February 1, 2021
In Brief
In this issue of the Monday Morning Messenger, whether you're an employee or employer, check out the first story of the day on tax matters.

Did you know the Railroad Commission has a new website? Check out our second story of the morning to find out where to access all the information you need forms, certification, licensing, training, and exams.

Last week, Governor Abbott issued an Executive Order relating to the protection of Texas’s energy industry from federal overreach in response to several Executive Orders issued by President Biden. Abbott cited that the energy industry is vital to economic growth in the state of Texas.

On the heels of his Executive Order, we wanted to let you know that we have again partnered with the Texas Oil & Gas Association for Texas Energy Day at the Capitol. Due to COVID, the Energy Day will be a little different this year. Read more about it in this edition of the Messenger.

Check out our last story of the morning for multiple COVID updates for businesses, including expanding COVID testing for small businesses.

Also, like every week, do not forget to check out our Quick Links section to fast access to different resources that the association thinks are helpful, including our most recent regulatory alerts, our TPGA store, the latest Winter supply, and pricing updates as well as our tire savings program.
In this issue

  • In Brief
  • Tax Resources to Share w/ Employees
  • New RRC Website
  • Texas Energy Day
  • COVID Updates for Texas Businesses
  • Quick Links

Calendar
February 1-3, 2021

February 1-4, 2021

February 1-26, 2021

February 1- April 30, 2021

February 15, 2021

February 23-24, 2021

February 24, 2021

February 26, 2021

February 28, 2021
Share Earned Income Tax Credit
Information with Employees
Today is the deadline to file W-2's and wage statements so we thought it would be the perfect time to ask to discuss similar tax-related information that may benefit your employees.

Did you know the IRS has created resources for employers to share with its employees on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)? Posting this information is not required.

Sharable Resources

If you are an employee, go to http://irs.gov/eitc to learn more about the earned income tax credit.

Also, take note: due to end of year tax law changes, the tax filing season for 2020 tax returns does not open until February 12, 2021, this year.
Railroad Commission Launches More User-Friendly Website
Late last week, the Railroad Commission of Texas launched a new website making it easier for regulated entities like the propane industry to find documents, forms, and other essential information.

Click on the PLAY button of the video ABOVE to get a preview of the new site and find where all the information has moved to.
Make sure to also change your favorites and bookmarks in your web browser because URLs to some pages have changed on the new website.
SAVE THE DATE:
Virtual Texas Energy Day
at Texas Capitol
2021 Texas Energy Day will be on Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Hosted by Texas Oil & Gas Association
& sponsored by Texas Propane Gas Association

Agenda
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Virtual Morning Speaker Series
Fireside Chats with
RRC Commissioner, Wayne Christian (confirmed)
Governor, Greg Abbott (invited)
Texas Speaker of House, Dade Phelan (invited)
& other legislative leader guests (invited)

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM Live Stream of Resolutions from Capitol floor

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Capitol Lunch on Colorado St from propane-powered food trucks for legislators and their offices.

The energy industry is welcome to come in person for lunch, please RSVP separately with TPGA if you plan to attend the lunch.

1:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Virtual Afternoon Delegation Meetings by Region
1:30 PM - Permian Basin & West Texas
2:00 PM - Houston & SETX
2:30 PM - DFW & North Texas
3:00 PM - Eagle Ford & South Texas

Registration is FREE.
COVID Updates for
Texas Businesses
Texas COVID Legislation
A handful of proposed COVID-related bills have already been filed in the Texas Legislature. Everything from state-mandated paid leave for employers with more than 15 employees to studying supply disruptions due to the COVID pandemic. The session is still in infancy and still has another 4 months to go so we can expect more COVID-related legislation to be filed.

Governor Abbott has said he supports legislative proposals to protect businesses from lawsuits from employees and customers who think they have been irresponsibly exposed to the coronavirus so we will continue to monitor and share these bills as they are filed.

Expansion of Small Business COVID Testing
The COVID-19 Small Business Rapid Testing Program originally launched in December as a pilot program providing COVID-19 tests to the regions with the most COVID cases. In late January, Governor Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) announced the expansion of the COVID-19 Rapid Testing Program for Texas small businesses by dedicating 1 million BinaxNow Rapid Tests to the program.

The program will provide more local Chamber of Commerce with COVID-19 testing supplies that will then be allocated by the Chambers to local small businesses that choose to participate in the program. Small businesses can then administer these tests to employees who choose to participate. Testing cannot be a condition of employment.

Small businesses interested in participating in the program should contact their local Chamber of Commerce. 
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