Legal News

DOL Issues One New, and Two Revised, Model COBRA Notices

Updated Model General Notice
Updated Model Alternative Notice
Model Premium Assistance Extenstion Notice

For more information, see our January 2010 E-Newsletter.

Two Revised Wisconsin Workplace Posters Issued

Wisconsin Family and Medical Leave Law (ERD-7983-P) 7/09

Wisconsin Minimum Wage Rates (ERD-9247-P) 7/09

COBRA Subsidy Update: DOL Issues Application for Expedited Review

On May 22, 2009, the Department of Labor (DOL) posted the Application for Expedited Review of Denial of Cobra Premium Reduction.  This form, which can be submitted online, by facsimile, or by mail, is for use by individuals (former employees or their dependents) who believe their COBRA rights have been improperly denied.

For a copy of this form, click here.

Revised Form 941 Issued by IRS

Form 941
Form 941 instructions

Revised I-9 Form Delayed

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on 2/1/09 that it has delayed requiring employers from using a newly issued I-9 form from 2/2/09 to 4/3/09. The revised form was published in December of 2008 and was to be required of all employers, effective February 2, 2009. When President Obama took office, the White House issued a directive that all interim regulations introduced by the Bush administration needed to be reviewed before their enforcement. USCIS officials have stated that this 60-day delay should allow enough time to complete a full review of the new form and employment verification requirements.

Employers should not use the new form and guidelines until 4/3/09. If you need the old I-9 Form and rules, click here. Otherwise, continue using the old form until the new regulations take effect.

For more information about this and other employment law issues, contact educational services at (414)423-1330.

Federal Minimum Wage Increase

The federal minimum wage increases on July 24, 2008 to $6.55 per hour, five cents above the current Wisconsin minimum wage rate.  ( Wisconsin ’s minimum wage currently stands at $6.50 per hour.) Employers who may be paying minimum wage for some positions should make this adjustment, effective on July 24.

The federal minimum wage is scheduled to increase again on July 24, 2009 to $7.25 per hour.  The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (Department) has proposed to raise the state minimum wage to $7.25 per hour to match the federal rate when it takes effect in 2009.  The Department has estimated that there are 235,000 hourly paid workers in Wisconsin who earn less than $7.25 per hour.

or more information about this and other employment law issues, contact educational services at (414)423-1330.

Issue of the Month Archive (click here)