COVID-19 Advocacy

Date: March 13, 2020

NFIB continues to advocate for the interests of small businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key dates and actions:

January 2022

OSHA Withdraws Vaccine Mandate Following Successful Supreme Court Challenge by NFIB

NFIB released a statement supporting OSHA withdrawing the vaccine emergency temporary standard. Read more.

Businesses Support U.S Supreme Court Decision on Vaccine Mandate

NFIB applauds the U.S. Supreme Court decision to issue a stay of OSHA’s vaccine mandate, which requires businesses with 100 or more employees to have employees vaccinated or undergo weekly testing. Read more.


December 2021

NFIB Commends Senate CRA Disapproving the Vaccine and Testing Mandate

NFIB issued a joint resolution, S.J.Res. 29, providing for congressional disapproval of the Biden Administration’s vaccine and testing mandate. Read more.

Small Businesses Support ERTC Reinstatement Act

NFIB released a statement thanking Reps. Carol Miller, Stephanie Murphy, Kevin Hern, and Terri Sewell for their work introducing the Reinstatement Act. Read more.


November 2021

NFIB Files Lawsuit Against OSHA’s Vaccine Mandate on America’s Businesses

NFIB filed a petition for review at the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals against the emergency temporary standard mandating businesses with 100 or more employees to require workers take the COVID-19 vaccine or undergo weekly testing and wear masks at work. Read more.


(These all have drop downs with article summaries.)

04/15/2021

Small Businesses Would Welcome New Calculation for PPP Eligibility 

NFIB issued a statement thanking Representatives French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan after they introduced a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives to increase the flexibility for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan eligibility from a calendar quarter to 90 calendar days. Read more.

03/31/2021 

PPP Extension Act Signed into Law

On March 30, 2021, President Biden signed into law a new bipartisan bill that would extend the authorization of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) until May 31, a two-month extension past the original March 31 date. The new law also gives the U.S. Small Business Administration 30 additional days beyond May 31 to process any pending applications. Read more.

03/23/2021 

NFIB to Congress: Focus On Small Business Recovery

NFIB issued a Small Business Growth Agenda, including five priority issues for Congress to focus on so small businesses have the resources needed to fully recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. These priorities include opposing any unrelated mandates, lower and simpler taxes, avoiding onerous regulations, increasing small business input in regulations, and creating affordable, flexible, and predictable health insurance options. Read more.

03/16/2021 

NFIB Praises U.S. House’s Passage of the PPP Extension Act

NFIB issued a statement congratulating the House for passing the PPP Extension Act. “Extending the authorization for the PPP loan program beyond the end of the month is welcome news to small business owners who will benefit from the extra time,” said NFIB’s Vice President of Federal Government Relations Kevin Kuhlman. Read More

03/11/2021 

NFIB: Congress Should Extend PPP Authorization for Small Businesses

NFIB sent a letter to the United States House of Representatives Small Business Committee on March 10 urging Congress to extend the authorization for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) beyond March 31, 2021. NFIB included additional recommendations for the committee to consider. Read more.

12/27/2020

COVID-19 Recovery 2.0 Signed Into Law: What Small Businesses Need to Know

The long-awaited second COVID-19 recovery package was signed into law December 27, 2020. The package includes many provisions NFIB and small business owners have been fighting for, including a second round of funding for both the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance Grant, though eligibility is more targeted for both programs. The new law also makes a number of business-friendly tax changes to both programs, as well as extending some of the tax credits from the first recovery package. Read more.

12/21/2020 4:22 pm

Small Business Community Urges Congress to Pass COVID-19 Recovery Legislation

The COVID-19 recovery legislation passed by Congress on Dec. 21 provides critical funding and fixes to vital small business assistance programs. NFIB strongly supports provisions included in the legislation that are critical to assisting our nation’s small businesses, including allowing targeted, secondary Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, restoring the deductibility of PPP loan forgiven expenses, streamlining the PPP loan forgiveness process, and improving interaction between PPP loans and EIDL Advance Emergency Grants and the Employee Retention Tax Credit. Read more.

12/14/2020 5:30 pm

NFIB Supports Bipartisan Legislation on COVID Recovery

NFIB responded to Congress’ introduction of the Bipartisan Emergency COVID Relief Act of 2020. Vice President of Federal Government Relations Kevin Kuhlman said, “This legislation importantly protects small business owners from a surprise tax increase by restoring the deductibility of Paycheck Protection Program forgiven expenses, allows for another targeted round of PPP for struggling small businesses, and provides a simplified forgiveness process for PPP loans less than $150,000.” Read more.

10/20/2020 4:40 pm

NFIB: Small Businesses are Counting on Congress to Pass Critically Needed Relief

NFIB announced that it will consider a vote to advance the Continuing the Paycheck Protection Program Act, offered by U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Susan Collins, an NFIB Key Vote for the 116th Congress in a letter sent to Members of the United States Senate. Read more.

10/06/2020 6:56 pm

Small Businesses call on Congress, Administration for Critically Needed Financial Assistance

NFIB issued a statement from Kevin Kuhlman, Vice President of Federal Government Relations, following the announcement today of halted COVID-19 recovery talks. Read more.

09/25/2020 10:43 am

NFIB Supports Immediate Consideration of Bill Granting Additional Financial Assistance for Small Businesses

NFIB today sent a letter to Capitol Hill in support of the formal resolution to allow for expedited floor consideration of H.R. 8265, a bill that would allow for a second draw of Paycheck Protection Program loans, expand loan uses, and simplify the loan forgiveness application process.

Read more.

09/10/2020 10:00 am

NFIB ‘Key Votes’ legislation granting small business critical assistance and liability protections

As the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, NFIB announced it will consider S. 178, the Delivering Immediate Relief to America’s Families, Schools, and Small Businesses Act an NFIB Key Vote for the 116th Congress in a letter sent to Members of the United States Senate. 

“Small businesses across the country are working tirelessly to remain afloat, supporting their employees, families, and communities during this ongoing public health crisis,” said Kevin Kuhlman, Vice President, Federal Government Relations at NFIB. “This legislation provides small businesses with critically needed financial support, in addition to crucial liability protection, so that they can continue to keep their workers employed and their doors open for the customers and communities they serve.”

Read more.

07/17/2020 01:22 pm

NFIB issues Phase Four Legislative Priorities for Small Business Recovery

As small businesses continue efforts to reopen and Congress and the Administration prepare the next phase of legislation, NFIB issued a plan, “NFIB Phase Four Legislative Priorities for Small Business Recovery,” today. The plan lays out five legislative priorities to help ensure that America’s small businesses continue to have the resources and protection they need to move forward during the health crisis and recover economically. 

Read more.

06/05/2020 11:31am

President Trump Signs Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 into Law

President Trump today signed H.R. 7010, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 into law. NFIB released the following statement from Kevin Kuhlman, Vice President of Government Relations:

“The President’s signing of the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 into law is welcome news for small businesses across our nation. This will grant small business owners much-needed flexibility as many are reaching the end of their PPP forgiveness period. We thank the President for signing this bill into law, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Administration on the implementation and improvement of this program.”

Read More.

06/03/2020 7:13pm

U.S. Senate Passes Amended PPP Legislation That Helps Provide Flexibility for Loan Forgiveness

The United States Senate today passed H.R. 7010, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020.

According to Kevin Kuhlman, Vice President of Government Relations, “As the majority of small businesses reach the conclusion of their Paycheck Protection Program forgiveness period in the next couple weeks, they are figuring out how to comply with the loan terms while also navigating reopening and rehiring their employees in a safe manner. The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 will further help many small businesses impacted by COVID-19 by reducing the payroll limitation of the program and extending the loan forgiveness period. We are pleased the Senate approved this important bill for small businesses and we look forward to continuing to work with members in the chamber on improving the Paycheck Protection Program. We urge the President to sign the bill into law swiftly and deliver this much-needed flexibility for small business owners.”

05/28/2020 1:20pm

U.S. House Passes Bill Granting PPP Flexibility for Small Businesses

The United States House of Representatives today passed H.R. 7010, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020, a bill that, according to Vice President of Government Relations Kevin Kuhlman,”…grants small business owners urgently needed flexibility by extending the loan forgiveness period and reducing the payroll limitation of the program. We urge the Senate to act quickly to consider the legislation.”

The vote on H.R. 7010 is considered an NFIB Key Vote for the 116th Congress. NFIB sent a key vote letter to members of the U.S. House of Representatives urging them to support this critical legislation for small businesses.

04/23/2020 6:56pm

U.S. House Passes Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act

Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. From NFIB President Brad Close:

“We are pleased that, at long last, Congress has approved much needed funding for the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan programs. In particular, NFIB is very appreciative of the administration and small business champions in the Senate who urged quick passage of these funds nearly two weeks ago.

NFIB is fully expecting that this new round of small business assistance will go to small businesses who need it the most, not publicly traded companies and large businesses that have access to other credit options. Going forward, NFIB is calling for more flexibility in a number of areas to make it easier for small business owners to support their businesses and their employees through this crisis. This includes the removal of the SBA requirement that 75% of PPP loans be used for payroll costs in order to be forgiven, a threshold that is far too high for very small businesses to meet. 

It has been three weeks since our research told us that half of small businesses said they will last no longer than one to two months in current conditions, so this funding is welcome news for many. We will continue to work with policymakers to help ensure small businesses have access to the funding that is intended for them and repeat our call that these funds be disbursed without discrimination based on banking relationships and or size of the business.”

04/23/2020 3:25pm

NFIB Sends Key Vote Letter to Capitol Hill Supporting Additional Small Business Funding

NFIB sent a key vote letter to Capitol Hill today in support of H.R. 266, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. Read More

04/21/2020 6:30pm

Senate Passes Additional Small Business Funding

The U.S. Senate today passed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, a bill that provides additional small business funding. 

NFIB President Brad Close says, “The Senate’s action today couldn’t come soon enough and is good news for America’s small businesses. It contains much needed funding for the PPP and EIDL loan and grant programs and ensures that some of the funds will go through local community banks. We hope the House passes it quickly and look forward to working with Congress and the administration to address some of the significant challenges small businesses have had with the program.”

04/17/2020 9:25am

NFIB Issues Legislative Plan for the Survival of America’s Small Businesses

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, issued a “Legislative Plan for Small Business Survival,” today, that included ten prescriptive recommendations to help ensure more small businesses survive the coronavirus crisis and more quickly return to normal business operations once restrictions are lessened. Read More

04/16/2020 10:57am

NFIB: Congress Must Act To Provide Additional PPP Funding 

Reports are out today that the Paycheck Protection Program has exhausted its funding. NFIB President Brad Close responded, stating that: 

“America’s small businesses are on the brink, trying desperately to keep their doors open and support their employees. They have been let down by lawmakers and the bureaucracy with the smallest businesses most disadvantaged in attempting to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program. We’ve been hearing from our members, every day, worried the $349 billion lending program would run dry before help gets to them. Today, their worries became a reality.

“We urge congressional leaders to prioritize America’s small businesses above their political disagreements and immediately provide additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program.”

Earlier this week, NFIB penned letters to congressional leaders, urging them to immediately provide further appropriations to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and to the Small Business Administration, strongly encouraging them to address significant funding and communication issues related to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.

04/09/2020 1:30pm

NFIB on the Senate’s Failure to Approve New Small Business Aid

Today, the U.S. Senate failed to provide additional Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loans funding for small businesses. 

According to NFIB President Brad Close, “Small businesses are extremely disappointed that politics got in the way of the Senate providing additional funding for the crucial small business lending program. As delays continue every day, we are hearing from many of the smallest businesses that their biggest concern is the $349 billion lending program running dry before their applications are processed. The administration requested an immediate addition of $250 billion for small businesses, an action all legislators should rally behind. But yet again, we are watching politics delay desperately needed assistance to small businesses and their employees.

“This is half of the American economy and nearly half of all jobs we are talking about. As small businesses and workers struggle with an economic downturn that was not of their making, they need these programs to work and be fully funded. Every day of delay means more small businesses will shut down, and more employees will find themselves out of work.”

04/07/2020 5:15pm

NFIB Encouraged by Request for Additional Paycheck Protection Program Funding

NFIB, the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, issued the following statement from NFIB President Brad Close in response to requests for additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program:

“Every dollar invested in saving small businesses is a dollar invested in the backbone of the American economy, and we are encouraged by the Administration’s request for additional funds in the PPPL program. Small businesses are struggling like never before, with half telling us they won’t last more than two months in the current environment.

“It is crucial these resources are not exhausted and that small businesses can have confidence the funds will be available, especially for the smallest and most vulnerable. We urge Congress to approve the additional funding so that small businesses will not have to worry that loan funds will run out before they can get their loan request approved and processed.”

03/31/2020 6:05pm

Guide to New Federal Relief

NFIB has recently released a Guide to New Federal Relief outlining how the new stimulus bill affects small businesses. Read More

03/27/2020 1:54pm

House Passes CARES Act to Bring Assistance to Small Businesses

The United States House of Representatives today passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a bill that will provide cash flow and liquidity to small businesses to help ease the economic strain caused by COVID-19. 

NFIB President Brad Close on the bill’s passage this afternoon: “Small businesses have been working around the clock so that they are able to support their employees and keep their doors open during this time of uncertainty. The CARES Act will give small business owners access to critical financial assistance. NFIB is grateful to all Members of Congress who worked tirelessly to ensure that small business provisions were included in this legislation. We urge President Trump to sign this bill into law quickly and to encourage swift implementation of it so that small businesses can receive the financial assistance they so desperately need.” 

03/25/2020 11:50pm

NFIB Applauds Senate Passage of Bill to Help Small Businesses

The United States Senate tonight passed S. 3548, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a bill that will help ease the economic strain caused by COVID-19 by providing cash flow and liquidity to small businesses. 

NFIB President Brad Close weighed in on the bill’s passage: “Small businesses across the country have been doing everything they can to keep their doors open and help their employees and their families during this unprecedented public crisis. The Senate bill provides access to much-needed funding to small businesses to help them do what’s best for their employees, and keep their doors open. NFIB thanks all the senators who worked to make sure that the concerns of small businesses were included in the bill.”

03/25/2020 09:00am

NFIB’s Senior Director of Government Relations Kevin Kuhlman appeared on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal

NFIB’s Senior Director of Government Relations Kevin Kuhlman appeared on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal this morning with Greta Brawner to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses across the country, including NFIB’s most recent coronavirus survey, legislative updates, and what NFIB is hearing from its members.

03/22/2020 08:00pm

NFIB Urges Senate to Continue to Work on Legislation to Provide Small Businesses Relief

The U.S. Senate today failed to advance S. 3548, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act today. NFIB President Brad Close shared that NFIB was “disappointed the Senate failed to provide crucial and immediate financial assistance that small businesses tell us they so desperately need.”

NFIB’s Close noted that, “Small businesses are facing unprecedented challenges during this public health crisis. State and local governments continue to shut down businesses and quarantine workers, while small business owners are doing everything they can to support their employees.”

NFIB will continue to follow the progress of this legislation. From NFIB’s President Brad Close: “We are grateful to Senators Collins, Rubio, and Crapo for their efforts to provide immediate help to small business owners, which have attracted bipartisan support. We encourage them to continue their hard work and improve the provisions so that our nation’s small businesses can get the support they need during this critical time.

03/19/2020 08:42am

Treasury Department & IRS Extend Deadline for Federal Income Tax Payments

The Treasury Department and IRS announced yesterday they have extended the due date for Federal income tax payments. The deadline has been extended from April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020 and applies for payments due of up to $10 million for corporations and up to $1 million for individuals – regardless of filing status – and other unincorporated entities.

NFIB’s Close went on to say that, “small businesses in every state are facing extremely low foot traffic, reduced revenues, and are struggling to remain afloat. Our members are telling us, in droves, that the additional mandates in this bill could be a devastating blow they cannot afford to shoulder.”

Associated interest, additions to tax, and penalties for late payment will also be suspended until July 15, 2020.

For more information, please visit IRS.gov/coronavirus.

03/18/2020 04:42pm

Legislation to Combat Coronavirus Adds Significant Consequences for America’s Small Businesses and Employees

The U.S. Senate today passed H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The legislation was intended as a measure to help workers. The bill requires all small businesses to provide employees with 10 days of fully paid sick leave. It further requires all small businesses to provide up to 12 weeks of family leave at two-thirds pay. H.R. 6201 applies to all companies with fewer than 500 employees. Larger businesses are exempted from the paid leave requirements. The leave requirements only apply to coronavirus related conditions. NFIB President Brad Close weighed in on the measure today, saying: “We appreciate Congress’ efforts to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on American workers, small businesses, and our national economy, but imposing costly and unsustainable mandates on small businesses is not the answer.”

NFIB’s Close went on to say that, “small businesses in every state are facing extremely low foot traffic, reduced revenues, and are struggling to remain afloat. Our members are telling us, in droves, that the additional mandates in this bill could be a devastating blow they cannot afford to shoulder.”

While the measure does include paid leave provisions, the provisions are not as wide sweeping as they could have been – thanks to discussions NFIB has had with congressional leaders.

NFIB key voted a provision that would have been devastating for small businesses. Thanks to conversations with elected officials, it was subsequently defeated.

NFIB next looks to continuing conversations surrounding the next phase of coronavirus relief. According to Close, “small business owners need relief now, and we look forward to continuing to work with Congress and the administration in this next phase to find a workable solution moving forward.”

03/18/2020 01:13pm

105 Business Groups Join NFIB in Calling for Changes to Legislation Currently Being Considered by the U.S. Senate

Improvements will Ensure Workers Receive Paid Leave and Provide Relief to Small Businesses

More than 100 business groups joined NFIB in submitting a request to Majority Leader McConnell and Democratic Leader Schumer calling for critical improvements to H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

The groups represent hundreds of thousands of businesses employing millions of employees in industries from restaurants to suppliers to contractors across the country.

The coalition’s suggested improvements will “ensure all American workers have access to paid leave in the face of this public health crisis while also providing relief to businesses and important incentives to sustain access to employer-provided health benefits, on which nearly 180 million Americans depend.”

According to the letter:

The leave mandates in H.R. 6201, which requires businesses with 500 and fewer employees to provide 12 weeks of paid leave, presume liquidity and a tolerance for debt that simply does not exist at this time. We fear that these mandates will accelerate small and medium business closures, causing many Americans to lose employer-provided health benefits while straining the administrative and financial resources of state unemployment agencies.

Although H.R. 6201 includes tax credits and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin has promised to advance business money, credits will not produce sufficient liquidity in time. We fear the government does not have the infrastructure and businesses do not have the administrative resources to access these advances in the time needed to deter business closures.

A better approach would be a public program administered by the federal government to provide compensation for COVID-19 related leave. One example is the proposed program in H.R. 6198, under which the Social Security Administration (SSA) would provide financial assistance to American workers impacted by COVID-19. SSA is often one of the first agencies on the ground in natural disasters, and it has extensive experience and procedures in place for responding in emergency situations. The legislation includes multiple protections to ensure that Social Security funds are not diverted to the new emergency leave program. Other agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Labor, could also administer a program using unemployment insurance to provide compensation for leave, and we encourage Congress to also consider that agency and unemployment insurance as an option for relief.  The U.S. Senate today passed H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The legislation was intended as a measure to help workers. The bill requires all small businesses to provide employees with 10 days of fully paid sick leave. It further requires all small businesses to provide up to 12 weeks of family leave at two-thirds pay. H.R. 6201 applies to all companies with fewer than 500 employees. Larger businesses are exempted from the paid leave requirements. The leave requirements only apply to coronavirus related conditions. NFIB President Brad Close weighed in on the measure today, saying: “We appreciate Congress’ efforts to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on American workers, small businesses, and our national economy, but imposing costly and unsustainable mandates on small businesses is not the answer.” NFIB’s Close went on to say that, “small businesses in every state are facing extremely low foot traffic, reduced revenues, and are struggling to remain afloat. Our members are telling us, in droves, that the additional mandates in this bill could be a devastating blow they cannot afford to shoulder.” While the measure does include paid leave provisions, the provisions are not as wide sweeping as they could have been – thanks to discussions NFIB has had with congressional leaders. NFIB key voted a provision that would have been devastating for small businesses. Thanks to conversations with elected officials, it was subsequently defeated. NFIB next looks to continuing conversations surrounding the next phase of coronavirus relief. According to Close, “small business owners need relief now, and we look forward to continuing to work with Congress and the administration in this next phase to find a workable solution moving forward.”

03/16/2020 08:14am

Congress Coronavirus Bill Includes Costly New Mandates

With the coronavirus crisis picking up speed, Congress is on the verge of enacting significant new mandates on small business.

Late Friday night, the House of Representatives passed the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act.” Intended as a measure to help workers, the bill requires all small businesses to provide employees with 10 days of fully paid sick leave. It further requires all small businesses to provide up to 12 weeks of family leave at two-thirds pay.

The bill applies to all companies with fewer than 500 employees. Larger businesses are exempted from the paid leave requirements. The Senate is expected to vote on the legislation later this week.

“NFIB opposes the Families First Coronavirus Response Act,” said Kevin Kuhlman, NFIB Senior Director of Federal Government Relations. “This legislation would limit flexibility in adjusting to a rapidly changing environment and impose potentially unsustainable mandates on small businesses.”

Read NFIB’s congressional letter of opposition.

The bill’s provisions mark a dramatic expansion of the Family Medical Leave Act, which includes significant paperwork requirements. If enacted, small businesses would have a matter of days to familiarize themselves with the law’s many regulations.

In an attempt to help small business cope with these burdens, the bill provides a 100% tax credit for the cost of its paid sick and family leave mandates. Companies can claim this credit through their payroll tax filings, but the process is yet to be determined.

The bill gives the Secretary of Labor the authority to waive the new leave requirements if they jeopardize a company’s viability. However, only businesses with fewer than 50 employees would be eligible. It is currently unclear how they could apply or the process the Department of Labor would use to evaluate waiver requests.

“While we appreciate Congress’ desire to provide relief from these new regulations, the timing will still create a major cash-flow crisis for job creators” said Kevin Kuhlman. “Small businesses are already struggling with lower revenues, so they need relief now, not when it’s too late.”

NFIB successfully prevented the addition of more burdensome mandates in the House bill. We are in conversations with key Senators about improving the current legislative text.

Kevin Kuhlman continued: “The House bill is unworkable. By requiring small businesses to shoulder additional burdens and costs, small businesses who cannot afford to keep up will close. The coronavirus will do damage enough without policymakers piling on.”

 

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