeks and you will not have to pay income taxes on this check.
– Even if you’re already receiving unemployment benefits or you have exhausted your benefits for reasons unrelated to the coronavirus, Minnesota benefits would be extended by 13 weeks and you would also gain the extra $600 weekly benefit from the federal government. Payments would last for up to four months, covering weeks of unemployment ending July 31. It’s unclear how long it would take to process claims, especially with Minnesota offices strained by a flood of claims, so please be patient. It is not clear if Minnesota will split the payment into 2 checks or give it in one, but you should get them on a weekly basis.
– The bill would put a temporary, nationwide eviction moratorium in place for any renters whose landlords have mortgages backed or owned by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and other federal entities. This will last for 120 days starting March 27, 2020. Landlords cannot charge any fees or penalties for nonpayment of rent. You should contact your personal mortgage lender to see if you are eligible for an extension as benefits may differ from lender to lender.
Please be aware that updates are occurring frequently on both state and federal levels. If you have any questions or concerns, please call or email me:
Justin Pruett
1(507)577-1109 or justinp@ibewlocal343.org
Covid-19 Update Feb 26th
/in Uncategorized /by NeilDear Brothers and Sisters;
Governor Walz announced a Stay at Home executive order 20-20 yesterday requiring Minnesotans to stay at home. All workers that have the capabilities to work from home must do so from March 27 at 11:59 pm to April 10 at 5:00 pm. He also announced executive orders extending the closure of bars, restaurants, and other public accommodations until May 1, 2020, at 5:00 pm. This order does have exemptions for construction work.
The construction industries are considered essential employees. Essential employees should be allowed to travel to and from work without violating the new Stay Home executive order. At this time we are being told you do not need to have an Exempt Worker Verification form with you when traveling to and from work, but that could change at any time and I feel it’s best you have one just in case. If your employer has not given you an Exempt Worker Verification form, below you will find a link where you can download the form, and have your employer fill out. Keep a copy of this in your vehicle in the event you need to show proof of your exemption. Exempt Worker Verification Form.
We at the union hall are also considered essential and plan to handle all the day to day activities as usual. There will be changes until the executive order is lifted. Currently, we have software in place that allows us to connect to all necessary programs and files so we are able to work from home as if we are in the office. So far, we have not had any issues but I’m sure at some point we will find a problem we didn’t foresee. Please bear with us on this as we are going down a path we have never been down. I also ask that you do not come to the union office. We will not be allowing anyone in unless you have an appointment ahead of time. Appointments will be allowed only if we are unable to help you by phone or email. Not only does this protect you, but our staff as well.
The current cancelations are;
I also want to remind everyone of the changes to unemployment. If you are laid off, furloughed, if you have a genuine belief that being present would place you in imminent danger of contracting Covid – 19, or who have been quarantined, or advised to self-quarantine, due to possible exposure to Covid -19, or Workers can’t get childcare or other accommodation to take care of school-aged children You are eligible for unemployment. You can go to https://www1.uimn.org/ui_applicant/applicant/login.do to start the application process.
We will try to keep you up to date with this ever-changing situation but if you ever have a question don’t hesitate to call.
In Solidarity
Chad Katzung
Business Manager
IBEW Local 343
Health Care Screening Survey from Contractors
/in Uncategorized /by NeilDear Member.
Today we have seen our first general contractor start asking for members to sign a health care screening survey. The question was asked if these surveys are legal and are they allowed to do it? The answer is yes, health care screening surveys are legally acceptable because it is reasonably related to reducing the risk of exposing employees to the COVID-19 virus and protecting workplace health and safety. I believe we can expect to see the number of contractors, generals, as well as electrical contractors, start to ask these questions. Below are some general guidelines as to what they can ask.
I also want to reiterate to all members that if you know someone that is sick, their private health issues are just that, they are private, and you should not be discussing it with anyone.
Again, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to call.
Chad Katzung
In Solidarity
Business Manger
IBEW Local 343