March 27, 2020
We've added a COVID-19 resource webpage
We've published a COVID-19 webpage to house all the resources you need to stay informed and operate using best practices during the pandemic. Look to it for HR resources, stimulus bill details, remote learning links and much more.

These COVID-19 digests will continue as a way to keep you updated about what's been added to the webpage recently. Let us know if you need more information in a certain area, the webpage will be continually updated.
Stimulus bill passes Congress, on to Trump
The C oronavirus A id, R elief, and E conomic S ecurity Act or CARES Act has passed Congress and is now awaiting President Trump's approval. View the full statement by PIA National's President Michael Makin about what this means for businesses & individuals.
COVID-19 employment resources
'Families First Coronavirus Response Act' goes into effect April 1
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR PRESS RELEASE:

Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) announced its first round of published guidance to provide information to employees and employers about how each will be able to take advantage of the protections and relief offered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) when it takes effect on April 1.

The guidance (see links below) addresses critical questions, such as how an employer must count the number of their employees to determine coverage; how small businesses can obtain an exemption; how to count hours for part-time employees; and how to calculate the wages employees are entitled to under this law.

FROM ADRIANE HARRISON, PIA NATIONAL HR VICE PRESIDENT:

Quick facts about the new law:
  1. It is effective April 1. Anything before that time is not subject to the new law. There was thought it might be amended to be retroactive, but that is not happening.
  2. It only applies to companies with fewer than 500 employees. If you have more than that, your company is not subject to the new law.
  3. There is an exemption for companies with fewer than 50 employees, if complying with the law would jeopardize the viability of the company to continue its business.
March 31: COVID-19 Webinar
We're pushing back the cybersecurity webinar. Join us for a  roundtable webinar 1pm Tuesday, March 31, about how to effectively respond to the fast-changing environmental and business conditions from COVID-19. Discuss best practices in cash management , labor strategies and more as it relates to COVID-19. This isn’t the first downturn, and it won’t be the last.
Keep us updated about your local government
We're watching rulings and press conferences at every level — city, county and state. But with thousands of cities, hundreds of counties and 4 states, you can help us stay updated . If something changes where you live, email us links, articles and/or what you're hearing at info@piamidam.org .
Continued campaign to promote print
Print is essential to the livelihood of numerous industries including healthcare, public health, the food industry, legal, government support, communications, pharmaceuticals and financial institutions. Use this graphic to help others understand the power of print .

Want a blank copy of this image to "place" your logo and use in your own self-promotion? Message us .
You have our permission to use this image in your own self-promotion.
Congress approves $10 billion USPS infusion
FROM LISBETH LYONS, PRINTING INDUSTRIES OF AMERICA ADVOCATE ON CAPITOL HILL:

The White House / Treasury changed direct cash to the United States Postal Service into a $10 billion fresh line of credit. It keeps the "proverbial wolf" from the door of Postal Service thru 2020 (and, if volume drop is less than projected, gives a little cushion). But cash is king, right? And it was doled out huge to private sector via Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin. Bottom political line: Congress (both parties) stood by us (thank you!). The White House / Treasury attitude toward USPS is a real roadblock, and industry must double efforts to get over / under / around it in future.
Help us promote you
Tell us if you're open and what unique ways you plan to meet client & public needs during this time. We will continue to compile a list of members and what they're offering (drive-up, online portals, new services etc.). Let us know — we'll continually update the list and post on our website and through social outlets.