Quarterly Update on the State House Project
At Tuesday's quarterly meeting of the Employees' Retirement System Board of Control, Bronner provided an update on the new State House. The RSA, which owns multiple properties across downtown Montgomery and the state, is undertaking the construction and will lease it to the Legislature. Originally, Bronner's goal was to finish by 2025, but now it is expected to extend into 2026, with the first four to six months likely being the delay period.The new building is being constructed on the east side of the current State House, a 60-year-old retrofitted building that originally served the Alabama Highway Department. Currently, the project is on track to stay within an estimated cost of around $325 million. In the early stages, portions such as the electrical and mechanical systems came in under budget. However, Bronner cautioned that unexpected factors could affect the cost. He mentioned President-elect Donald Trump's policy proposal of installing tariffs, which could have an impact on everyone's finances. "A lot of crazy things can happen," he said. "We hope to stay within the budget, I'll put it that way."The State House project has been in the planning stage for several years and was discussed even before that. Since 1985, the Legislature has been using the retrofitted building for its meeting chambers and offices. Problems with the current building include limited public access space, poor accessibility for disabled individuals, and issues related to flooding and mold. An assessment by an engineering firm in March 2020 found that the eight-story, 315,000 square foot building required $51 million in repairs, renovations, and replacements over a 10-year period.In 2022, the Legislative Council directed senior legislative staff officials to explore the idea of a new State House and hold discussions with the RSA. The RSA will lease the building to the Legislature under a contract that guarantees an 8% return on its investment. A second phase of the project will involve demolishing the existing State House and developing a park area on the site, along with a pavilion and a parking deck. The preliminary estimate for this phase is about $100 million. Initially, Bronner stated that the RSA would not be involved in the second phase, but he announced on Tuesday that the RSA will build the parking deck.Bill Wallace of Goodwyn Mills Cawood, the lead architect, presented lawmakers with a slide presentation in May, showcasing images of the new building. The design features six columns and a dome to harmonize with the other buildings in the Capitol complex. The slides also displayed the floor-by-floor layout, including the meeting chambers for the House and Senate on the fifth level and the public galleries on the sixth.Click here to view the images.Empowering Lubbock's Small Businesses with Innovation
Benefits of the New Innovation Center
The new Small Business Innovation Center in Lubbock is set to offer a plethora of benefits to local businesses. Firstly, it will provide access to state-of-the-art technical resources and expertise. This means that small business owners will have the tools and knowledge at their disposal to enhance their products and services, making them more competitive in the market. Additionally, the financial support offered by the center will be a game-changer for many startups and growing businesses. It will enable them to invest in research and development, expand their operations, and take their ventures to the next level. The center's location near 68th St. and Indiana Ave. also makes it easily accessible for businesses from across the 15 counties, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of innovation.
Moreover, the partnership between the U.S. Commerce Department and the South Plains Association of Governments is a testament to the commitment of both entities towards the growth of small businesses. This collaborative effort brings together the resources and expertise of both organizations, creating a powerful force for innovation. The center will not only provide direct support to businesses but also act as a catalyst for economic growth in the region. By fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, it will help create jobs and stimulate local economies.
Impact on Local Businesses
For local businesses in Lubbock, the opening of the Small Business Innovation Center is a game-changer. It will provide them with a much-needed platform to showcase their products and services to a wider audience. The technical assistance offered by the center will help them improve their processes and increase their efficiency, leading to higher productivity and profitability. Additionally, the financial support will enable them to take on new projects and ventures that they may have otherwise been unable to pursue. This will not only benefit the individual businesses but also contribute to the overall growth and development of the local economy.
Many small business owners in the region are already excited about the opportunities that the new innovation center will bring. They see it as a chance to collaborate with other businesses, share ideas, and learn from industry experts. The center will also provide them with access to a network of mentors and advisors who can guide them through the challenges of running a business. This support system will be invaluable for startups and growing businesses that are looking to make their mark in the market.
Future Prospects
The future looks bright for the Small Business Innovation Center in Lubbock. With its state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated team of experts, it is well-positioned to become a leading innovation hub in the region. As more businesses take advantage of the services offered by the center, it will continue to grow and evolve, adapting to the changing needs of the market. The center's success will not only benefit the businesses in Lubbock but also serve as a model for other regions looking to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
In conclusion, the opening of the U.S. Commerce Department's Small Business Innovation Center in Lubbock is a significant milestone for the local business community. It represents a commitment to supporting small businesses and fostering innovation in the region. With its range of services and resources, the center is set to play a crucial role in the growth and development of local businesses, helping them to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace. As we look to the future, we can expect to see the center continue to make a positive impact on the economy and the lives of small business owners in Lubbock.
Underground Economy in Construction
Approximately 5% of Iowa's employed population works in construction. While many construction workers earn fair wages and benefits, the report reveals the emergence of an underground economy. Finn explained, "A significant amount of public money goes into infrastructure projects. In most cases, the lowest bidder secures the contract. These low bidders often consist of non-local construction contractors who engage in illegal employment practices with little enforcement."This situation not only affects individual workers but also has implications for the state's infrastructure development. Billions of dollars are set to flow into the construction industry in the next decade due to federal programs. However, the complex web of general contractors and sub-contractors makes it challenging to hold bad actors accountable.
Financial Implications
Illegally classifying someone as an independent contractor provides businesses with significant savings. Finn pointed out that it saves about $6000 annually in fringe benefits and an additional $6000 in Social Security and Medicare taxes. Misclassified independent contractors are also ineligible for unemployment benefits if they are laid off. Finn gave an example, "Workers who face extreme medical debt due to injuries on the job site while misclassified as independent contractors have no workers' comp coverage."This financial burden falls directly on the workers, leaving them vulnerable and struggling to make ends meet. It is a clear case of exploitation within the industry.
Recommendations for Legislation
Common Good Iowa is advocating for Iowa legislators to update the state's wage payment collection law. Currently, the state employs only four investigators to oversee wage payment collection for a workforce of 1.6 million. Finn emphasized, "This is clearly not enough. More staff could not only investigate businesses evading labor laws and taxes but also educate Iowa employers about the correct business practices."A 2022 report from Common Good Iowa showed that Iowa workers lost $900 million in wages due to fraud. By strengthening the law and increasing enforcement, the aim is to protect workers and ensure fair compensation.