News

ISSA Legislative & Regulatory Update-Tell Congress to Pass the Healthy Workplaces Act

Welcome to the ISSA Legislative & Regulatory Update, our biweekly roundup of the latest public policy issues impacting the cleaning industry. This update touches on New York’s recently enacted HERO Act, the Healthy Workplaces Act, a U.S. Senate panel approving a technology bill to address China, and more.

ISSA Advocacy

New York HERO Act and the Cleaning Industry: A Legislative Summary
The New York legislature recently passed the New York Health and Essential Rights Act (“HERO Act,” S. 1034B). New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the legislation into law on May 5. This ISSA article summarizes the new state law, which has implications for New York employers and employees, as well as for the cleaning industry.

Tell Congress to Pass the Healthy Workplaces Act
Using ISSA’s Action Center, please take a moment to urge your congressional delegation to cosponsor the Healthy Workplaces Act. A healthy workplace tax credit has bipartisan and bicameral support, as well as support from 50+ trade associations representing a cross-section of our economy.

Legislative

U.S. Senate Panel Approves Tech Bill to Address China
A U.S. Senate committee voted 24-4 to pass a compromise measure authorizing more than US$110 billion for basic and advanced technology research over five years in the face of rising competitive pressure from China, according to Reuters.

Regulatory

PPP out of Money for Most Borrowers
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has run out of money for most borrowers before its planned May 31 end, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) said, and CNBC reported.

Additional State News

Some States Opt out of Supplemental Unemployment Benefits
Several states are opting out of extra $300-a-week unemployment benefits to encourage people to go back to work, CMM reported.

States Begin Lifting Mask Mandates
States are beginning to lift their mask mandates after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidance saying vaccinated Americans can go without masks in most settings, according to The Hill.

Missouri Passes COVID-19 Liability Shield for Businesses
A legislative session that began amid a surge in coronavirus cases ended with Missouri lawmakers passing a legal shield against pandemic-related liability lawsuits as their final action, AP reported.

Upcoming Revisions to California’s  COVID-19 Emergency Rule a ‘Mixed Bag’ for Employers
After months of waiting, California employers now know what the next version of Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard will look like, according to CalChamber.

Cal/OSHA Issues Guidance on Fully Vaccinated Employees
Cal/OSHA issued FAQs, which provide clarity on whether employers must continue to exclude fully vaccinated employees from the workplace if they were exposed to a confirmed positive COVID-19 case at work or otherwise, JD Supra reported.

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