While preparing for a natural disaster employers are often faced with questions from employees and clients regarding their plans. With Hurricane Idalia moving towards Florida, the topic is top of mind for many right now. Here are four employment issues you may face:
Read MoreAmid an effort to push for enhanced worker rights and to reduce pay disparities for women and minorities, pay transparency laws are becoming more common throughout the US. Thirteen states or local governments require employers to be more transparent in communicating pay ranges to applicants and employees. Estimates are that by the end of 2023 1 in 4 workers will be protected by a pay transparency law.
Read MoreOn January 19, 2020 the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will fully re-open its Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Portal to PPP eligible lenders for First and Second Draw applications for PPP loans. Eligibility to apply for a PPP loan varies depending on whether the business is a first or second time borrower. This article is a summary, but please refer to the SBA rules and guidelines for additional information.
Read MoreOn Monday night, Congress passed a $900 billion economic relief package referred to as the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. The bill is awaiting the President’s signature. Given the size of the legislation (nearly 5600 pages), this newsletter is meant to be a brief overview of key areas for the Firm’s clients. In addition to what is outlined below, the legislation also contains language relating to student loans, rental assistance, and medical bills among other items.
Read MoreThe Department of Labor issued new guidance in it’s FAQs for employers and employee’s dealing with hybrid learning (both in person and online). The Families First Coronavirus Response Act requires that employers with less than 500 employees provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave for employees to care for a child whose school or daycare has been closed as a result of COVID-19.
Read MoreThis week school districts across the country began school online or in person. Managing Partner Terin Cremer partnered with McGriff Williams Insurance to discuss the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) and the challenges facing employers. During the webinar she addressed questions on how to handle employee absences due to the various closures / remote learning circumstances across the country as schools reopen. Her 45 minute presentation can be viewed here.
Read MoreOn May 13, 2020 the SBA released additional guidance around Payroll Protection Program (“PPP”) Forgiveness. The PPP was extended on on April 24, 2020, by President Trump as part of a $484 billion coronavirus relief package, which included $380 billion towards the PPP portion of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES”).
Read MoreToday Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Congressional leaders reached a deal that will add approximately $484 billion to the $2 trillion plus CARES Coronavirus response legislation passed at the end of March 2020. The initial $322 billion for small business loans and Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) loans in the CARES Act ran out of funding within 2 weeks. Today’s agreement includes $60 billion earmarked for small-business disaster loans and grants, $75 billion in emergency funding for hospitals, $25 billion for testing, and more than $320 billion in additional funding for the PPP.
The legislation will include a requirement that $60 billion of the money for the small business loans be set aside for smaller lenders. In the last two weeks we learned that it’s extremely important to be working with the right banks and the right relationships. The difference between who was approved for PPP loans and who was denied oftentimes came down to the banking institution itself, rather than need. Small businesses that filed with community banks seemed to have more success. Do not wait until the legislation is passed to get your documentation together for a PPP application, rather establish the bank relationship now so you can move quickly. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can assist you by connecting you with a community bank that is open to new clients for PPP loans.
Keep in mind that for now, this is just an agreement and legislation has not been passed. The Senate is expected to pass the expanded funding legislation by unanimous consent today. House leaders are planning a vote on Thursday. President Trump has tweeted that he plans to sign in to action what Congress approves.
While this relief is welcome news to many small businesses, the issue of funding governments and municipalities will not be addressed in this new agreement. Lawmakers have already begun issuing proposals and demands for the next round of funding even though this round has yet to be signed.
As you face the day to day questions of balancing business concerns, the law, and health and safety, the firm is here to assist in any way we can.
The Department of Labor recently announced a final rule to make 1.3 million American workers newly eligible for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”). This significant change applies to all employers subject to the FLSA. Those changes will go into effect January 1, 2020.
Read MoreIn the preparation for and aftermath of any natural disaster, employers are often faced with questions from employees and clients regarding their plans. Natural disasters affect employers and employees year-round through hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires, blizzards and severe storms. With Hurricane Dorian looming in the Atlantic, the topic is top of mind for many right now. Here are four of the biggest employment issues that you may face…
Read MoreBarbas Cremer Law assists small and midsize businesses with legal issues that arise regarding their employees, clients, and business processes. Barbas Cremer Law provides a solution based approach that allows its clients to focus on their businesses while we take care of the legal work.
The information contained on this website presents general information about our firm and is not and should not be used as legal advice. Before acting on any of the materials presented on this website, we advise you to seek legal counsel regarding your own unique situation. Using this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between the user and Barbas Cremer, PLLC or any of its attorneys. The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.
Barbas Cremer, PLLC | 209 S. Packwood Ave. | Tampa, FL 33606 | 813-421-5442 | info@barbascremer.com
