Good afternoon, . Developments continue to occur day and night as our state and nation work to combat the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and support those businesses and workers impacted by the pandemic. MMA is speaking on a daily basis with the Whitmer Administration to address our industry’s most pressing concerns and is working to keep members informed. State Issues Guidance on Critical Infrastructure WorkersThe State of Michigan has released new guidance for businesses trying to determine if their business should remain open due to the requirements of Executive Order 2020-20. Compliance Resources for Federal Paid Leave MandateMMA will host another conference call in partnership with Honigman LLP on Monday, 3/30/20, at 10:15 a.m. ET to help members comply with the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which goes into effect 4/1/20. The new law expands the Family Medical Leave Act to all companies with fewer than 500 employees in the case of certain “qualified needs” related to COVID-19 and requires employers with fewer than 500 employees to provide Paid Sick Leave to employees impacted by COVID-19. The cost to employers for both of these programs will be offset through tax credits. Attendees may dial-in with the following information:
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor will be hosting a national online dialogue allowing employers to provide comment on the implementation of the FFCRA. The ideas and comments gathered from this dialogue will inform US DOL guidance, resources, tools and outreach approaches. Those interested in participating can do so at https://ffcra.ideascale.com from March 23 through March 29, 2020. New Order Further Expands UI and Employer ReliefLast night, Governor Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-24 which replaces and expands on her earlier order relating to unemployment eligibility and employer charging of benefits. Specifically, the order:
In our conversations with the Administration we understand that unemployment claims have surpassed historic volumes. They recommend that individuals try to file their claims at non-peak times in the evening and night hours. Pending federal legislation (see below) also stands to impact the Michigan unemployment program in the coming days and weeks. Federal CARES Act Nearing PassageThe US Senate yesterday passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020 (CARES Act). The US House is anticipated to vote on the measure by the end of the week and send it to President Trump for his signature. The US House Ways & Means Committee has provided online summaries of the Senate-passed bill.
MMA Update on Personal Protective Equipment CoordinationMichigan manufacturers have mounted an overwhelming response to the need for medical supplies and personal protective equipment. MMA’s Mike Johnston provided an update regarding efforts to coordinate with the State Emergency Operations Center, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. We will continue our work to keep you up to date on important developments. As always, please reach out if I or the MMA team can be of assistance. |