House Passes COVID-19 Spending Bills
Last week, the Michigan House of Representatives passed a series of supplemental appropriation bills that provide funds for COVID–19 testing and vaccine distribution support, and shores up the employer-funded Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund (UITF) that has been largely depleted by pandemic-related unemployment. Most of the funds appropriated in the bills are federal funds authorized in the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act.
In addition to $143.7 million for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing and $22.6 million for vaccine administration and distribution, the House approved a $150 million deposit of state funds into the UITF. The legislation also provides tax and fee relief for businesses impacted by the pandemic, including a $300 million property tax relief program and $55 million in grants to employers for unemployment tax relief.
The bills now head to the Senate for consideration.
New Epidemic Order Permits Contact Sports
The latest epidemic order issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) permits contact sports with certain restrictions. Under the new order that is effective today through Monday, 3/29/21, gatherings continue to be limited and work that can be performed remotely must still be done remotely.
February 4 – Gatherings and Face Mask Order
New & Notable
It’s a Seller’s Market:
Recruiting During the Pandemic
Host: Sigred Solutions
(MMA Premium Associate Member)
Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m
Register online.
Recruiting is key to your company’s growth and success, yet the global pandemic, geographic mismatches and demographic trends have made it more difficult than ever to attract top talent. What can you do to find the candidates that fit your culture and the job requirements in this new “candidate’s market”?
Register today to hear from Nicole Ensink, Human Resources Partner for BorgWarner, about how the global automotive supplier is managing recruiting under challenging conditions. Mike Dergis, Partner of Management Recruitment at Sigred Solutions, and Joe Bamberger, Managing Partner of Workforce Strategies at Emerge Consulting, will provide insights on talent acquisition and best practices you can use immediately to improve your recruiting.
Unemployment Insurance 101
Friday, February 26, 2021 at 11:00 a.m
Register online.
Unemployment insurance issues have been front and center in the last year. From significant changes in benefits and how they are charged to employers, to widespread fraud and agency staffing issues, make sure you are up-to-date on the fundamentals and ready for what’s ahead.
Join MMA, the Association for Human Resource Management (AHRM) and the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) for a virtual discussion that will give you all the information you need to work successfully with the UIA on unemployment matters in 2021. Learn about pandemic-related changes to employer tax rates and chargeable benefits, the best ways to facilitate claim filings and appeals, tips on using MiWAM and more.
Resources for Manufacturers
Stay updated and compliant with the many changes imposed over the last few weeks. Find state, federal and member resources on MMA’s COVID-19 Resources.