Advocacy News

01.14.21

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. Initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter.

12.22.20

Congress came to an agreement on the next COVID package, which is attached to the FY2021 spending bill. It passed the House and Senate yesterday and is en route to the White House for President Trump’s signature.

12.16.20

The House and Senate also passed last week the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to fund the military through next year. The President has threatened to veto the bill because it does not contain the repeal of Section 230, which provides liability protection for social media platforms based on the content they post.

12.16.20

On Monday, December 14 a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers released bill language for a $908 billion COVID relief package that would extend the PPP program, expand eligibility to 501(c)6 organizations, provide liability protection for businesses against COVID litigation, provide $300 per week per individual in federal unemployment benefits, and provide funding to state and local governments for emergency response.

12.11.20

Last week, a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers rallied around a $908 billion COVID relief package that would extend the PPP program, expand eligibility to 501(c)6 organizations, provide liability protection for businesses against COVID litigation, $300 per week per individual in federal unemployment benefits, and provide funding to state and local governments for emergency response.

11.23.20

The Small Business Administration (SBA) recently has issued guidance and related information for the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) and the Main Street Lending Programs. For PPP borrowers with loans of $2 million or greater, lenders will be sending a mandatory survey that must be completed within 10 days of receipt. Smaller PPP borrowers, with loans of $50,000 or less, may be eligible to use simplified Form 3508S to apply for forgiveness as well.

11.23.20

As the 116th Congress comes to a close, there is still some legislative work to be done before lawmakers adjourn for the year and go home for the winter holidays. A budget needs to be passed to keep the federal government funded through FY2021; a tax extenders bill is also in the works; the House and Senate each passed energy bills earlier this fall that need to be reconciled; and there continues to be interest in passing a COVID bill. It’s an ambitious agenda to fulfill in the next four weeks.

11.02.20

There is some optimism that a COVID relief deal will be reached between Speaker Pelosi and President Trump prior to November 3, but it is incumbent upon Senate Republicans to get on board. After months of negotiations, there continues to be disagreement on the following issues...

11.02.20

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revised its Definition of what constitutes a close contact with a COVID-19 infected person. This change makes exposure time cumulative during a 24-hour period (and not just consecutive minutes) and instructs that the wearing of masks generally does not eliminate the risk of a close contact. The CDC now states a close contact to be: Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period* starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.

10.29.20

On September 22, 2020, President Trump issued Executive Order 13950, “Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping.” The Executive Order sets forth the policy of the United States “not to promote race or sex stereotyping or scapegoating” and prohibits federal contractors from inculcating such views in their employees in workplace diversity and inclusion trainings. The U.S. Department of Labor has issued additional Guidance to assist in implementation.