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Department of Labor Finalizes Definition of Independent Contractor Status

January 6, 2021 | Comments Off on Department of Labor Finalizes Definition of Independent Contractor Status

The U.S Department of Labor announced a final rule today clarifying the standards for independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This rule is intended to mitigate worker misclassification by detailing the qualifications for an independent contractor.   Under this new rule, independent contractors will continue to use the “economic reality” test to…

NHTSA Allows Domestic Vehicles to Apply for Research Exemptions– AV Rule Does Not Contain Vehicle Data Access Pathway

January 5, 2021 | Comments Off on NHTSA Allows Domestic Vehicles to Apply for Research Exemptions– AV Rule Does Not Contain Vehicle Data Access Pathway

NHTSA has recently released an interim final rule that would allow manufacturers in the United States, particularly those manufacturing autonomous vehicles, to obtain permission from NHTSA to manufacture and test vehicles that do not currently comply with the Federal motor safety standards.   To date, NHTSA has only allowed manufacturers of foreign vehicles to obtain…

SBA Announces Extended Deadline for EIDL Loans

January 4, 2021 | Comments Off on SBA Announces Extended Deadline for EIDL Loans

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has extended the deadline to apply for a COVID-19 pandemic Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) to December 31, 2021.   Loans distributed through the EIDL program differ from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. EIDL loans are not eligible for forgiveness and must be paid back. However, the loans have a…

U.S. Department of Commerce Announces New Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigation

January 4, 2021 | Comments Off on U.S. Department of Commerce Announces New Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigation

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced last week the initiation of antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations for the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. These investigations are intended to determine whether or not passenger vehicle and light truck (PVLT) tires from these nations are being dumped in…

U.S. Congress Passes Economic Relief Legislation- 2nd PPP Included in the Bill

December 22, 2020 | Comments Off on U.S. Congress Passes Economic Relief Legislation- 2nd PPP Included in the Bill

The U.S. Congress passed the $900 billion COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Relief Act today. This legislation, which passed along with the $1.4 trillion FY21 budget package, is the second largest stimulus package ever passed, behind the CARES Act, which was passed in March of this year.  The bill now goes to the President for signature. President…

Economic Stimulus Bill Text Released– Vote Expected Today

December 21, 2020 | Comments Off on Economic Stimulus Bill Text Released– Vote Expected Today

The U.S. Congress has released the full text of the new economic stimulus bill. They are expected to vote to pass the legislation later today. To read the full bill text, click here. To read a summary of the legislation, click here.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Update

December 21, 2020 | Comments Off on Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Update

The U.S. Congress is set to approve a new economic stimulus bill today, including a new round of PPP lending. The new round of PPP will be available to businesses with 300 or less employees who can demonstrate a 25% loss in any quarter of 2020 compared to 2019. The new process also includes a…

Congressional Democrats Release COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Bill Summary

December 21, 2020 | Comments Off on Congressional Democrats Release COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Bill Summary

Congress Set to Approve on Monday After a weekend of negotiations, the U.S Congress has come to an agreement on economic stimulus legislation for COVID-19 relief. The bill is expected to be voted on and passed Monday. Congressional Democrats released a summary of the legislation this evening. The proposed bill includes $325 billion in funds…

U.S. Senate Releases Bill Text for Economic Stimulus Legislation

December 15, 2020 | Comments Off on U.S. Senate Releases Bill Text for Economic Stimulus Legislation

The U.S. Congress took another step towards reaching a deal on economic stimulus for COVID-19 relief by releasing the legislative text for a $798 billion bill yesterday. This legislation was drafted by the bipartisan group of senators and is part-one of a two-part plan for relief. This plan includes:   $300 Billion for the Small…

WATCH NOW: Shop Owners Andy Fiffick and Bryan Gossel Discuss PPP

December 11, 2020 | Comments Off on WATCH NOW: Shop Owners Andy Fiffick and Bryan Gossel Discuss PPP

ASA spoke with Ohio shop owner Andy Fiffick and Colorado shop owner Bryan Gossel about their experiences with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and navigating their businesses through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Congress is still negotiating new economic stimulus legislation including another round of Paycheck Protection Program loans. To write a letter to…

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