September 28, 2020
In Brief
In this issue of the Monday Morning Messenger, TPGA wants to highlight a new grant offered by PERC, previously spotlighted in Texas Propane magazine that offers up $10,000 to technical schools that agree to offer propane curriculum at their schools. Read more about the grant in our Top Story of the morning. The deadline is nearing.

Speaking of training, RRC has resumed its' First Responder Propane Training. Learn more about this on request training in second story of the morning.

Also, the Texas Workforce Commission is holding more educational sessions for employers on a variety of labor law subjects. Check out the dates and what they will be covering in our third story of the morning.

Lastly, check out the Quick Links section for any regulatory updates you may have missed recently.
In this issue

  • In Brief
  • Propane Grants for Technical Schools
  • First Responder Training
  • Employment Law Educational Sessions
  • Quick Links
Calendar
September 28-30, 2020

September 29, 2020
New Interstate Hours of Service Rules Effective

October 1, 2020
Deadline for Propane Technical School Grant

October 1, 2020
TWC Lunchtime Live
Employer Webinar

October 5 - 30, 2020

October 15, 2020
TWC Lunchtime Live
Employer Webinar
$350,000 in Grants is Available for Technical Schools from PERC
Deadline is October 1, 2020
The association just wants to remind members that the Propane
Education & Research Council (PERC) is funding a grant program
to help bring pre-developed propane curriculum and propane
tools to local technical schools to give students an elevated,
hands-on learning experience.

The Technical School Grant Program offers grants up to $10,000 to educational institutions that are willing and able to expand their
curriculum to include propane-specific material and hands-on
resources.

NO PURCHASES HAVE TO BE MADE OR CURRICULUM INTRODUCED UNTIL GRANT IS APPROVED.

Click here to read our article in Texas Propane magazine where we break down the program or visit www.propane.com/TechSchoolGrant to learn more, determine eligibility, and apply.

The grant application only takes a few minutes for a school to complete. Again, just a reminder, the application deadline is this Thursday, October 1, 2020.

Questions? Contact Elena Scott at elena.scott@propane.com
or call 202-468-2835.
RRC Course: Propane Awareness for First Responders: Fire, Police, EMS is Available
The resurrected Railroad Commission (RRC) course is 3 hours long and a condensed version of Propane Emergencies. The course is geared to anyone that would respond to a propane incident or accident, from firefighters to sheriff's deputies.

The State Firemen & Fire Marshal's Association (SFFMA) and Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) have approved the course for hazmat awareness continuing education credit.

The course is taught by RRC Instructor David Vire, who served in the fire service for 30 years, has taught fire training including LPG at the TEEX fire school in College Station for the last 21 years, and currently serves as an LPG instructor for the Alternative Fuel Safety section of the RRC.

The course is available upon request and based on instructor availability. The course can be held via Zoom for up to 50 first responders or in-person is available for some areas of Texas. There is a minimum requirement of 20 individuals in attendance for training to occur.

For those who would like to request training for their area first responders, please contact the Alternative Fuel Safety Division at 512-463-2682 or email David Vire directly at David.Vire@rrc.texas.gov.
Texas Workforce Commission: More Lunchtime Live Educational Sessions for Employers
The Texas Conference for Employers hosted by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is continuing their lunchtime live series for employers. These 90 minute sessions help employers navigate employment laws and more.

Check the newest educational sessions coming up:
October 1st: Click here to REGISTER
  • COVID-19 Paid Leave-Related Laws
  • Privacy in the Workplace
  • Unemployment Claims and Employer Chargeback Liability
  • Payroll Tax 101 discussion

October 15th: Click here to REGISTER
  • Unemployment Claims: General Overview for Employers
  • Unemployment Taxes: Chargeback and Reimbursing Employers
  • Best Practices for Maintaining a Safe Workplace
  • Payroll Tax 101 discussion
Quick Links
CDL APPOINTMENTS
& WAIVER UPDATE
MEDICAL CARD WAIVER
EXTENSION
New INTERSTATE
Hours of Service
effective September 29, 2020
Hurricane & Storm
Regulatory
Waivers