RVDA has released updated COVID-19 resources for RV dealers and others in the industry.
Government Resources on Essential Services
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidance to state and local governments regarding essential workforce categories.
- State and local emergency declaration contacts in each state.
SBA Loan Program for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
The Small Business Administration will work directly with state governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses that have been severely impacted by COVID-19. The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. Find more information on the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans click here.
- National, regional & district offices and loan guaranty centers
- Local SBA office locator
- List of all US SBA offices
Employment Issues: Paid Leave & More
Families First Coronavirus Response Act
President Trump has signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. This economic stimulus plan to address the impact of COVID-19 includes many provisions which apply to employers, such as paid sick leave for employees impacted by COVID-19 and those serving as caregivers for individuals with COVID-19. There are two provisions providing paid leave to employees forced to miss work because of the COVID-19 outbreak: an emergency expansion of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and a new federal paid sick leave law. The leave provisions will go into effect on April 1.
This law provides refundable tax credits for employers who are required to provide Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Emergency Paid Family and Medical Leave. These tax credits are allowed against the employer portion of Social Security taxes. The law allows the Secretary of Labor to exclude to exempt small businesses with fewer than 50 employees if the required leave would “jeopardize the viability of their business.” For guidance from the IRS on implementation, click here. To submit ideas on implementation to the Department of Labor, click here, and send by March 29.
There are also caps on paid sick leave wages and specific calculations for rate of pay included in the law. RVDA will provide more information as the Department of Labor releases more details on how the law will be implemented. For detailed information from leading employment law firm Fisher Phillips, click here.