Category Archives: Latest News

US Prepares to Loosen H-2A Rules Temporarily Amid COVID-19 Worries

The Department of Homeland Security, with the support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), announced April 15 a temporary final rule to change certain H-2A requirements to help U.S. agricultural employers avoid disruptions in lawful agricultural-related employment, protect the nation’s food supply chain, and lessen impacts from the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. These […]

IL Manufacturers Urge Delay Of Minimum-Wage Increase

Illinois manufacturers asked the state to delay its planned increase in the minimum wage for one year because higher wage costs could hamper recovery from the coronavirus crisis. The request by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association was made in a letter to Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D). The Illinois hourly minimum wage is to rise to $10 […]

Midwest Governors To Coordinate Reopening Region’s Economy

Several Midwest governors today announced a regional partnership to reopen the economy. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has joined Governor Tony Evers (WI), Governor Tim Walz (MN), Governor Mike DeWine (OH), Governor Eric Holcomb (IN) and Governor Andy Beshear (KY) in a new partnership to work in close coordination to reopen the economy in the Midwest […]

Wisconsin Gov. Evers Extends Stay-At-Home Order To May 26

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced that he is extending the state’s stay-at-home order until Tuesday May 26 and allowing some businesses and operations to allow increased service.  The new changes go into effect on April 24. With the extension, more businesses and activities will be allowed to open back up but other changes will also […]

WI Legislature Passes, Evers Signs COVID-19 Relief Bill

The WI State Legislature met in its first ever virtual session and passed legislation addressing COVID-19. The measure was signed into law yesterday afternoon by Gov. Evers. Among other things, the bill would require the state’s chief economic development agency to create a plan by June 30 to support the major industries adversely affected by […]

MN Legislature Passes Fourth COVID-19 Relief Bill

The MN House and Senate passed a package today (HF4556) to address a host of policy issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the fourth such piece of legislation passed by the Legislature. Among its provisions the bill adds an additional $1.25 million to a fiscal year 2020 appropriation to reimburse Second Harvest Heartland […]

Wisconsin State Assembly To Vote On Virus Response Bill

The WI State Assembly will hold a first-of-its-kind virtual session today to vote on a coronavirus response bill. The Senate is expected to hold a similar session on Wednesday and send the bill on to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. Among other things, the bill would require the state’s chief economic development agency to create a […]