President Orders Federal Unemployment
Payments and Delays Payroll Taxes
In the absence of Congressional action, President Donald J. Trump over the weekend issued three memorandums of policy and one executive order to provide additional relief to individuals and businesses in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Beginning 9/1/20 and continuing through 12/31/20, the collection of payroll taxes — including social security and Medicare taxes — are suspended for employees making less than $104,000 annually.
The President also ordered an extension of federally enhanced unemployment benefits, which would tack an additional $400 per week on top of state unemployment benefits. Three quarters of the federal benefit would be paid by the federal government, leaving states to pay for a quarter of the benefit, though it is unclear how the states will fund the payment.
The President’s orders also allow the federal government to consider preventing rental evictions and mortgage foreclosures and supports student loan borrowers by deferring payments and waiving interest until 12/31/20.
The MMA Government Affairs is working closely with state and federal government contacts to gather critical information for manufacturers about these policies. Updates will be provided as details are released. Contact MMA’s Dave Worthams, at 517-487-8511 or [email protected], with questions.
New & Notable
Protecting Manufacturers
from COVID-19 Liability
To move forward confidently in uncertain times, manufacturers need assurances that their dedication and ingenuity in the face of a global pandemic will not be rewarded with unnecessary and punitive lawsuits. MMA has been proactively working with the Legislature to pass legislation that would protect businesses that have operated in good faith, taking reasonable actions to follow public health guidance, and producing vital products.
Learn more in this article from the upcoming August 2020 issue of MiMfg Magazine.
Join MMA on 8/25/20 at 1:00 p.m. for a webinar with and Representative Thomas Albert (R-Lowell), the primary sponsor of a legislative package that will protect employers from frivolous COVID-19-related lawsuits, featuring aninteractive update on pending legislative action on House Bills 6030-6032 and Senate Bills 1022-0124. Ask your questions directly of Representative Albert (see bio below) and find out how you can help push this critical legislation forward.
State Representative Thomas Albert was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2016. He represents the 86th District, which makes up portions of Kent and Ionia counties. After graduating from the University of Michigan with a degree in political science and history, Rep. Albert was commissioned as a Marine Corps Officer where he was deployed to Iraq as an advisor to the Iraqi Army in the Anbar Province. After leaving active duty, he attained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Michigan State University and worked as an investor for the State of Michigan Retirement Systems.
Governor Extends COVID-19
Emergency to September 4
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued Executive Order 2020-165 and Executive Order 2020-166, extending the emergency and disaster declarations related to COVID-19 to 9/4/20 and reissuing a previous order prohibiting employers from discharging, disciplining or retaliating against employees who test positive for or are symptomatic of COVID-19.
Resources for Manufacturers
Current Requirements for In-Person Manufacturing Work in Michigan
- Executive Order Executive Order 2020-161:
Safeguards to protect Michigan’s workers from COVID-19 - Executive Order 2020-162:
Amends the Safe Start Order - MIOSHA COVID-19 Manufacturing Industry Guidelines
- MIOSHA General Workplace Safety Resources, including posters and social media graphics
- Connect with Michigan’s New Director of COVID-19 Workplace Safety (recorded 7/7/20 webinar)
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.