February 18, 2010

MGEC Day at the Capitol – Legislators need to hear from YOU.  Our day will begin with training at the Kelly Best Western Hotel with registration at 8:30 a.m. on March 4, 2010.  Key legislators will join us and the Minnesota Transportation Alliance group at lunch to discuss the impact of the 2010 Session on transportation job creation.  Invited legislators include the Chairs of the Capital Investment Committees and Transportation Committees.   RSVP your participation to mgec@mgec.org  Please respond ASAP but certainly by February 23, 2010.  We need to make arrangement for lunch and prepare materials as well as set appointments. Flyer

MGEC Financial Education Programs – Register Today at www.capitalstreet.biz

Hi All  -  I attended this class last night (The Complete Financial Management Workshop by Capital Street) (along with Mike) and found the information to be very good.  We’ve sat through several financial classes before so I don’t say this lightly.   The two men did a good job of speaking to current economic issues and how they might/will impact our planning.   They are presenting both the financial planning class and retirement planning class.  It is fine to come next week for the second half (I asked).  I recommend emailing (see below) that you plan to attend as they provide pizza for all attendees!  Please feel free to come talk to me if you have any questions.   These guys are good and know their stuff. -  Cathy

Governor’s Safety Award - What are you doing to actively ensure a safe workplace?  This year's application process has been modified to include a safety program scorecard. The scorecard is an excellent tool for you to discuss your organization's safety programming efforts with senior leadership.  I encourage you to apply.

Please note the application is an online process and is due by Wednesday, February 24th.  The application also requires the applicant to certify that the head of management has reviewed and agrees with the application.

http://www.minnesotasafetycouncil.org/awards/

Benny Card is good for a period of five (5) years.  DON’T THROW THEM AWAY.  A new cards are only sent to individuals who have not previously participated in the state's Medical Dental Expense Account (MDEA) or the state HRA.  There were no additional dollars contributed to the state's HRA for calendar year 2010.  You will receive an additional $125 employer contribution to your HRA January 1, 2011.  However, if you received the contribution last year on January 1, 2009, and have not spent the entire balance, you may continue to spend your HRA dollar balance during calendar year 2010.  The HRA does not have a "use-it-or-lose-it" feature like the MDEA or DCEA have.

Deadline to Submit claims against your 2009 Pre Tax Accounts (Medical Dental Expense Account, Dependent Daycare Expense Account, Parking, and Bus Pass or Vanpool) and 2009 HRA.  The deadline for submitting 2009 pre-tax reimbursement requests  is March 1, 2010. Be sure to have your completed requests for reimbursement along with appropriate documentation to Eide Bailly by March 1, 2010-or be prepared to lose your money. Completed requests for reimbursements for expenses incurred in 2009 from your 2009 HRA must be submitted by March 1, 2010.  Please note that any unused portion of your HRA carries forward to 2010.

We hope that these few New Year's tips will be of assistance as we move into the new plan year.  If you have further questions, please contact Minnesota Management & Budget at 651-355-0100.  You can also find all carrier contact information on the MMB website at www.mmb.state.mn.us<http://www.mmb.state.mn.us>