2020

Legislative Update: Highlights of the New Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

2023-04-17T11:25:53-04:00December 29th, 2020|2020, COVID-19 Updates, Labor News, Legislative News, Paycheck Protection Program, SBA Stimulus Programs|

President Donald Trump has signed into law a new $900 billion coronavirus relief and stimulus package. Among its provisions: An extension of last spring’s Paycheck Protection Program, allowing another $284 billion or so in forgivable, federally backed loans for [...]

Maximize the Benefits of Your Health Savings Account (HSA)

2023-04-17T11:25:54-04:00December 10th, 2020|2020, Employee Benefits, Health Savings Accounts|

Many people who opt into Consumer Driven Health Plans (CDHP) don't make the most of the potential advantages of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and leave a lot of money on the table for themselves. Open enrollment for 2021 is [...]

Five Great Benefits of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

2023-04-17T11:26:29-04:00November 23rd, 2020|2020, COVID-19 Updates, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Benefits|

Much of the automotive, roads, and fuel industry has been deemed "essential" in 2020. Many of these essential workers have experienced high levels of stress and uncertainty, as well as put their health at risk by going to work.  [...]

Massachusetts Passes Its ‘Right to Repair’ Initiative

2023-04-17T11:26:30-04:00November 5th, 2020|2020, Automotive Industry News, Massachusetts News|

The yes vote has it on Question 1. The ballot measure to expand access to data on vehicular performance passed. “The thousands of ‘Yes on 1’ signs in front of small businesses around the state tell the story ---automakers [...]

ALERT: Scammers Could Be Using Your Information to Fraudulently Claim Unemployment Benefits

2023-04-17T11:26:31-04:00October 26th, 2020|2020, COVID-19 Updates, Labor News|

The following is from the Federal Trade Commission on the rising unemployment scams and fraud: In a large-scale scam erupting in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, imposters are filing claims for unemployment benefits, using the names and personal [...]

SBA Issues New FAQs for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness

2023-04-17T11:26:31-04:00October 26th, 2020|2020, COVID-19 Updates, Legislative News, Paycheck Protection Program, SBA Stimulus Programs|

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) released guidance Tuesday confirming that Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness applications are not due on Oct. 31. Fears of a late-October PPP surprise came to the SBA’s attention because the program’s loan [...]

IRS Provides ACA Reporting Relief for 2020

2023-04-17T11:26:32-04:00October 14th, 2020|2020, Benefits Administration, Employee Benefits, Employee Benefits Legislation, Legislative News|

The IRS released very important guidance concerning employers’ obligations under the Affordable Care Act. Notice 2020-76, released October 2, 2020, addresses a broad array of topics under the ACA compliance umbrella. This post addresses two issues of critical concern [...]

OSHA Clarifies COVID-19 Reporting Hospitalization and Fatality Requirements

2023-04-17T11:26:32-04:00October 7th, 2020|2020, COVID-19 Updates, Employee Benefits, Legislative News, Safety Tips|

On September 30, 2020, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding an employer's obligation to report to OSHA cases of work-related COVID-19. The FAQs build upon previous OSHA guidance governing when and how [...]

The Benefits of Joining an Industry Trade Association

2023-04-17T11:26:33-04:00October 6th, 2020|2020, Company News, General Industry News|

Joining a professional, industry-specific trade association is a very wise investment in your business. At NARFA, we are committed to bringing all of our automotive, roads, and fuel industry members incredible value. And now, at a time when many [...]

Update: Massachusetts “Right to Repair” Battle is Heating Up

2023-04-17T11:26:33-04:00September 23rd, 2020|2020, Automotive Industry News, Legislative News, Massachusetts News|

We continue to keep a close eye on this issue that would affect vehicle maintenance and repair in Massachusetts. Here's the latest, courtesy of Automotive News: A long, drawn-out battle over "right to repair" from nearly a decade ago [...]