On July 1, 2018 the Massachusetts Equal Pay Act (“MEPA”) went into effect, which combats gender-based pay disparities within Massachusetts. The goal of MEPA is to ensure fairness and equity in the workplace while clarifying what constitutes unlawful wage discrimination. With its more liberal application and multiple damages, employers must become aware of the implications…
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, Employment Law
RIW employment attorney Dave Robinson quoted in Boston Globe article on Massachusetts’ new pay equity law: Full article.
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, Employment Law
On June 28, 2018, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed a bill into law (H 4640) that will alter workplace pay and benefits for employers and employees across the state. Below is a synopsis of the bill: Hourly Minimum Wage Increases. Hourly wages will increase progressively from $11 to $15 per hour by 2023. It is estimated…
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, Employment Law, Hospitality Practice Group, News
RIW has partnered up with DCG Accounting to host a timely Forum for Emerging Growth & Technology Companies on “Beyond the Capital Raise: How to Align Your Finances and Operations for Continued Growth.” This event will be taking place on Wednesday, July 25 at Gather. In addition to hearing from business owners, financial and legal…
POSTED IN: Events
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, At Your Service, Hospitality Practice Group, News
There have been several recent developments in the alcoholic beverages industry which affect regulatory oversight, restaurant operations, new liquor licenses, and more. Here is a rundown of the latest developments. Budget Increase Requested for the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg requested a $3.69MM budget for fiscal 2019, an increase from $2.44MM…
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, At Your Service, Hospitality Practice Group, News
If your company has more than five employees with health insurance from Masshealth or Connect Care, you should be aware of new assessments levied by the state. Last week, many employers received a new bill from the Department of Unemployment Assistance (“DUA”), which implemented the first assessments under the supplemental employer medical assistance contribution program (“EMAC”)….
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, At Your Service, Employment Law
Business entities that are taxed as partnerships (most limited liability companies that have more than one member are taxed as partnerships), will need to modify their operating agreements this year to address recent changes in the Internal Revenue Code that give extraordinary authority and autonomy to the “Partnership Representative.” For tax years that begin on…
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, Tax Law
Congratulations to Adam Barnosky, who was recently appointed by Mayor Yvonne Spicer as the Chairman of the Framingham Board of License Commissioners. Adam, who specializes in alcoholic beverage licensing and regulatory compliance, brings extensive industry experience to the Board, which will have authority to oversee and license business activity in the community. Full story.
POSTED IN: Hospitality Practice Group, News
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has recently seen a surge in the number of communities that seek to certify compliance with their Housing Production Plans. A Housing Production Plan describes a town’s strategy to develop affordable housing at a measured pace in order to make progress towards their affordable housing goals under…
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, Commercial Real Estate
