Advocacy News

02.24.21

The U.S. House of Representatives is going through the procedural motions to pass the American Rescue Plan, the fifth comprehensive COVID relief bill. It is expected to pass the House by Friday, Feb. 26, though it may have to overcome a few hurdles in the Senate. The bill is a major Biden administration priority that will provide additional emergency funding to state and local governments to fight the pandemic and mitigate its economic and public health consequences.

02.24.21

Earlier this month, PHCC joined with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO); the Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, and Service Techs (United Association, or UA); and Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) to celebrate the passage of the National Apprenticeship Act (NAA) in the U.S. House of Representatives.

01.26.21

As the Texas State Legislature gears up for its biannual session, a bill was pre-filed in late November in the Texas House of Representatives that would extend the charter of the state’s Board of Plumbing Examiners (BPE). HB636, if passed into law, would allow the BPE to operate until September 1, 2027, unless the state’s sunset review process determines it should continue to exist.

01.26.21

On Sunday evening, December 27, outgoing President Donald Trump signed the last piece of legislation to cross the Resolute Desk before the end of his term. The FY2021 omnibus spending package to keep the Federal government funded through September 30 included more than $900 billion in COVID relief that has been haggled over by congressional leaders and White House staff for nearly nine months.

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.