House Passes Employer Liability Protections
The House of Representatives has passed legislation to shield employers from frivolous and baseless lawsuits arising out of COVID-19 and extending Good Samaritan safeguards. House Bills 6031-6032 and 6101 protect businesses that have operated in good faith, taking reasonable actions to follow public health guidance, and producing vital products.
The manufacturing voice was strongly in support of this legislation, with many MMA members contacting their state representatives and Governor Gretchen Whitmer to urge their support for the bills. The Senate is expected to take up the bills in November after the General Election.
To learn more about the bills and how you can help get them past the goal line, contact MMA’s Dave Greco at 517-487-8543 or greco@mimfg.org.
Manufacturing Funding Priorities Included
in Swiftly Passed State Budget
Completing a traditionally months-long process in less than 10 hours, the Legislature passed the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 state budget with wide bipartisan support yesterday, appropriating $62.8 billion in total.
MMA is pleased to report the return of funding for key manufacturing training programs, the Going PRO Talent Fund ($27.9 million) and Michigan Reconnect ($30 million). Funding for both programs had been vetoed in the current fiscal year over concerns of COVID-related budget shortfalls.
Contact MMA’s David Worthams at 517-487-8511 or worthams@mimfg.org.
New & Notable
Learn About HVAC Modification and Maintenance to Prevent COVID-19 Transmission
Join Michigan COVID-19 Workplace Safety Director Sean Egan for a series of live webinars to hear updates from the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) on how proper air ventilation and filtration systems can slow the spread of COVID-19.
- Thursday, September 24, 2:30-3:30 PM
JOIN webinar 1- Introduction on Ventilation, Filtration and Humidification systems or Call in: 248-509-0316 United States, Pontiac (Toll) Conference ID: 559 126 67# - Thursday, October 8, 2:30-3:30 PM
JOIN webinar 2-Ventilation & Maintenance of the ventilation system or Call in: 248-509-0316 United States, Pontiac (Toll) Conference ID: 201 675 347# - Thursday, October 22, 2:30-3:30 PM Webinar 3-Filtration & Maintenance of the filtration system or Call in: 248-509-0316 United States, Pontiac (Toll) Conference ID: 439 214 781#
- Thursday, November 5, 2:30-3:30 PM
Webinar 4-Humidification & Maintenance of the humidification system or Call in: 248-509-0316 United States, Pontiac (Toll) Conference ID: 359 912 3#
Webinar Series: Going the Distance
Host: Rehmann (MMA Premium Associate Member)
Join MMA Premium Associate Member Rehmann for a webinar series designed to help manufacturers forge ahead, find a strong foothold and lock in long-term success in the shadow of COVID-19. Learn more online.
Webinar: COVID-19 and Reductions in Work Force
Host: Corp! Magazine and featuring MMA Premium Associate Member Kerr Russell
Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 12:00 p.m.
Register online.
Join renowned labor attorney Mark Knoth of Kerr Russell as he explains how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the staffing needs of businesses differently. While some businesses require additional staff, others are contemplating reorganizations and permanent reductions in force (RIF). Businesses in some sectors of the economy particularly hard hit by the pandemic are contemplating permanent staff reductions.
Attendees will how learn to properly plan an RIF and the legal pitfalls related to staffing changes driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.