FEDERAL ACTIVITY
Additional COVID-19 Relief Legislation Stalls In Congress
Congress continues to discuss potential next steps for additional relief to combat the impact of the pandemic on businesses and Americans, but a deal still has not been reached. While both chambers of Congress support further relief efforts, they have differed on the makeup and price tag of an additional package. The most recent attempt to pass a $650 billion relief package, known as the “skinny bill,” failed to advance in the Senate. It would have provided $300 in weekly federal jobless benefits through Dec. 27, established legal protections for businesses and health providers, added an infusion of funding for testing and vaccines, and provided new money for schools and child care. The House is also considering a new $2.2 trillion relief package. NKBA will continue to monitor federal COVID-19 relief activity that may impact our members.
Canadian Government Announces Extension of Rent Relief for Small Businesses
Announced this month, the Canadian government has extended the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses by one month to help eligible small businesses pay rent for September. All provinces and territories have participated in this initiative and collaborated with the federal government to provide rent support to those small businesses most in need. As of Sept. 7, more than 106,000 small business tenants have been supported, representing 994,000 employees, for a total of over $1.32 billion in rent support. For more information on this program or to apply, please click here.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Issues Fraud Warning Regarding Virus-Related Economic Stimulus Programs
Did your business receive a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Disaster Injury Loan (EIDL), or other form of stimulus from the SBA? If so, the SBA has a warning: be on the lookout for potential fraud schemes. According to the SBA’s Office of Inspector General, typical warning signs of fraud include loans requiring payment up front, invalid email addresses that do not end in sba.org, and invalid use of the SBA logo. To submit a fraud complaint, please review the process on the SBA’s website here.
Skills Renewal Act Discussions Continue as Passage Is Sought
During the summer, NKBA was one of more than 1,200 organizations who signed an American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) letter to Congress, informing lawmakers of our support for the Skills Renewal Act (S. 3779 and H.R. 7032). This bipartisan federal bill would provide a $4,000 tax credit to workers displaced by the pandemic to attain skills training and credentials to permit them to seek/obtain gainful employment. Unfortunately, the Skills Renewal Act has not advanced, as there has not been a suitable legislative vehicle to which the Act could be attached. NKBA, through its membership in the Professional Certification Coalition (PCC), will continue to monitor this piece of legislation and report any pertinent updates to our members.
STATE ACTIVITY
California Legislature Sends Bill to Governor that Creates New Licenses, Restrictions and Punishments for Contractors
As reported in the July Government Relations Newsletter, California Senate Bill 1189 seeks to eliminate the one-size-fits-all contracting license and create a more transparent process for consumers to ensure their contractor is properly trained. It would create a new classification of contracting known as “residential remodeling contracting.” Under the proposed bill, residential remodeling contractors would be prohibited from performing certain trades, jobs or skills, such as installing fire-prevention materials or structures, unless they are properly licensed. Additionally, and of potential interest to NKBA members, residential remodeling contractors would also be prohibited from changing or working on load-bearing portions, electrical systems and plumbing systems. The bill was passed by the State Assembly and Senate, and sent to the Governor for consideration on Sept. 4. The Governor has not taken action yet, but NKBA will monitor and report to members when the Governor signs or vetoes this piece of legislation.
California Lead Reduction Bill Fails to Advance as Legislature Adjourns
Introduced this year, California Assembly Bill 2060 sought to require the design and certification of endpoint fixtures to a new international standard that was scheduled to take effect in 2021 — three years earlier than the original 2024 target date. Due to unclear language in the bill regarding inclusion of sale dates vs. manufacture dates, distributors would run the risk of huge financial losses on inventory that they would no longer be able to sell, if the bill became law. After passing the Assembly in June, the bill stalled in the Senate and has now failed since the California Legislature has adjourned. NKBA will monitor if this bill is reintroduced in the next legislative session.
COVID-19 State Updates and Available Resources
To keep current on what individual states are doing to combat COVID-19, this interactive map, online platform and resource center might be of interest. The interactive map shows all COVID-19-related legislative activity that each state has enacted, while the online platform and resource center provide important information related to COVID-19.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Federal and State Legislative Contacts
Don’t forget to contact your Federal and State Legislators for government information and resources. Legislative staff are available to answer any questions on legislation, or walk you through governmental processes.
NKBA Legislative Contact
NKBA will monitor relevant legislative developments at the state and federal levels, and, where appropriate, provide information to members concerning material issues and developments — including laws and regulations that might impact the kitchen and bath industry. If you have any questions or comments on legislation, please reach out directly to Steven Campeau, NKBA’s Government Relations Specialist, at scampeau@nkba.org.
NOTE: NKBA is providing this material for general information only. This information does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax/investment advice, accounting services or professional consulting of any kind, nor should it be construed as such. NKBA is not a lobbying organization and does not have a Political Action Committee (PAC). Resources such as this are meant solely for informational purposes.
