News
Senators Haskell and Kasser file new tolls bill for 2021
From Yankee Institute. Senators Will Haskell, D-Westport, and Alexandra Kasser, D-Greenwich, have filed a bill authorizing the Department of Transportation to install electronic tolls on Connecticut’s interstate highways and parts of Route 15. The debate over tolls was put to rest in late 2019 after Gov. Ned Lamont and Democrat leaders couldn’t reach an agreement,…
Read MorePanel recommends vaccinations for everyone over 65-years-old
From CT News Junkie. A Connecticut advisory panel added everyone over the age of 65 and any adult with one federally-defined medical condition to its guidelines for the next phase of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout Tuesday. As the allocations subcommittee of the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group kicked off its virtual meeting, some members were…
Read More‘Clean’ truck regs, strong rate environment likely for 2021
From Fleet Owner. Outside of the regulations coming out of the incoming Biden-led Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration after the Jan. 20 U.S. presidential inauguration, industry stakeholders are paying close attention to environmental initiatives that could impact commercial trucking. Analysts are also projecting continued growth and a favorable rate environment…
Read MoreDepartment of Labor issues final rule on independent contractor status
From Transport Topics. The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a final rule revising its interpretation of independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act that it said will “promote certainty for stakeholders, reduce litigation and encourage innovation in the economy.” The final rule explains that independent contractors are workers who, as a matter…
Read MoreButtigieg eyes ‘Big, Bold’ infrastructure plan, Schumer says
From Transport Topics. Advancing a “big, bold” infrastructure policy measure with an emphasis on climate change is a priority for President-elect Joe Biden’s choice to lead the U.S. Department of Transportation, said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. The top Democrat in the Senate, who met with Pete Buttigieg, formerly the mayor of South Bend, Ind.,…
Read MoreIn memoriam: Don Vallerie, Sr.
MTAC is sad to report that longtime MTAC Board member, and previous MTAC Chairman Don Vallerie, Sr. passed away on Dec. 28. Due to the COVID 19 restrictions affecting all of us at this time, a private funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, Jan. 5 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, Ridgefield.…
Read MoreTCI ignores science and economic reality
Op Ed by MTAC President Joe Sculley Gov. Ned Lamont has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to signal Connecticut’s intention to join the Transportation Climate Initiative. However, a MOU has no force of law, and the Connecticut legislature should follow the lead of other states (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Maryland,…
Read MoreFMCSA extends CDL, CLP & Med Card Waiver through Feb. 28
Summary by American Trucking Associations (ATA). This waiver becomes effective on January 1, 2021 and expires on February 28, 2021. Please read the specific provisions below, as the dates and applicability vary. For CDL/CLP Drivers, the waiver will: Waive until February 28, 2021, the maximum period of CDL validity for CDLs due for renewal on…
Read MoreConnecticut Paid Leave Act – Register and act today
From CT Employment Law Blog. Here are three things to do right now: Register with the State Authority. This is essential; all employers need to do this (presumably by January 1 for reasons I’ll explain next.) Figure out if you’re going to use the state Paid Leave plan or a private plan. Contact your payroll…
Read MoreReminder: Employers must conduct annual queries by Jan. 5
From FMCSA. If an employer has already conducted a query on all currently-employed CDL drivers, that employer has met the annual query requirement, and is not required to conduct a query for one year from the query date. Employers may also designate a consortium/third-part administrator (C/TPA) to conduct these queries on their behalf. Employers can…
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