Texting While Driving – A Dangerous Combination
January 18, 2011 | Adriel B. VillarrealWe live in a society where technology has, without question, made our lives easier and perhaps more organized. With the push of a few buttons we can communicate with friends, family, business associates located on the other side of the world or in the same room. During this last holiday season I finally agreed to purchase a cell phone for my 10 year old daughter. Of course my purpose for the phone was much different than hers. With the cell phone in hand my wife and I would be able to contact her instantly and get updates about homework, soccer practice and school activities. In her mind it was all about TEXTING and staying connected with friends and cousins. Naturally, the cell phone carrier was happy to add a new phone to the contract with unlimited texting for approximately $15.00 per month. While the new cell phone has been fairly convenient it has also proven to occasionally be a distraction during homework, dinner and bed time. I chuckle because she is now glued to her cell phone in the same way I have become dependent on my Blackberry. Recently, while driving home from work I heard a public service announcement about texting while driving. In short, the message to all drivers was that…
Read MoreLeasing Basics for Minnesota Charter Schools
January 18, 2011 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.Authored by: Jeffrey S. Johnson and Kristin N. Blenkush Introduction For the uninitiated, commencing negotiations on a complex charter school lease can be overwhelming. These materials are intended to provide a basic overview of some of the most important provisions likely to be found in a charter school lease. Leasing Guidelines Specific to Charter Schools Because charter schools may not use state money to purchase land or buildings (Minn. Stat. § 124D.11, Subd. 7), gaining an understanding of basic leasing concepts is important. In addition to the general education revenue provided to charter schools, charter schools may be entitled to additional public funding through building lease aid. Under Minnesota law, charter schools may apply for building lease aid in order to rent a building or land for instructional purposes. Minn. Stat. § 124D.11, Subd. 4. The Minnesota Department of Education reviews and either approves or denies a applications for lease aid using certain criteria specified by statute. These criteria include (1) the reasonableness of the price (the rent) based on current market values, (2) the extent to which the lease conforms to applicable state laws and rules, and (3) the appropriateness of the proposed lease in the context of the space needs and the financial circumstances of the charter school. Minn. Stat. §…
Read MoreUnderinsured/Uninsured Coverage – What Is It and Why Should You Give It Some Thought?
January 12, 2011 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.Most people do not understand it and fail to appreciate its importance to them and their family. Underinsured motorist’s coverage insures you and your resident family members if you or they are injured in a motor vehicle collision and the other driver does not have sufficient liability coverage to adequately compensate you for your injuries – medical bills, wage loss, physical disability, and pain and suffering. Uninsured coverage protects you and your resident family members from situations where you are injured by another driver who does not have any liability coverage on his or her automobile. Unfortunately, in this day and age a surprising number of people do not carry any insurance or only carry the statutory minimum. Under Minnesota law, that statutory minimum is $30,000.00 for liability coverage and $25,000.00 for underinsured and uninsured coverage. It doesn’t take much for an injury to create damages that far exceed these minimal coverages. You should look at your policy to see what type of coverage you currently have to determine if you believe the coverage you are carrying is adequate. If you are not sure what amount of coverage you should carry, you can always consult with your insurance agent and/or also talk to your attorney. Obviously, any decision on the amount of coverage…
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