COVID-19

Restaurant Revitalization Funds Available for Restaurants and Bars

The Small Business Administration, in conjunction with the National Restaurant Association are promoting new funding for the restaurant/bar sector. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund is a program that targets relief to restaurants and bars adversely impacted by Covid-19. To qualify, a place of business has to be...

11 May, 2021

From the HR Support Center: Can we ask employees for proof of COVID-19 vaccination?

You can ask employees for proof that they’ve received the COVID-19 vaccine, but you need to be careful about how you ask for it and what you do with the information. You should ask employees to provide proof that only includes their name, the date of...

08 April, 2021

What HR Needs to Know About the Recently-Passed American Rescue Plan Act

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which is the latest bill to address the ongoing economic impacts of COVID-19, has been signed into law. Most aspects of the law do not directly affect the HR function, but two of those that do—optional extension of sick...

01 April, 2021

Popular PPP Loan Program Gets Extension

With wide bipartisan support, Congress has approved the "PPP Extension Act of 2021," which extends the Payroll Protection Program. It had been scheduled to expire on March 31, but the application deadline is now May 31. The act further gives the SBA another month, until...

26 March, 2021

The American Rescue Plan of 2021 Becoming Law

On Wednesday, March 10th, the House will pass the American Rescue Plan and send it to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. This comprehensive legislation is the latest effort in defeating the COVID-19 pandemic while providing needed assistance to bolster the U.S. economy. The...

10 March, 2021

Can the COVID-19 Vaccine Be Mandatory?

As COVID-19 vaccines become available, employers may require vaccines before employees return to the worksite if the employer believes that failure to be vaccinated constitutes a direct threat to other employees. With the virus still rampant, it's easily transmitted. Employees wonder whether they'll be required to...

12 January, 2021

From the HR Support Center: A Note on Requiring COVID-19 Vaccines

With COVID-19 vaccinations underway and widespread availability in sight, many employers want to know whether they can require their employees to get the vaccine. While recent EEOC guidance implies that they expect many employers to require a vaccine, there are already several states where bills are...

04 January, 2021

DHS Extends Form I-9 Requirement Flexibility

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced an extension of the flexibility in complying with requirements related to Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, due to COVID-19. This temporary guidance was set to expire November 19. Because of ongoing precautions...

17 December, 2020

Taxpayer Relief Initiative Aims To Help Those Financially Affected By COVID-19

The IRS reviewed its collection activities to see how it could provide relief for taxpayers who owe taxes but are struggling financially because of the pandemic. The agency is expanding taxpayer options for making payments and other ways to resolve tax debt. Taxpayers who owe taxes...

04 December, 2020

From the HR Support Center: Spreading COVID-19 During Thanksgiving

Several of our employees have talked about having Thanksgiving with large groups of extended family. What can we do to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading into our workplace? Assuming you don't want to make everyone quarantine or argue with employees about their Thanksgiving dinner plans,...

19 November, 2020