Along with New York and the U.S. Virgin Islands, California is facing a reduction in Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) credit for 2023, which means employers in California pay higher FUTA taxes retroactively in January 2024 for wages paid in 2023 due to the state’s outstanding federal loans. Many...

Another month of calm November typically marks the end of a new harvest and the middle of our busiest sales quarter. October’s government shutdown created unbelievable market uncertainty. But with the system back up and Thanksgiving almost normal, stability returned rather than the predicted surges...

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces changes and new requirements for reporting overtime pay in 2026. The changes are required to enable employees to claim certain overtime deductions on their personal tax return. The new tax deduction applies only to the ‘Qualified Overtime...

If you employ full-time staff, seasonal crews, or part-time help in Oregon’s wine industry, there’s a new law that could change how you approach labor planning and workplace disputes—especially during your busiest seasons. Oregon Senate Bill 916 (SB 916) makes Oregon the first state in the country...

The past two months have left many Sonoma & Napa County residents wondering, “Why us?” How many times can we continue to go through this traumatic experience of wildfires? When we start to assess the damage caused by the most recent Glass Fire, we are reminded that there are many items that must be...

FUTA CREDIT REDUCTION STATES RELEASED FOR 2023 Employers in California to Pay Higher FUTA Tax Rates Retroactively Employers in California, Connecticut, Illinois, New York, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will pay higher Federal Unemployment Act (FUTA) taxes in January 2023 for wages paid in 2022 due to...

The labor market continues to be tight with very low unemployment and steady job growth each month. The ongoing discussion about remote and hybrid work we see everywhere is leaving some employers whose businesses simply cannot support a remote work option wondering how they will compete in the...

The $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill, passed by Congress and signed into law on Dec. 27, includes a number of provisions that affect employers and their workers in terms of paid sick leave and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Act provisions. The legislation also boosts unemployment benefits to...

By Dawn Ross, Partner As Shelter in Place restrictions continue to ease throughout California and employees return to the office, it is important for employers to be aware of the ever changing requirements and expectations to keep your staff and the public safe. Below is a checklist for employers...

This week the Senate returns from a two week, COVID-19 forced recess. The Senate Judiciary Committee has been in session working on the Supreme Court nomination hearings, but the full Senate has been out since the end of September. Senate Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY) has indicated that he...