Monthly Archives: March 2020

U.S Senate Passes Coronavirus Rescue Package

The U.S. Senate late Wednesday unanimously passed an unparalleled $2.2 trillion economic rescue package steering aid to businesses, workers and health care systems engulfed by the coronavirus pandemic. The package, intended as relief for an economy spiraling into recession, was slowed as four conservative GOP senators from states who economies are dominated by low-wage jobs […]

Culotta, Trade Association Reps Provide COVID-19 Update

MWFPA President Jason Culotta participated as a panelist this morning, along with other trade association representatives, in a webinar providing industry-specific updates on the impact of COVID-19. The webinar, organized by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), its trade association partners and local chambers of commerce, included remarks from WI State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald […]

Walz Plans To Extend MN School Closures, Restrictions On Business Operations

Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday that he was prepared to extend restrictions closing schools and limiting many businesses because of the coronavirus pandemic and wouldn’t set a date for when life in Minnesota would return to normal. Yet so far, the Democratic governor has resisted ordering residents to “shelter in place.” “I think people need […]

WI Gov. Evers To Order “Stay At Home”, MWFPA Offices To Close

WI Gov. Tony Evers today ordered Wisconsinites to stay in their homes starting this week to fend off the coronavirus outbreak.  In response, the offices of MWFPA will close until further notice when the gubernatorial order takes effect. The Gov. said he would formally issue the order Tuesday and it was expected to take effect […]

Federal Resources For “Essential” Workers, Employees And Drivers

Here are some Federal resources for workers, employees, and drivers being classified as “essential” as provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.  It is anticipated that most State “shelter in place” orders will mirror this guidance. Additionally, here is the permit letter for use by essential food and agricultural employees. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2020-03/EXPANDED%20EMERGENCY%20DECLARATION%20UNDER%2049%20CFR%20%C2%A7%20390.23%20No.%202020-002.pdf https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/expanded-emergency-declaration-under-49-cfr-ss-39023-no-2020-002-relating-covid-19

U.S. Dept. of Labor Provides Information On Employee Paid Leave Rights, Payroll Tax Credits

Here is some basic information from the U.S. Depart. of Labor/Wage & Hour Division on the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act which was signed into law by the President last week. It’s critical that employees and employers understand how this law applies and who it applies to: https://www.dol.gov/…/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employee-paid-leave. Second is information on how small […]

IL Under “Stay At Home” Order, Manufacturing Companies Exempt

IL Gov. Pritzker’s “stay at home” order took effect Saturday at 5:00p.m. Non-essential businesses must cease operations while essential businesses and operations are encouraged to remain open. There is an exemption for essential manufacturing facilities, distribution, and supply chains that are defined as: Manufacturing companies, distributors, and supply chain companies producing and supplying essential products […]