News
ISSA Advocacy Recap—OSHA Proposes Substantial Revisions to Hazard Communication Standard
February 26, 2021Welcome to the ISSA Advocacy Recap, our regular roundup of the latest public policy issues impacting the cleaning industry. This week’s recap touches on substantial proposed changes to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), the forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) focusing on smaller and minority-owned businesses, the U.S. Senate Parliamentarian ruling that the minimum wage provision as part of COVID-19 relief legislation was not compliant with rules governing the budget process, and more.
Major Changes Ahead for OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
OSHA has proposed numerous revisions to the HCS that will require substantial changes to labels and safety data sheets of cleaning products and hazardous chemical products used in workplaces across the nation. OSHA proposed the revisions to its HCS for the purpose of aligning the standard with Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) Revision 7 and to address issues that manufacturers and employers have encountered since OSHA originally aligned the HCS with the GHS in 2012.
Biden to Revise PPP Loans to Reach Smaller, Minority Firms
U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday launched changes to the U.S. coronavirus aid program for small businesses to try to reach smaller and minority-owned firms, sole proprietors and those with past criminal records left behind in previous rounds of aid, Reuters reported. Starting February 24, for two weeks the U.S. Small Business Administration will only accept applications for forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from firms with fewer than 20 employees.
Senate Ruling: Democrats Can’t Put $15 Minimum Wage in COVID Relief Bill
A ruling in the Senate on Thursday dealt a “severe blow” to Democrats’ hopes of raising the minimum wage in the COVID-19 relief package, probably dooming the proposal in the legislation that is headed for a vote in Congress, according to NBC News. The Senate Parliamentarian, the in-house “referee,” ruled the provision was not compliant with rules governing the budget process that Congress is using to pass the bill with simple majorities. The House, which is not constrained by the Senate restrictions, is expected to take up the COVID-19 relief bill today. ISSA continues to urge Congress to include a Healthy and Safe Workplace Tax Credit in this bill or future COVID-19 relief legislation.
U.S. Rep. Lawrence Reintroduces Bipartisan Small Business PPE Tax Credit Act
U.S. Representatives Brenda L. Lawrence (D-MI-14), Troy Balderson (R-OH-12), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), and John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA-13) reintroduced the bipartisan Small Business PPE Tax Credit Act, legislation that would provide a tax credit, up to US$25,000, for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE), for small businesses, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, veterans’ organizations, independent contractors, farmers, sole proprietors, and many more. The bill was first introduced in June 2020.
National Cleaning Week to Celebrate the Cleaning Industry
ISSA is gearing up for National Cleaning Week, a seven-day event designed to change the way the world views cleaning. Taking place March 28-April 3, 2021, National Cleaning Week will offer numerous ways for industry professionals to celebrate the value of clean, recognize front-line essential workers, explore training opportunities, support charitable causes, and more. ISSA also invites everyone in the industry to attend the virtual Clean Advocacy Summit, March 30-31, 2021.
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