COVID-19
SBA Loan Program Update – The U.S. House approved changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) which would allow greater flexibility in how monies can be spent. Action now moves to the U.S. Senate which has taken a slightly different approach to date. Revisions were made to the House bill to bring it closer to the expectations of the Senate leadership in hopes of ensuring final passage. The House version, as approved, reduces the level of Paycheck Protection Program funds that must be used for payroll to 60% from 75%. It also gives borrowers up to 24 weeks to use the funds (the current term is eight weeks). Finally, it extends the deadline to rehire workers to Dec. 31. More details.
Back-to-Work-Bonus – The White House and some Congressional Republicans indicated that they may support a back-to-work-bonus to incentivize workers. The challenge for employers, which has been reported for weeks, was confirmed in a new study out of the University of Chicago that explored how expanded unemployment benefits under the CARES Act provide beneficiaries with more money than what would typically be earned while employed. Researchers found that 68 percent of out-of-work Americans who are eligible for benefits receive more money from unemployment payouts than their average weekly earnings from a job over the previous year. One-in-five unemployed people are receiving at least double their previous earnings. The disparity poses a problem for business owners attempting to staff-up as the economy reopens. The $600 federal payment added to state unemployment benefits ends July 31. Congressional Democrats have advocated for extending payments. Republican leadership currently opposes an extension but may support a back-to-work-bonus instead. More details.
Wages
Ohio – A federal judge ordered that the state must accept electronic signatures from proponents of a $13/hr minimum wage ballot initiative. The court found that the pandemic “severely burdened” the First Amendment rights of proponents.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Pennsylvania – As part of his pandemic recovery plan, the governor is including an increase in the minimum wage to $12/hr with a path for an eventual adoption of $15/hr.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Los Angeles County, CA – The county debated a motion to study postponing the next scheduled increase in the county minimum wage.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Paid Leave
Colorado – After failing to pass paid leave legislation during the legislative session, lawmakers are making another run at a bill, this one specifically related to the COVID-19 epidemic.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Labor Policy
EEOC – The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provided guidance for handling high-risk employees, whether special accommodations are requested by the employees or not.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
EEOC – The Senate HELP committee is expected to vote next week on three Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) nominees.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
NLRB – The Senate HELP committee is also expected to vote next week on two National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) nominees.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
OSHA – In testimony before a U.S. House panel, a Labor Department official stated that OSHA has been flooded with complaints in the past few months.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Alcohol
California – The state Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) extended indefinitely their policy allowing for to-go and home delivery of alcoholic beverages.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Colorado – Legislation has been introduced to extend the current allowance for to-go and home delivery of alcoholic beverages until July 1, 2022.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Illinois – Legislation is awaiting the governor’s signature that would allow for to-go and home delivery of cocktails and other adult beverages for at least an additional year beyond the existing executive order of the governor.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
New York – A bill was introduced this week that would extend restaurant to-go and delivery of adult beverages for two years.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Ohio – A bill was introduced this week that would extend restaurant to-go and delivery of adult beverages in the state permanently.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Tennessee – The governor extended his emergency executive order allowing to-go and home delivery of alcohol until June 30.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Washington, DC – As part of the mayor’s proposed fiscal 2021 budget, she included language to permanently allow takeout and home delivery of beer, wine and cocktails.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Delivery
New York, NY – The mayor signed legislation capping third-party delivery fees at 20% for at least 90 days past the end date of the lockdown.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe