Governor Continues Gradual Reopening of
Economy and Beefs Up Workplace Regulation
Governor Gretchen Whitmer last week issued Executive Order 2020-115 permitting personal care services in most of the Lower Peninsula to resume on 6/15/20, and permitting greater activity and larger social gatherings in the Upper Peninsula and region surrounding Traverse City.
The Governor also issued additional workplace safeguards in Executive Order 2020-114 and named Sean Egan as the new Director of COVID-19 Workplace Safety. Please note: workplace safety requirements for manufacturing facilities have not changed from the previous Executive Order 2020-97.
Director Egan will be responsible for coordinating the state’s efforts to monitor and enforce the workplace safeguards established in the Governor’s order. Each Michigan department and agency responsible for workplace health and safety standards will coordinate through Director Egan and, members should note, these agencies are required by executive order to publicly post citations of those employers that fall out of compliance with the requirements of Executive Order 2020-114.
In conversations with the Whitmer Administration, MMA has learned that thousands of complaints have been filed against employers since the first “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order was issued in March. However, to date, regulators have focused on educating employers to achieve compliance and no citations have been issued.
New & Notable
Congress Passes Modifications
to Paycheck Protection Program
President Donald J. Trump has signed the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act into law. The legislation addresses concerns expressed by businesses about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) passed in late March to provide financial relief to companies in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The modifications included in this new Act are intended to provided greater support to employers, including:
- Extending the time period in which businesses must spend the proceeds from loans to 12/31/20, extending the program by an additional 16 weeks
- Greater payroll expense flexibility by changing how PPP loan dollars must be allocated. Originally, the program required that at least 75% go toward payroll; the modification lowers the payroll threshold to 60%, meaning businesses may spend up to 40% of its loan on other eligible expenses
- Removing penalties for reduced headcount when businesses are still facing workforce challenges
- Eliminating limitations on other tax deferment programs. The initial plan prohibited a company that utilized the PPP loan from benefiting from a payroll tax deferment but the new Act removes that restriction
See the MMA COVID-19 Financial Relief Tool Kit for more information on federal and state programs for which your business may qualify.
Upcoming Webinars
Navigating Your New Reality:
A Peer to Peer Discussion
Host: Gallagher
(MMA Premium Associate Member)
Wednesday, June 10 • 12:00 p.m.
Register online.
Navigating through today’s new workplace realities can be challenging and multi-faceted. Hearing from your peers can offer actionable ideas as you determine your right path forward. Join Gallagher for a virtual town hall event focused on providing a forum for peer to peer discussion. They will host a conversation with global, national and local-based organizations.
Together they will share:
- Impactful successes and strategies related to return to the workplace planning
- Organizational leadership insights with our new reality and how COVID-19 has impacted their people, role, and business processes
Resources for Manufacturers
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.