FEDERAL ACTIVITY
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): $133 Billion in Unused Funds and New Funding Now Available
The Small Business Administration, the government agency responsible for implementing the PPP, has stated that more than $133 billion remains available for this government-backed loan initiative. The catch: only an act of Congress can free up the money and make it available to businesses across the country. On Dec. 21, Congress did just that, and more, by taking action to pass a new round of COVID-19 relief, elaborated on below. Additionally, Congress designated $284 billion more to the PPP and $12 billion for minority-owned and very small businesses. For those NKBA members who have previously attained a PPP loan and are currently thinking about the forgiveness application, this article may be of interest in assessing your options.
Congress Compromises: $900 Billion COVID-19 Relief Legislation Passed
After months of stalled negotiations, Congress has passed another round of stimulus to assist the American public and businesses impacted by the pandemic. Totaling $900 billion, this relief package includes $600 direct payments to individuals with eligible families receiving an additional $600 per child, a $300 weekly federal enhancement for unemployment benefits lasting 11 weeks, a reopening of the PPP so businesses can apply for a second loan if needed, and various other items. This COVID-19 relief was part of a larger package of more than $2 trillion that also continues to fund the government until September 2021. On December 27th, President Trump signed this bill into law.
In the News: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP)
The EPA, along with the Department of Justice, made headlines recently by issuing the largest fine levied to date in enforcing its RRP Rule: $20.7 million. For remodelers or home improvement companies, this fine should show the seriousness of the EPA in enforcing its RRP Rule. The RRP Rule requires that firms performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child-care facilities and pre-schools built before 1978 be certified by the EPA (or an EPA-authorized state), use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers and follow lead-safe work practices. For more information on this Rule, please visit the EPA’s website.
STATE ACTIVITY
Pennsylvania Legislation Seeking to Restrict the Use of “Certified” in Professional Licensures Fails
Introduced in April, Pennsylvania House Bill 811 included a restriction on the use of “certified” in professional licensures. As a member of the Professional Certification Coalition (PCC), NKBA monitored this bill throughout the Keystone State’s legislative session; the bill failed when the Legislature adjourned at the end of November. When the Pennsylvania Legislature convenes in January, NKBA will monitor the situation to see if the bill is introduced again.
Push for Building Electrification Continues to Gain Traction in Cities Across the Country
The trend of building electrification advanced on Dec. 1 when America’s 10th largest city, San Jose, Calif., expanded its ordinance to make virtually all new building types and sizes all-electric by next August. Building electrification is a term that describes substituting oil- and gas-burning equipment with electric systems for space and water heating, and using all-electric technologies for cooking. Starting in July 2019 in Berkeley, Calif., this trend has been adopted in more than 40 cities in California and is being considered in other areas of the country, including Washington, D.C., Seattle and Brookline, Mass. With traction at the city/county level, California Governor Gavin Newsom may seek to implement building electrification statewide. While NKBA may track and monitor state and federal legislation on this issue, NKBA members should be aware of such local ordinances that may impact you or your business.
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.
