OSHA ETS Requiring Employee Vaccination or Testing Released; VOSHA Requirements for Vermont Employers Pending

As you might know, OSHA today released its long-awaited Emergency Temporary Standard addressing mandatory employee vaccination or testing for companies with 100 or more employees company wide.  It will be officially published tomorrow.  As a state with delegated OSHA authority, specifically through VOSHA, Vermont will have 30 days to adopt rules determined to be at […]

Federal Vaccine and Testing Requirements Announced; Survey for Covered and Other Employers in Vermont

Yesterday’s announcement that the federal government will be implementing vaccination and testing requirements for companies with 100 or more employees, among other measures, not only poses imminent compliance and related issues for covered employers but also highlights issues and questions for all employers regarding vaccination, masking, and other COVID policies. We are currently awaiting next […]

PPP Extended; Timely Applications Encouraged | PPP Webinars Continue

Although the Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act recently extended the timeframe to apply for PPP to May 31, there is no guarantee allocated funds will be available through that deadline. Small business owners in particular wanting to obtain a PPP loan should apply immediately. To learn more about PPP and your eligibility, join the SBA […]

Overview of New Presidential Executive Orders Impacting Employers

The new Administration has issued numerous executive orders  addressing COVID-19, racial and gender equality, climate issues, the economy, immigration, and other issues. The following are a few key orders of particular interest to manufacturers and other employers: Protecting Worker Health and Safety (click here). This order instructs OSHA to update employer guidance on how to […]

Paycheck Protection Program Resources

The US Small Business Administration lender portal is now fully open for all participating Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) lenders for First and Second Draw loan applications. Businesses can learn more about First and Second Draw loans at the SBA website. (Click here) A presentation offering additional insights into the program can be found on the […]

Updated Resources and Guidance from USDOL and OSHA

Prevailing Wages for Foreign Worker Programs A final rule addresses the minimum prevailing wages for permanent employment certification, H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 visa foreign worker programs.  Click here. New Unemployment Benefits This blog addresses common questions about the extension of unemployment insurance benefits.  Click here. Farmworker Rule A final rule addresses the H-2A temporary agriculture […]

More Lenders Participating in PPP Starting January 15

The US Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, will re-open the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal to PPP-eligible lenders with $1 billion or less in assets for First and Second Draw applications on January 15.  The portal will fully open on January 19 to all participating PPP lenders to submit First and […]

SBA Still Hosting PPP Forgiveness Webinars Tuesdays and Wednesdays

The SBA Vermont District Office continues to host free webinars Tuesdays and Wednesdays about Paycheck Protection Program forgiveness. Topics include criteria, the process, changes and more. PPP Forgiveness Webinars Tuesdays 11:30 am to 1:00 pm Click here to access the webinar link. To access by phone, call 202-765-1264 and enter code 986 011 495#. PPP Forgiveness […]

REMINDER | PPP to Reopen January 11

The US Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, has announced that the Paycheck Protection Program (click here) will re-open the week of January 11th for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 […]

Reminder: Informational Webinar on PPP and COVID Relief Legislation Updates

The weekly 3:00 pm Wednesday webinar for Vermont businesses hosted by ACCD and other state agencies will focus this week on updates to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The Agency’s leadership team will be joined by the Vermont Department of Labor, the Vermont Bankers Association (VBA), the […]