2024 Legislative Session Preview

Minnesota legislators and advocates will fill the Capitol complex halls for the next three months when the legislature gavels in next Monday, February 12. The fiscal reality has shifted from last session from a historic surplus to a forecasted structural imbalance in future years with a limited surplus likely this year. The legislature was tasked with passing the state budget last year. This year, discussions will be centered on a capital investment package, some policy adjustments based on bills passed last session, and other various policy issues. Legislative leaders are managing expectations for spending proposals. A February forecast will determine whether policymakers have cash to work with this session.

Governor Tim Walz released his public infrastructure funding proposal in late January. The $982 million plan includes $830 million in general obligation (GO) bonds with a heavy focus on asset preservation. The state currently has over $7.6 billion in requests with $4.7 billion in state agency requests and $2.9 billion from local governments. The House and the Senate have been touring projects across the state over the summer, fall, and winter. They will have their own proposals for infrastructure projects and funding discussed this session. Any proposals that utilize bonding dollars require a supermajority to support, which means bipartisan support is necessary in both the House and the Senate to pass a bonding bill.

• Full list of the governor’s proposed infrastructure projects

In addition to advocating for a capital investment package this year, AGC is primarily focused on passing strong worker safety measures by improving underground utility locating. With the increased state and federal funding for infrastructure, now is the time to update the 30-year-old excavation laws in MN. If your company has stories to share and how this issue has impacted your work, please contact Laura Ziegler to fill out a brief survey. Any identifying information is kept confidential with AGC staff.

In December, the AGC Board of Directors approved the Legislative Committee’s policy recommendations for the 2024 session. AGC’s full legislative agenda can be viewed here.

For a full legislative preview, AGC members can join the next legislative committee meeting next Tuesday, February 6. The committee will meet virtually every two weeks during session. Contact Laura Ziegler to join the committee conversations.

AGC Government Affairs staff is ready to work on your behalf at the MN Capitol this session. Reach out with any questions! 

Governor Walz proclaims February 2024 as Black History Month

This week MN Governor Tim Walz proclaimed the month of February 2024 as Black History Month. As stated in the Proclamation, Black History Month calls our attention to the continued need to battle racism and build a society that lives up to its democratic ideals. We must reflect on our collective pasts, reveal its impact on present conditions, and implement equitable solutions for a more just future.

Boys & Girls Club Twin Cities Youth of the Year

This week, Boys & Girls Club Twin Cities (BGCTC) held their 2023 - 2024 Youth of the Year Competition. Our Director of DEI, Yolanda McIntosh, served as a competition judge. The scoring matrix included: Candidate Essays, Interviews, Public Speaking, and Overall Application Quality. Club members who earn the Youth of the Year title embody the values of leadership service; academic excellence; and healthy lifestyles. They exemplify the critical impact that Boys & Girls Clubs have on the lives of young people. 

Congratulations to Kalvin Vang from East Side Club!!

Rondo Winter Carnival 2024

Director of DEI, Yolanda McIntosh, enjoyed supporting BIPOC Rondo artists, businesses, and organizations at St. Paul Winter Carnival’s Rondo Night.

AGC Director of DEI, Yolanda McIntosh and Ramsey County Commissioner, Ward 1,

Rena Moran

Ramsey County Commissioner, Ward 1, Rena Moran; Mayor Melvin Carter; St. Paul City Council, Ward 1, Anika Bowie

AGC Director of DEI, Yolanda McIntosh and Plant Bar Café owner, Phillip McGraw

Sign up Today for the Spring 2024 Truck Weight Education Classes

The dates and locations for the spring 2024 truck weight education classes have been determined. 

Learn more and register.

Winter Load Increases end in South, Southeast and Metro frost zones

The Minnesota Department of Transportation ended winter load increases in the South, Southeast and Metro frost zones today, Feb. 2, at 12:01 a.m.

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 at mndot.gov/loadlimits

Learn how to improve project outcomes from the company that created the original Lean Construction Bootcamp!

AGC Form Contracts

AGC’s Contracts Committee is finalizing review of the 2024 (March) – 2025 (February) form construction contracts. Among the changes made mid-year for the new wage theft and duty to defend laws, the Committee is reviewing a new residential agreement. Again, licenses to the form contracts are free to AGC members and available to nonmembers for a nominal fee. Stay tuned.

Thank You to our 2024 Annual Partners!

Don't Miss These Events!

Save the Date for these upcoming AGC events:

• AGC Golf Tournament: August 2 (Keller Golf Course)
• AGC/MBEX Saints Game: August 7 (CHS Field)
• Sporting Clays Fundraiser: September 11 (MN Horse & Hunt Club)