Essential News for Tennessee's Economic Recovery

Attorney General Weighs in on Governor Lee's Executive Orders to Reopen the Economy

Governor Lee issued Executive Order 29 on Friday, to allow restaurants to reopen at limited capacity. The order created questions as some local governments considered issuing their own reopening plans and what that would mean in conjunction with Governor's Lee Tennessee Pledge. Today, Attorney General Herbert Slatery issued a legal opinion on Governor Lee's executive orders, and if they may supersede local orders. The Tennessee Chamber has closely the situation to ensure that businesses get clear and concise updates in regards to reopening.

General Slatery's opinion is beneficial for businesses to know which political subdivision to abide by and eliminates the possibility of a myriad of rules that would be problematic to business's opening successfully. T he governor’s emergency powers trump the authority of local health departments to issue restrictions in response to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a rare legal opinion issued by state Attorney General Herbert Slatery. Governor Bill Lee, who has launched a re-opening of some businesses in recent executive orders, then decreed that restaurants across the state, could reopen today for dine-in under strict health conditions. He said the re-opening in large cities was subject to the approval of the County Health Department. The opinion was requested by Senate Speaker Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) and House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) It’s just the seventh legal opinion issued by Slatery’s office this year.
Child Care for “Essential” Workers

To help Tennesseans move forward during the COVID-19 emergency, the Tennessee Department of Human Services is increasing access to child care at no cost for Tennessee workers who are providing “essential businesses and services” through June 15, 2020. This child care is available through payment assistance with TN DHS-licensed child care agencies and a partnership with Tennessee YMCAs and Boys & Girls Clubs. Click here for more info and to sign up .
COVID-19 Social Distancing Webinar
 
Are you an essential business? If so you have quite a few rules to follow, especially when it comes to social distancing. These directives can be confusing, but this free webinar will provide guidance on how to go about these protocols. Hrsimple is hosting an upcoming webinar on April 29th at 12 PM CST. Jean Back, the author of the Oregon Human Resources Manual will go over how to implement proper health and safety protocols and social distancing practices during COVID-19. Join us April 29th, for all you need to know regarding social distancing guidelines when working at an essential business! Click here to register for free.  
What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws

All EEOC materials related to COVID-19 are collected at   www.eeoc.gov/coronavirus . The EEOC enforces workplace anti-discrimination laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act (which include the requirement for reasonable accommodation and non-discrimination based on disability, and rules about employer medical examinations and inquiries), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, and sex, including pregnancy), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (which prohibits discrimination based on age, 40 or older), and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.The EEO laws, including the ADA and Rehabilitation Act, continue to apply during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, but they do not interfere with or prevent employers from following the  guidelines and suggestions made by the CDC or state/local public health authorities   about steps employers should take regarding COVID-19. Employers should remember that guidance from public health authorities is likely to change as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. Therefore, employers should continue to follow the most current information on maintaining workplace safety
Tennessee Community Corner: Cable Industry Responding to COVID-19
As the country works collaboratively to respond to this crisis, broadband internet access has become increasingly essential to ensuring that people across the U.S. are able to learn and work remotely, businesses can continue to serve customers, and Americans stay connected and engaged with family and friends. That’s why Charter Communications has stepped up for its customers by providing fast, reliable broadband service during this unprecedented crisis and for its nearly 1,000 Tennessee-based employees. 
 
As part of its commitment, Charter is offering Spectrum Internet FREE for 60 days to new subscriber households with teachers, K-12 or college-age students, has increased the company’s starting wage from $15 to $20 and has promised to not layoff or furlough any employees for the next 60 days.
 
In addressing the enhanced commitment to company’s employees, Charter CEO Tom Rutledge said,  “Because of the important work we do, there will continue to be crises we will face, including hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, fires, and ice storms for as long as we are in business. We keep people connected no matter what. It’s the obligation we have to the communities we serve.”
Disclaimer: The Tennessee Chamber seeks to provide access to recommendations, regulations, services and expertise to its members. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this mission remains constant. Prior to acting, members should consult their own professional advisors for information and counsel specific to the individual and unique situations faced by organizations, individuals and corporations. The opinions, interpretations and recommendations of the Tennessee Chamber are informational only and should not be relied upon by the recipient as legal or professional advice. The Tennessee Chamber makes no representations as to the accuracy or reliability of the content contained herein. Users of this information accept any and all risks associated with the use of such information and agree that the Tennessee Chamber has no liability to user.