News
ISSA Coronavirus Government Response Update—Bipartisan Relief Deal Proposed
September 16, 2020
Welcome to the ISSA Coronavirus Government Response Update. This information is intended to keep our members up to date on government affairs related to the cleaning industry and COVID-19. Today’s update touches on a bipartisan congressional group offering their own COVID-19 relief plan, U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announcing that the House of Representatives will remain in session until a coronavirus relief deal is reached, the U.S. Department of Labor clarifying paid leave rules, and more.
Centrist House Group Offers Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief Deal
A bipartisan group of about 50 U.S. House lawmakers offered their own coronavirus relief plan Tuesday in a bid to revive stalled stimulus negotiations between Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA-D) and the White House before the November 3 elections, The Hill reported. The Problem Solvers Caucus, comprised of centrist Democrats and Republicans, proposed a US$1.5 trillion package that provides another round of stimulus checks, boosted unemployment insurance, and aid for cities and states. The caucus’ plan includes increased funding for the Paycheck Protection Program and liability protections—both legislative priorities for ISSA. Using the link below, please take a moment to urge your elected officials to “return to the negotiating table” and support these proposals, as well as adding a cleaning and personal protective equipment (PPE) tax credit as part of the next federal stimulus package.
Pelosi: House Will Stay in Session until Agreement Is Reached on Coronavirus Relief
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA-D) on Tuesday announced that the U.S. House will remain in session until the parties have an agreement on another round of emergency coronavirus relief. In a conference call with the House Democratic Caucus—the first since the chamber returned from a long summer recess—Pelosi indicated she isn’t willing to accept a “skinny” legislative package, but told her troops the chamber’s calendar will be extended until an agreement is sealed, according to The Hill.
DOL Clarifies Paid Leave Rules in Wake of New York Federal Court’s Decision
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently issued revised regulations under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) following a federal court’s decision that invalidated a handful of regulatory provisions interpreting the FFCRA. Although the DOL was widely expected to address the court decision through revised regulations and/or court action, these new regulations “throw additional curveballs for employers already struggling to comply with extensive COVID-19-related legislation,” Littler reported.
Federal Court Rules Wolf’s COVID-19 Business Closures, Limit on Gatherings Unconstitutional
A federal judge on Monday ruled that key components of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s mitigation strategy are unconstitutional, including decisions to temporarily shut down businesses and limit how many Pennsylvanians can gather in one place, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. “The court believes that defendants undertook their actions in a well-intentioned effort to protect Pennsylvanians from the virus,” U.S. District Judge William S. Stickman IV wrote in the 66-page ruling. “But even in an emergency, the authority of government is not unfettered. The liberties protected by the Constitution are not fair-weather freedoms—in place when times are good but able to be cast aside in times of trouble.”
Other links of interest
- TIME IS RUNNING OUT: TAKE ACTION NOW—Tell Your Elected Officials to ‘Return to the Negotiating Table’
- Complete This ISSA Survey and Make Your Voice Heard
- Save Your Seat: Cleaning Products – A Regulatory Review
- S. Department of Labor: COVID-19 and the American Workplace
- COVID-19 State Reopening Guide
