Below you'll find a list of all posts from August, 2017
Ask commercial developers in a major market to name their biggest challenges, and the rising cost of construction will be at or near the top of the list. But while the complaints have grown louder in recent years, the underlying problem has been decades in the making, and the current administration’s policies only figure to make it worse. Read the full article >>>
The U.S. government appropriated $120 billion for federal construction spending in 2017, covering a range of projects from the construction of a new Federal Bureau of Investigation headquarters to building agricultural research facilities, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. President Donald Trump’s 2018 budget proposal, even with its cuts to key federal spending programs and new funds for a U.S.–Mexico border wall, calls for roughly the same level of investment. Tell me more >>>
Part 3 of a 3 part series… Benefits to Employers Tax treatment – Premiums for life insurance offered by the employer are generally deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses (unless the employer is the beneficiary of the policy). In addition, the cost of employer-provided group-term life insurance is excludable from the employees’ gross income (up to $50,000 of coverage). The plan must meet special nondiscrimination rules, however, or key employees may not be eligible to exclude the cost of their coverage from their gross income. Benefits for Employees Though life insurance is an important asset for future financial security, many employees don’t realize its importance. Teaching employees about the value of life insurance may increase loyalty to the company …
Part 2 of a 3 part series… Types of life insurance Life insurance is one of the most common employer-provided benefits, and is divided into two categories: term and permanent. Term life insurance has a specified coverage period (term), but can usually be renewed or converted into a permanent policy at the end of a term. Premiums are generally affordable initially, but can increase substantially when renewed. Permanent life insurance is life-long coverage that generally also includes a cash value savings component. There are many types of permanent life insurance, including whole, universal and variable. This type of coverage has higher premiums, but offers more long-term value. Employer-sponsored coverage Employer-sponsored coverage can be offered in a variety of ways. Employers …
Part 1 of a 3-part series… Though life insurance is an important asset for future financial security, many employees don’t realize its importance. Teaching employees about the value of life insurance may increase loyalty to the company as they better appreciate this benefit. Factors to consider When deciding to offer life insurance as an employee benefit, there are a number of factors to consider: What type of coverage will you offer? Will you offer term insurance, permanent or both? Who will be covered (employees only, retirees, spouses, dependents)? Note: Only employees can be covered under a group-term policy. When is coverage effective? Will there be a waiting period? What amount of insurance will be available? How will that amount be …
OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application will be available Aug. 1, allowing employers to electronically enter their required 2016 injury and illness data from Form 300A, the agency announced July 14. The Improved Track of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses final rule went into effect Jan. 1. The initial compliance deadline was July 1, but OSHA has proposed delaying that deadline until Dec. 1. For more information>>> If you have any questions, contact Matt Olphin, CSP, ARM, Vice President, Risk Control Services at 717.397.9600, ext. 1257.
