News
ISSA Coronavirus Government Response Update—Stimulus Talks Renew as Democrats Release $2.2 Trillion Bill
September 30, 2020Welcome 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 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives releasing a new stimulus package amid renewed talks between the House Speaker and U.S. Treasury Secretary about a possible relief deal, the Treasury beginning to forgive Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, the U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) reminding employers that NLRA rules still apply during the pandemic, and more.
Pelosi, Mnuchin Renew Talks; Democrats Release $2.2 Trillion Coronavirus Stimulus Bill
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin spoke Tuesday morning after Democrats unveiled a coronavirus stimulus plan designed to restart progress toward a relief deal, CNBC reported. Democrats released the US$2.2 trillion legislation Monday night as they attempt to break an impasse with the White House over how to structure another relief bill. While the Democratic-held House passed a $3.4 trillion proposal in May, the Trump administration has offered to inject $1.3 trillion more to boost the economy and health care system during the pandemic. Using the link below, please take a moment to call, email, and tweet your elected officials and urge them to pass additional emergency COVID-19 relief this week.
Treasury to Forgive PPP Loans
The U.S. Treasury Department will begin forgiving loans to small businesses under the Paycheck Protection Program in response to complaints from borrowers and banks that the process has been too slow, according to the Kiosk Marketplace. Beginning later this week or early next week, the government plans to pay forgiveness requests. Loans of more than US$2 million will be “scrutinized more closely.” Banks, business owners, and lawmakers have said the process has been too slow under the program, which allocated $670 billion to help small businesses during the pandemic. The process provided forgivable government loans distributed to businesses through banks.
NLRA Rules Apply as Usual during Pandemic
The National Law Review reported that the U.S. National Labor Relations Board reminded employers that rules under the National Labor Relations Act remain in effect even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. In a recently-released memo, the NLRB noted that employees cannot be disciplined for raising concerns about an employer’s COVID-19 response and that dismissals related to the economic pressures associated with the pandemic cannot be motivated by an employee’s union status.
Other links of interest
- Last Chance: Tell Congress to Pass COVID Relief!
- Complete This ISSA Survey and Make Your Voice Heard
- Save Your Seat: Cleaning Products – A Regulatory Review
- Tune into the Global Handwashing Partnership’s Webinar Series “Making the Case for Handwashing”
- S. Treasury Department: The Cares Act Works for All Americans