Submitted by Martin Kappenman, David Goldman (Peters & Kappenman, P.A.). Minnesota’s new Paid Family & Medical Leave program takes effect January 1, 2026 - are you ready? This article includes links to the required employee notices due by December 1, the new workplace poster you must display, and key deadlines for private plan submissions and premium payments. 

Submitted by DLI. Minnesota’s October Wage and Hour Bulletin is packed with key updates every employer should know before 2026. Highlights include new minimum wage rates, meal and rest break requirements, and reminders about Paid Leave and ESST compliance. Plus, find links to important state resources, webinars, and FAQs to share with your team.

Looking to help your customers make energy-efficient upgrades more affordable? The Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) offers low-interest financing options through the Fix-Up Home Improvement Loan, MHFA Secured Home Energy Loan and the MHFA Unsecured Home Energy Loan. Minnesota homeowners can finance improvements such as insulation, HVAC upgrades, and energy-efficient windows or appliances. These programs feature flexible terms, competitive interest rates, and no income limits for many projects—making them accessible for a wide range of customers. Encourage your customers to explore these options before starting their next home project.

We’re excited to announce the 2026 Electrical Contractor’s Summit, taking place January 28–30, 2026 at a NEW LOCATION, Mystic Lake Casino.

Whether you pay for your employees’ continuing education or they cover it themselves, one thing’s for sure: CE can get expensive—fast. That’s why the Electrical Association is rolling out a new subscription-based CE option.

Minnesota does not currently require regular safety checks for personal vehicles. However, you do
need to get regular safety checks if you have a commercial vehicle.

Minnesota contractors can receive up to $10,000 in matching funds to make their workplaces safer through the MNOSHA Safety Grant Program. Eligible projects include investments in fall protection systems, dust collection and ventilation equipment, ergonomic tools, safety training, and maintenance contracts—anything that helps prevent injuries and improve safety outcomes. This is a 50/50 cost-share program—applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and funds are limited.

Submitted by Goodwill-Easter Seals. Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota (GESMN) has partnered with Goodwill Industries International and its Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator to launch several new clean tech training programs. GESMN’s solar installer training program will host its first cohort early 2027 at its new Career and Services Campus at 1270 Energy Lane, St. Paul. Additional programs will be launching for heat pump installation and electric vehicle support equipment repair.

Submitted by Mike Miller. Listed you ask? What exactly does that mean? Stay tuned and let’s talk about that because whether you know it or not, there is a significant degree of importance associated with the requirement.

1. When pulling fire alarm wiring into a raceway, what type of cable lubricant is required?