As the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve at a chaotic pace, NLBMDA is sending members a regular alert to provide updates on new actions taken by federal and state governments in response to COVID-19. These will include updates on state executive orders, federal guidance documents and Congressional activity. Members can find all of NLBMDA’s COVID-19 resources and communications by visiting our website
here
.
COVID-19 State by State Activity Tracker
NLBMDA is actively monitoring and tracking state activity related to the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to provide regular updates on its website as they become available.
Click here
to view the latest information.
Take Action Now: Senate Considering COVID Relief Legislation
The Senate is back in session and working to craft their version of a Phase 4 COVID relief bill. NLBMDA is working to lobby the Senate on these priorities and urge members to use our
grassroots action center
to weigh in with their elected officials on LBM industry priorities.
NLBMDA recently sent a
letter
to the Senate detailing these, which include:
- Scale-back expanded unemployment benefits and incentivize return to work;
- A strong employer liability protection system;
- Expansion of SBA loan funding, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP);
- Expansion of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC);
- Increased access to PPE and testing;
- And more.
The White House and Senate Republicans are still in negotiations on a Phase 4 relief bill and are planning to introduce legislation next week. The legislation is expected to cost approximately $1 trillion. The House of Representatives already passed a $3 trillion Phase 4 relief bill in May. Both chambers will have to reconcile differences in their bills before a final package is sent to the president.
DOL Releases Additional Guidance on COVID-19 Workplace Protections and Paid Leave
The U.S. Department of Labor has published additional guidance for workers and employers on how the protections and requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) affect the workplace as workplaces reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance from the Department’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) includes commonly asked questions and answers that address critical issues in all three laws.
These new FAQ guides can be found here:
U.S. Agencies to Offer Webinar on COVID-19 Paid Leave Benefits
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) in Wisconsin, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are presenting a series of webinars on paid sick leave, and expanded family and medical leave requirements of the
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
for
employers and business owners.
The webinars will provide FFCRA information including details about paid sick leave for certain reasons related to COVID-19, and paid expanded family and medical leave for child care related to COVID-19, and will focus on eligibility, requirements for providing paid leave and tax credits for covered business owners. Additionally, SBA representatives will be available to answer questions, and provide guidance to help small business owners and entrepreneurs.
There is no cost to attend but space is limited and registration is required. Use the links below to register for the date you wish to attend. Employers do not have to reside in Wisconsin to register.
WHAT: Webinar Navigating COVID-19: A Virtual Guide for the Employment Community
Please note these updates do not constitute legal advice. Information contained may be subject to interpretation and companies should consult with their own counsel.
