GRA Weekly

October 27, 2022

This week's newsletter is brought to you by GRA Corporate Partner, Healthy Hospitality.

GRA EXCLUSIVE WEBINAR

Trending Tax Topics: What the Restaurant Industry Needs to Know

Join the Georgia Restaurant Association and Moore Colson Partners Jonathan Levens, CPA, and Brian Renshaw, CPA, to discuss recent tax updates and reminders for the restaurant industry. Topics will include sales tax updates, auto gratuity rules, year-end planning for restaurants, tax credits such as retraining and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), and what restaurants need to know about the Inflation Reduction Act.

Dial-in or watch live via Zoom. We invite you to submit any questions you may have when you register and we'll be sure to address them live.

Wednesday, November 9th | 2:00PM

OPEN ENROLLMENT

Healthy Hospitality | Open Enrollment

Get the coverage you need, without all the hassle. Visit https://www.hospitality-health.com/GRA or call (844) 759-0642 to get the best rates and enroll over the phone.

Open enrollment: Help employees get health care coverage

Be prepared to help your staff members get health care insurance, not just those who qualify for the program you offer. Open enrollment for 2023 ACA plans on the health insurance exchanges runs from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15, 2023.

You've heard it time and time again—offering health care insurance to your employees makes them less likely to consider employment elsewhere. And during open enrollment season, you're busy trying to get all those employees who qualify—those working 130 hours or more in a calendar month—to sign up or re-enroll.

You may also have had employees say, "I've heard a lot about open enrollment. How do I sign up?" only to have to tell them you're sorry but they don't qualify for your health care insurance program because they only work part time.

But if they're asking, they're probably interested in getting coverage, and if you can help steer them to the right resources, you may have earned their loyalty. And it won't cost you a dime.

GRA ADVOCACY UPDATE

October Advocacy Recap

Earlier this month, the GRA Advocacy team testified at the second hearing of the Georgia Senate Study Committee on Food Delivery Apps, held a Kitchen Cabinet Meeting in North Georgia with U.S. Representative Andrew Clyde, met with State Senator Harold Jones, and hosted a Reception for Augusta Mayor-elect Garnett Johnson. Please contact Scott Bierman to get involved as the GRA continues to advocate for your businesses.

Columbus Council Discuss Creating Entertainment District

On Tuesday, October 25, the Columbus City Council met and discussed an ordinance from Councilor Evelyn “Mimi” Woodson that would create the Uptown Columbus Entertainment District. The Uptown Columbus Entertainment District would stretch from the south side of 9th Street to the north side of 14th Street and from the east side of Broadway to the west side of Bay Street and Front Avenue. Within the entertainment district limits, a person may carry one shatter proof open container that does not exceed sixteen fluid ounces on streets, sidewalks, in public places, etc. from 11:00AM to 11:00PM.

During Tuesday’s meeting, there were discussions about expanding the district to include additional businesses and add a stipulation that the rules and regulations within the district would be reviewed by the City Council after one year. Many people spoke in favor of this ordinance; however, several individuals spoke out requesting more time and discussion on the matter.

The Georgia Restaurant Association sent a letter of support to Mayor Skip Henderson and members of the Columbus City Council. We look forward to assisting and educating the Columbus City Council on any questions they may have. If there is an issue in your community, please do not hesitate to contact us, and we will be happy to assist to the best of our ability.

FEDERAL UPDATES

Roundtable Invitation on Independent Contractor Classification

The Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy will host a virtual roundtable to discuss the Department of Labor’s proposed rule on Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The virtual roundtable will take place on November 9, 2022, from 3:00PM - 5:00PM (ET). The comment period for this rule has just been extended to December 13, 2022. Please see Advocacy’s regulatory alert on this proposed rule. RSVPs should be sent to Janis.Reyes@sba.gov. Roundtable participation details will be provided upon receipt of RSVP.

U.S. EEOC | National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2022

Each October, we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month to honor the contributions of people with disabilities to our country and to recommit to eliminating barriers in employment. This year’s theme ‘Disability: Part of the Equity Equation’ acknowledges the vital role that people with disabilities play in creating a strong workforce that reflects the diversity of American society. As the federal agency charged with enforcing anti-discrimination laws, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recognizes that disability employment awareness is crucial to building inclusive and accessible workplaces. Read more.

Bipartisan legislation extending meal deduction introduced

Today, U.S. Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), members of the House Ways and Means Committee, introduced the Service Worker Economic Stabilization Act which would extend the 100% deduction for business meals through the end of 2024.

What this means for restaurants: In a statement supporting the legislation, the Association noted that the business meal is a bedrock opportunity for restaurants. The current business meal deduction is scheduled to decrease to 50% at the end of 2022.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

EEOC Releases Updated “Know Your Rights” Poster

Source: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released a new “Know Your Rights” poster (dated October 20, 2022), which replaces the previous “EEO is the Law” poster. This fact sheet provides answers to frequently asked questions about the “Know Your Rights” poster.

When do employers need to post by?

The laws that require covered employers to post the “Know Your Rights” poster don’t provide a specific deadline for replacing the “EEO is the Law” poster with the updated “Know Your Rights” poster. Employers should remove the old poster and display the new one within a reasonable amount of time.

Does this version replace the prior poster and the supplement?

Yes.

I printed the updated poster on October 19, 2022. Do I need to print it again?

Yes. The new version of the “Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal” poster has replaced and supersedes a version uploaded on 10/19. Please use the version marked “(Revised 10/20/2022)” going forward.

Can I request a printed copy from the EEOC?

No. The EEOC does not provide printed copies of the poster. Employers should download and print the two-page PDF.

Are federal agencies required to display the poster?

Yes, federal agencies are subject to the laws requiring that the poster be displayed and have additional responsibilities to communicate equal employment opportunity policies and procedures to all employees.

How do I make the poster available and accessible for individuals who are blind or visually impaired?

The poster is available as a PDF that has been optimized for screen readers.

Is the poster available in languages other than English?

The poster is available in English and Spanish and will be available in additional languages at a later date.

Where should I place the poster?

Posters should be placed in a conspicuous location in the workplace where notices to applicants and employees are customarily posted.

Read full press release.

DON'T GARNISH YOUR REPUTATION

Webinar Recap - Don't Garnish Your Reputation: The Do's and Don'ts of Wage Garnishment

You just received a garnishment court order for one of your employees, now what? Georgia is among the top four states with most personal bankruptcy filings – and wage garnishment is often the leading cause. As an employer, it is crucial to understand the judicial process behind garnishment, exemptions, and to properly calculate the garnishment amount. Look no further than this webinar from our partners at Bennett Thrasher, presented by DiAndria “Dee” Green, Esq. and Will Baker, Esq. from the State & Local Tax Division. Continue reading.

GRANT OPPORTUNITY

IFundWomen and Johnnie Walker First Strides Grant Program

IFundWomen and Johnnie Walker have come together to provide support to “trailblazing” women-owned businesses that continue to push boundaries and grow, helping their businesses succeed. Ten recipients of the First Strides Grant will receive a $10,000 grant and one year of coaching services through IFundWomen. Submit your application by December 31. Apply today.

Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program

The Tory Burch Foundation is looking for women entrepreneurs, from any industry, for the 2023 Fellows program. Applications are now open through November 3. Fifty women entrepreneurs will receive yearlong digital education, access to an incredible community of founders and advisors, a $5,000 education grant, and access to no-interest loans. Apply today.