April 26, 2021
In Brief
In this issue of the Monday Morning Messenger, a branch of the U.S. DOT reports that predatory third-party solicitors are sending misleading information to carriers. In our Top Story of the morning, see what you should be keeping an eye out for, so you do not get misled or pay for an optional service that is not required.

Last week, the IRS finally released its long-awaited guidance on the paid leave tax credits expanded through the American Rescue Plan for small and midsize employers offering paid leave for COVID vaccination and vaccination recovery. Read more about the credits in our second story of the morning.

Additionally, with only six weeks left in the session, the Texas Legislature continues to pick up momentum. Last week the Texas House debated 245 amendments and Senate adopted 146 to the state's $246.7B proposed budget. Speaking of budgets, one legislator has proposed some funding changes to the Texas Clean School Bus Grant Program that could negatively affect the future adoption of propane school buses in Texas. Read more about the proposed legislation in this edition of the Messenger.

Also, BPN did a feature on how Texas and TPGA responded to recent winter storms. Read more about how TPGA assisted the industry during the unprecedented storm.

Additionally, do not forget our Quick Links section for access to a number of items and resources. Texas shoppers still have until tonight at midnight to buy emergency supply items like portable generators tax-free. Discover more about the tax holiday in the first quick link. Additionally, find linked information on the upcoming roadside enforcement event, our TPGA store, and a link to the 2021 Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference site.
In this issue

  • In Brief
  • US DOT Alert
  • Employer Tax Credit Update
  • Funds at Risk
  • TPGA & Winter Storm Story
  • Quick Links
FMCSA Warns of Misleading
Marketing to CMV Operators
Important: Be wary of fraudulent, misleading, or aggressive marketing attempts.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) is aware that motor carriers often receive confusing or misleading solicitations from service providers or third-party administrators by telephone, e-mail, text, and U.S. Mail. These businesses obtain your company's information when you submit an application or update your information with the FMCSA because your basic carrier information is publicly available. 

These companies often contact carriers after they complete online transactions with FMCSA. Aggressive or fraudulent marketing complaints have included carriers being pressured to immediately enroll in a variety of U.S. DOT programs.

One example of one of these predatory companies is a company out of Frisco, TX, called Compliance Processing Group. According to Transport Topics News, the Texas company sent past-due letters to several Midwest truckers from FMCSA Compliance Processing Group. The notices threatened that the carriers saying if they did not contact the company as soon as possible, the carriers could risk fines of $1,000 a day to up to $10,000 or could even be taken out of service.

Carriers all over the country, including "at least" one propane hauler in Texas, have received these misleading communications that one Midwest attorney describes as "scam" and "deceptive."

FMCSA does not: Contact carriers by telemarketers or "robo-call" automated telephone solicitations.
FMCSA does not: Request credit card numbers by telephone.
FMCSA does not: Charge a fee for downloadable U.S. Government forms.
When in doubt, feel free to reach out to the association and TPGA can provide any additional information or insights.
Are You Eligible for Employer IRS Tax Credits for Employee
COVID Vaccinations?
Did or will you give paid time off (PTO) for an employee or employees to get a vaccination and possibly recover from a vaccination?

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) allows small & midsize employers under 500 employees to claim refundable tax credits that reimburse them for the cost of providing paid sick and family leave to their employees due to COVID-19, including leave taken by employees to receive or recover from COVID-19 vaccinations.

The ARP tax credits are available to eligible employers that pay sick and family leave from April 1, 2021throughSeptember 30, 2021.

The amount of the tax credits and how they are calculated. The paid leave credits under the ARP are tax credits against the employer's share of the Medicare tax. The tax credits are refundable, which means that the employer is entitled to payment of the full amount of the credits if it exceeds the employer's share of the Medicare tax.

Eligible employers can claim the credit on IRS Form 941, Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return. For additional information go to the IRS website linked below or consult a tax professional.
Texas Legislation Targets Clean School Bus Funds for Electric
Last week, the Texas House Committee on State Affairs met to consider Texas House Bill 4120 by Rep. Deshotel (D-Beaumont).

The legislation amends the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)'s Clean School Bus Program, a first-come, first-served grant program that provides school bus grants statewide, no matter a school district is located within the state.

The legislation would require TCEQ to prioritize electric school buses for grants as well as earmark 75% of the Clean School Bus Program funds to electric buses.

In 2019-2020, over $745,000 was awarded to Texas school districts to purchase propane school buses under the Texas Clean School Bus Program.

According to an RRC Earth Day report, Texas currently has 3,350 propane-powered school buses.

The Texas Propane Gas Association provided written testimony against the bill touting the attributes of propane school buses as well as stating that school districts need funding to continue the adoption of propane into their fleet.
School Transportation News Editor: Talks Propane vs. Electric School Buses in Podcast
School Transportation News, a magazine and online news source for school transportation officials tackles the subject of green school buses in a recent podcast. STN editor makes some great arguments for propane over electric buses.
Industry News
How the Texas Propane Sector Responded to Historic Cold
Check BPN News on TPGA's role during Winter Storm Uri.
Quick Links
MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021
LAST DAY OF EMERGENCY
PREP SUPPLY TEXAS SALES
TAX HOLIDAY
MAY 4-6, 2021 
INTERNATIONAL ROADCHECK
INCREASED ROADSIDE
ENFORCEMENT
SHOP 100'S OF COMPLIANCE
& BUSINESS ITEMS
AT PROPANE SERVICE CORP
TPGA CROSSROADS CONVENTION & EXPO
IS AUGUST 12-14TH
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX