Driving economic development and business success in Johnson County and the southside of Indianapolis.
Federal Unemployment Benefit: How will the Next Phase Impact your Workforce?

We are listening: many employers have told Aspire they struggle to fill open positions because the combined state and federal unemployment benefit far exceeds most Hoosier employees’ regular wages. The initial $600 per week federal unemployment assistance expired over the weekend. Both the House and Senate phase 4 relief packages contain proposals to extend the emergency federal unemployment benefit, but with different benefit levels. 
 
Our colleagues at the U.S. Chamber released a new interactive map demonstrating how the current House Democrat and Senate Republican proposals would affect each state. The interactive map outlines how much assistance the average unemployed individual would receive, average wage replacement rates, the resulting increase compared to state-only benefits, and more. Check out how the different plans would impact Indiana, and your ability to hire. 

Phase 4 COVID-19 Relief Package Side-by-Side Comparison

Both the US House and Senate have released their proposals for how to tackle the next relief package. Negotiations ensued but did not conclude last week. The U.S. Chamber prepared an initial side-by-side summary of the House and Senate packages for the business community. The U.S. Chamber focused on the proposals specifically as they each pertain to the Chamber’s five priority areas, including lawsuit liability protections, small business support, unemployment insurance, and more. 

 
Aspire’s Business Advocacy Council has already been researching liability protection against unwarranted lawsuits and discussing the potential for a State-level bill this next session. Stay tuned.
WaPo: White House Willing to Make Relief Deal without “Liability Shield”

According to a Friday Washington Post report, the White House is willing to cut a deal with Democrats that omits Senate Republican legislation aimed at protecting businesses, schools, universities, hospitals, and nonprofits against unwarranted coronavirus-related lawsuits. One of the people familiar with the administration’s thinking said the measure was “considered important but not absolutely essential.”

This Week's Aspire Member Highlights!
Renewed Members

Candlewood Suites Indy South
Joseph D. Stafford, Independent Health Insurance Agent
Revery
Seniors Helping Seniors
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Poll Question - Please Answer the Following:
What type of Zoomer are you?
The one walking around the house
The one who just woke up
The one without the camera on
The one who always talks
The one doing funny faces
*The results of this quick poll will be highlighted in next Monday's e-newsletter.
Last Week's Poll Results
How are your children returning to school?

In-person - 71%

Virtually - 29%
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HR Roundtable: Emotional Intelligence

Tuesday, August 11th
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Ann's Restaurant

Aspire Pitch Contest

Tuesday, August 25th
6:00pm - 8:30pm
The Historic Artcraft Theatre

Legislation Matters Luncheon with US Senator Mike Braun

Thursday, August 20th
11:30am - 1:00pm
Valle Vista Golf & Conference Center

The goal of these legislative forums is to put members - and our top business policy issues - in front of our elected officials. The August 20th luncheon will feature Senator Mike Braun who represents Hoosiers in the United States Senate. He currently serves on the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Budget; Environment and Public Works; Health, Education, Labor and Pensions; and U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. Attendees can expect to learn about federal policy impacting business trade, regulation, taxation, and more.  

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