FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Date: March 31, 2020

Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers

The Department of Labor (DOL) has been busily preparing for the implementation of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The DOL has created a page of FAQs, which it has continued to add to in recent days, that provides answers to most of the biggest and most pressing questions regarding the FFCRA – https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions

In particular the FAQs:

Provide that the law will go into effect on April 1, 2020. As we previously noted, the text of the FFCRA states that the act takes effect “not later than 15 days after the date of enactment.” Thus, the widespread understanding was that the FFCRA would go into effect on April 2 (the 15th day after enactment). The DOL has made it clear that this is not the case and that the law will be effective April 1, 2020. See FAQ #1.
Confirm that employees will only be able to take leave under the FFCRA if the employer otherwise has work for them to do. In other words, if an employee is furloughed before or after April 1, the employee will not be eligible for FFCRA. Likewise, if an employee’s hours are reduced, the employee will only be able to take FFCRA leave to receive paid leave based on their reduced schedule. See FAQ # 23 through 28.
Specify that employers will not receive credit for any leave for FFCRA purposes that they have voluntarily provided to employees prior to April 1. As of April 1, any employee who is eligible for FFCRA leave must receive the full leave regardless of any leave previously provided to them.
Provide guidance on how employers should calculate whether they are under or over the 500 employee threshold for the purposes of the FFCRA. See FAQ #2.
Explain the general framework for businesses with less than fifty employees to claim an exemption to the FFCRA and specify that the business may do so if an officer of the business determines the business falls into one of three scenarios as described in the FAQs. See FAQ # 58 and 59.

The FAQs are among the helpful resources that the Department of Labor has provided on its COVID-19 site, which we would encourage you to keep an eye on for further updates – www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic

On that site, the DOL has published the model notice that employers will be required to post and advise employees of their rights under the FFCRA. However, the DOL will need to revise and reissue these notices before April 1 as the CARES Act changes the maximum that an employee may receive while on emergency FMLA (reducing the max from $12,000 to $10,000)

Coronavirus Emergency Loans

Date: March 28, 2020

Please click here for the small business guide and checklist.

Yesterday the President signed a $2 Trillion CARES Act

Date: March 28, 2020

Yesterday the President signed a $2 Trillion CARES Act

This Act is aimed at providing relief to businesses and individuals affected by the coronavirus pandemic. H.R. 748, named the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, will modify elements of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to help businesses mitigate their coronavirus-related losses.

With a total value of $2 trillion, this act authorizes federal funding for states, companies, individuals, and other entities adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic and expands the eligibility criteria for the relief programs. There are provisions of the Act that could provide disaster relief for industry companies, including deferred tax payments, loans with forgiveness options, and direct payments to businesses and individuals.

There is a provision for small business owners in the economic aid package that is roughly $350 billion in new loans, at least a portion of which will be forgiven so long as the business continues to employ and pay its workers.

Business owners need to apply for the loans at a lender approved by the Small Business Administration or any FDIC insured bank. The forgiven amount would be equal to 8 weeks’ worth of payroll obligations (e.g., wages and

benefits), plus rent or mortgage bills and utilities. And the forgiven debt would not be treated as taxable income to the owner.

As details become available MAMF will keep you apprised.

Advocacy Initiatives Undertaken by NASF

Date: February 17, 2020

The report below is a summary of the ongoing advocacy initiatives undertaken by NASF.

NASF GR Quarterly Report February 2020

National Surface Finishing Day on March 4

Date: January 2, 2020

National Surface Finishing Day showcases the industry to trade schools, businesses and to celebrate employees and staff.

How will you spend it?

Download the information you need today by clicking here.

MAMF Holiday Luncheon Held Today

Date: December 11, 2019

Today the Mamf gathered together to celebrate the industry and the holidays with its Annual Luncheon held in New Jersey. This long standing tradition is sponsored by Joe Tilton, Tilton Rack and Basket.

MAMF Golf Outing a Huge Success!

Date: October 7, 2019

Thank you to all who participated in the MAMF Golf Outing held Tuesday, October 1, 2019, at Oak Hill Golf Club. With 60+ players and record number of sponsors the Gold Outing presented the MAMF Environmental Fund with a check of $10,000.

Paul Brancato at 2019 NASF SUR/FIN Conference and Tradeshow

Date: June 11, 2019

Paul Brancato, Epner Technology and NASF Delegate for the MAMF, recently attended the 2019 NASF SUR/FIN Conference and Tradeshow. The 3-day event took place in Rosemont, Illinois and featured the latest updates on public policy and technology standards impacting surface finishers. Also featured were numerous conference sessions centering around public policy and technology and well as supplier tradeshow featuring service and technologies to improve business.

Lina De La Cruz Named to Products Finishing 40 Under 40

Date: June 10, 2019

Lina De La Cruz, MAMF President, was named to Products Finishing 40 Under 40 List. More information and the article can be found by clicking here.

Congratulations Lina!

Paul Brancato Receives Taormina Award

Date: June 9, 2019

His Reflections:

As someone who has been up on this stage the last 2 years I realize we are under time constraints and I promise to take only a few minutes.

When Tony called me to tell me that I was receiving the Taormina award at SURFIN I was surprised. I did not comprehend what he told me. My brain was telling me that I misheard and Tony was really asking me for advice on who should receive the award. But then Tony congratulated me and the reality sunk in.

It has been a month since I first heard and I have had time to contemplate this great achievement. I want to thank all who were involved in nominating and deciding for me.

I have been involved in Metal Finishing at Epner Technology for 35 years. Receiving this award shows to me the respect and admiration I have earned from my peers over the years.

It was 30 years ago that Stephen Candiloro volunteered me into becoming an officer for the NY AESF Branch.

A few short years later David and Donald Epner nominated me to run for the Masters association of Metal Finishers Board of Directors. These guys were my bosses. How could I say no?

The bottom line for me is that after many years of volunteering in our business I have met many good people, have developed some great friendships, and have enjoyed the feeling of doing the right thing and giving and paying back some of my good fortune.

I recommend to all of you to get more involved whether it is locally or on the National level. It will be rewarding to you and to our industry. It has been for me. Thank you once again.