At the start of 2018, the minimum wage increased in 18 states. A few states will increase their minimum wages later in the year. The federal minimum wage has remained steady at $7.25 for many years. However, as the cost of living rises in many areas, several states have passed laws upping their minimum wages in recent years. Many cities and counties have done the same, with some areas inching towards a $15 minimum wage. Employers must pay the highest…
Happy New Year! And now, for a quick look back at what Nolo’s online readers were putting first on their reading lists last year. Anyone notice any themes? The ones that seem to stand out are money, money, more money, the inevitable inquiries following the Harvey Weinstein scandal, and food. Let’s take a closer look, starting at the top. Will I Get Penalized for Working While Collecting Social Security Retirement? Looks like a lot of people either can’t give up the…
Earlier this month, the IRS announced that it will be moving forward with issuing the first penalties against employers for failing to provide the health care coverage required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For a time, it was unclear whether ACA employer penalties would be enforced. In early 2017, the President had issued an executive order directing federal agencies to minimize the “economic and regulatory burden” of the ACA. However, attempts by the President and members of Congress to…
In October, a series of raging wildfires caused multiple fatalities and injuries and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses in California. Although the fires are now contained, many communities are just beginning to pick up the pieces in places like Santa Rosa, Napa, and Sonoma. It also means that thousands of Californians are out of jobs. The federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program provides financial assistance to employees who have lost their jobs due to a major natural disaster. DUA…
Late last week, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill into law that will expand job-protected leave for new parents. Over 2.5 million California employees will now have the right to be reinstated to their jobs after taking up to 12 weeks of unpaid bonding leave. The law takes effect on January 1, 2018. Until now, only employees who worked for employers with 50 or more employees could be eligible for job-protected leave to bond with a new child in…