Epidemic Order Extended Through December 20
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued an updated order that continues to “pause” the operations of some businesses and schools through 12/20/20.
Of note to manufacturers is the return of in–person instruction for some career and technical education (CTE) activities that cannot be done remotely. The previous Epidemic Order prohibited in-person high school instruction but provided an exemption for law enforcement, corrections and medical or first responder personnel training. Under the new order, manufacturing, industrial technology, trades and cosmetology CTE students can attend in-person classes but only to the extent that the activities cannot be completed remotely. Activities of CTE students that are necessary to complete the requirements of a recognized postsecondary credential are also permitted now.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer released additional resources related to the order, including:
MMA’s Government Affairs team is available to assist manufacturers with questions about COVID-19 orders and emergency rules. Contact Dave Worthams at 517-487-8511 or worthams@mimfg.org.
New & Notable
New Guidance on Quarantine Period
MDHHS has updated guidance on COVID-19 quarantine periods aligning with new findings by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Under the new guidance, the standard 14-day quarantine following exposure to the virus can be reduced to 10 days if the individual does not develop any symptoms and daily symptom monitoring continues for 14 days following exposure.
MMA’s Pandemic PPT Fix
Trekking Toward Passage
The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 1203 (Senator Jim Runestad, R-White Lake), an MMA-driven solution to the new challenge of tracking personal property such as laptops, monitors and printers with many employees working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. If the bill passes the House before the Legislature adjourns for the year, it will work to avoid an administrative nightmare with Personal Property Tax (PPT) filings by establishing that all personal property is assumed to be in its original location as it was on tax day, 12/31/19.
Help Block a $200M Tax
Increase on Employers
The Michigan House of Representatives is considering extending state unemployment benefits from 20 weeks to 26 weeks until 3/31/21, which will result in a tax increase of over $200 million on employers. Contact your legislator today to let them know manufacturers cannot sustain further tax increases.
Report Addresses Fraudulent
Unemployment Claims
A report by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) released the results of a cyber security and forensics assessment performed by MMA member Deloitte & Touche LLP showing that unemployment fraud and improper payments have not only run rampant in Michigan throughout the pandemic, they were exacerbated by actions taken by the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). LEO anticipates that fraud will cost the employer-funded program hundreds of millions of dollars.
ICYMI: Recent COVID-19 Webinars
My Employee Was Exposed to COVID-19;
Now What?
Michigan’s Epidemic Order requires that employers follow CDC guidance and work with local public health officials when a case of COVID-19 enters the workplace. Hear from Ingham County Health Department Health Officer Linda Vail how employers should respond when an employee is exposed.
What to Do When Customer or Supplier
Financial Distress Stresses You Out
COVID-19 has strained many businesses like never before; both operationally and financially. Gain practical tools from MMA and Adam Kochenderfer, an attorney with Wolfson Bolton PLLC, to proactively plan for three different levels of financial distress.
Find more on-demand webinars in MMA’s Online Learning Center (please note, you will need to log into the MMA website to access member-exclusive webinars).
Resources for Manufacturers
Stay updated and compliant with the many changes imposed over the last few weeks. Find state, federal and member resources on MMA’s COVID-19 Resources.