Governor Tom Wolf has issued an executive order (VIEW HERE) designed to protect workers. The order impacts for-profit employers seeking financial assistance from the Commonwealth. Wolf was joined at a news conference in Pittsburgh on Thursday, October 21st by Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jennifer Berrier, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Rep. Jessica Benham and other legislators, workers and labor leaders.
The order directs DCED to verify a business receiving an offer of state financial assistance provides its workers paid sick leave and pays no less than the minimum wage for state employees before making a financial incentive offer. The $13.50 minimum wage for state employees and contractors will reach $15 on July 1, 2024, under an executive order the governor signed in 2018.
The governor also announced that L&I will make publicly available a list of bad actors that violate labor laws, misclassify their workers, owe unemployment compensation back taxes or fail to carry requisite workers’ compensation insurance.
During the announcement, Wolf urged the legislature to pass S.B. 13, sponsored by Sen. Vince Hughes, and H.B. 1035, sponsored by Rep. Mike Zabel, which would provide paid sick leave to workers in Pennsylvania. The administration estimates that 400,000 Pennsylvania workers lack paid sick leave.
PA Chamber President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement in response to the governor’s announcement.
“We appreciate the governor’s intent and urge his administration to solicit input from employers to help avoid unintended consequences.
For example, requiring strict wage and benefit standards for employers to qualify for state aid may not impact larger corporations but could pull critical lifelines from small businesses already struggling through pandemic and workforce crises.
The governor has also called for public shaming of employers who violate labor laws. We certainly support holding accountable those who skirt the law, harming employees and creating an unfair advantage over law-abiding competitors. At the same time, policymakers should recognize that violations are often unintentional and eventually remedied. Employment laws and regulations are notoriously complicated; such as similar federal and state laws that include subtle differences creating what’s known as the ‘compliance trap.’
The governor mentioned employers owing unemployment compensation back taxes, but some may not even be aware they owe, especially after the chaos of the last year and a half. We would hope a public list of ‘bad actors’ only incudes companies who violate the law and willfully fail to comply after exhausting appeals or any administrative resolution process.”
State Senator John Gordner was recognized by the National Foundation for Unemployment Compensation and Workers’ Compensation for having spearheaded efforts and legislation that have protected and preserved the integrity of Pennsylvania’s Unemployment Compensation system. Gordner was honored with the “UI Integrity Award 2020” at a national conference last week. PA Chamber Director of Government Affairs Alex Halper nominated Sen. Gordner and presented him with the award.
Pennsylvania’s UC system experienced significant strain during the Great Recession and early recovery period. In December of 2008, then-Gov. Ed Rendell convened a UC Advisory Board on which Senator Gordner served in his capacity as then Chairman of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee. Despite tremendous pressure, and often on an island among legislative appointees, Senator Gordner remained a stalwart advocate for pursuing a balanced approach that did not disproportionately burden employers.
In early 2011, Senator Gordner introduced legislation that would eventually become Act 6, which allowed Pennsylvanian claimants to remain eligible for federally-funded extended UC benefits, but also included important reforms sought by the employer community which collectively saved the UC Trust Fund over $100 million annually.
By mid-2012, Pennsylvania had borrowed nearly $4 billion from the federal government, the second largest UC debt in the country and greater than comparably-sized states with higher unemployment rates. Costs for employers were increasing by hundreds of millions and an even more precipitous financial cliff was fast approaching.
Senator Gardner’s years of working on UC public policy, establishing himself as the authority among his legislative colleagues, and cultivating relationships with a broad range of stakeholders would culminate in June 2012 with passage of Act 60 of 2012. This ambitious legislation, sponsored by Senator Gordner, included a range of cost-saving measures that put Pennsylvania’s trust fund on a path to solvency. It also authorized the Commonwealth to sell bonds in the private market to pay off the federal debt immediately – a fairly novel concept at the time, but a strategy that would avoid additional federal tax increases that were scheduled to go into effect.
On January 8, 2020, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that Pennsylvania employers had paid off the bond in full and the additional tax being collected to service the bond was no longer being assessed as of Jan. 1. The careful stewardship of the Pennsylvania UI trust fund after the Great recession of 2008-2009 and the measures taken with the leadership of Senator Gordner put Pennsylvania in a much better position to respond to the pandemic recession of 2020.
Photo caption: Roger Geiger (left), National Foundation Board member, and Alex Halper (center), PA Chamber Director of Government Affairs, presented Senator John Gordner with the UI Integrity Award 2020.
The Chamber helped celebrate the grand opening of The Good Samaritan Mission on Ferry Street in Danville on Saturday, October 23rd, with a ribbon-cutting. With over 100 people coming out to show support, the morning was filled with jam-packed activities including the ribbon-cutting, a tribute to Sandy O’Rourke, basket raffles and tours. The Good Samaritan Mission is the only faith-based, nonprofit mission serving adults and children in the Montour County and surrounding areas. The mission’s foundation was built on with Board of Directors and nearly 100 volunteers who donated countless hours to keep the program running.
“We are so excited about the beauty of this place and the blessing that we have here. We’re really excited about what’s going to happen with this place.” said Carin Wharton, Executive Director.
The Good Samaritan Mission is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Visit www.gsmdanville.org
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is making $25.5 billion in new relief funding available to healthcare providers. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of HHS, administers the provider relief programs on behalf of HHS. HRSA has created a single application portal to make the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) Rural payments and Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Phase 4 General Distribution payments. The deadline to file for these funds is October 26, 2021, by 11:59 PM. Since the application process requires several validation checks, it is best to start the process now.
Who Is Eligible?
HHS has expanded the types of healthcare providers that are eligible for the PRF and ARP Rural payments. Providers that have not received payments in the past may now be eligible.
Eligibility for PRF payments includes:
- Providers or suppliers who bill Medicare fee-for-service (Parts A, B, and C), Medicaid (fee-for-service or managed care) and/or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- Dental service providers
- State-licensed or certified assisted living facilities
- Behavioral health providers
- And others
Eligibility for ARP Rural payments includes:
- Providers or suppliers who bill Medicare (Parts A, B, and C), Medicaid (fee-for-service or managed care), and/or CHIP, and operate in or serve patients in a rural area, including:
- Rural health clinics and critical access hospitals
- In-home health, hospice, or long-term services
- And others
How Are Payments Determined?
PRF base payments are determined by changes in operating revenues and expenses from July 1, 2020, through March 31, 2021. Smaller providers will be reimbursed for a higher percentage of changes in operating revenues and expenses. There will also be bonus payments based on the amount and type of Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP services provided.
ARP Rural payments are based on the amount and type of Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP services provided to rural patients from January 1, 2019, through September 30, 2020.
It is worth noting that providers can receive funding from both PRF and ARP Rural payments, which can be used for changes in operating revenues and expenses dating back to January 1, 2020.
Here is the link to access the Application.
Here is the link to access the Instructions.
Bend-Fab’s standing steal metal roofing will give you the peace of mind that your roof is destined to last without the need for constant upkeep. Bend-Fab custom rolls its standing seam panels on-site and offers custom metal bending utilizing its 21-foot computerized metal break.
At Bend-Fab, they’ve installed standing seam metal roofing on healthcare offices, churches, government buildings, office buildings, restaurants, stores, and hotels, as well as residential homes throughout the Susquehanna Valley. No project is too small for their team.
Visit Bend-Fab’s website at www.bend-fab.com for more information. They can be found in Milton at 2733 State Route 45.
Bend-Fab joins 415 members of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce to receive benefits and support the Chamber’s efforts to enhance the region.
Whether you are planning a large-scale corporate building front or a university entrance way, Reliable Glass offers high-end performance solutions and a level of personal service that’s second to none.
Reliable Glass’ team of experts have experience designing and installing glass and aluminum solutions across a variety of industries including: Education, Food Service, Government, Healthcare, Hospitality, Residential, and Retail.
Reliable glass offers cracked or broken glass repairs, commercial glass, residential glass, and bullet-proof glass windows and doors. Reliable Glass also offers custom installations that can give your business the attention it deserves.
For more than 20 years, general contractors and custom homebuilders have looked to Reliable Glass for professional glass & aluminum solutions.
Visit Reliable Glass’ website at www.reliableglassco.com for more information. They can be found in Elysburg at 938 Penn Avenue.
T-Ross Brothers Construction, Inc. has been the leader in the construction industry for the past 60 years. At T-Ross Brothers Construction, Inc. Its team is committed to reaching beyond construction; their passion brings dreams to life with quality craftsmanship! They build relationships built on honesty and integrity, they understand their clients and what they are trying to accomplish and promote innovative solutions that exceed the needs and requirements of the clients.
T-Ross Brothers Construction, Inc. has been providing innovative general contractor services, commercial construction, industrial construction, steel building, religious facilities, and crane services.
Today, T-Ross Brothers Construction, Inc. is owned by brothers, Todd G. and Tom E. Ross. In 1996, the brothers purchased the 38-year-old business from their father, Thomas H. Ross, after working their way up through the construction business. The brothers began with sweeping floors and sorting nails from the time they were old enough to hold a broom.
From childhood, they were taught by their father the proper use and installation of materials. Having worked through each phase of the construction business, the Ross Brothers have the knowledge and expertise to propose the most suitable solutions to any construction challenge.
Visit T-Ross Brothers Construction’s website at www.trossbrothers.com for more information.
T- ross joins 415 members of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce to receive benefits and support the Chamber’s efforts to enhance the region.
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B.I.D.A. Reforms Scholarship Program for Underemployed and Unemployed
Berwick Industrial Development Association (B.I.D.A.), a leader in economic development focusing on industrial development and manufacturing, is excited to pilot a program that will provide property owners in Columbia and Southern Luzerne Counties an opportunity to learn of economic development initiatives.
B.I.D.A. launched a scholarship program for high school graduates from the Berwick Area School District (which included students attending Columbia-Montour Vocational Technical School) that were to attend post-secondary or higher education institutions to pursue their education in the vocational trades.
Although the program has been successful with students applying for and being awarded to two students each year, B.I.D.A. has re-examined the present state of the workforce in our area, and with having a shortage of skilled labor in the region, the board of directors has voted to offer the scholarship to unemployed and underemployed individuals in the Berwick Area School District geographic area.
This shift would allow residents to apply for the $1,000 that could essentially pay for an entire program at the Columbia Montour Vocational Technical School’s adult education. There is an application process, and it will still run annually as it does for the high school applicant. In the Spring, residents can request a scholarship application that also provides instruction on what needs to be included.
Amy Shortlidge, Marketing Director for B.I.D.A. stated, “This is an opportunity for people to acquire employment quicker, with courses and training programs that can take six to twelve weeks to complete, as opposed to waiting for students to graduate from a two or four-year degree program.”
Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Announces November Programs
Located on 2 W. 7th Street, the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum officially announced it’s full slate schedule for its programs. The jam-packed month includes unique classes, clubs, music and infant/toddler programs. you can view all of the programs HERE.
Community Giving Foundation is administering the Innovation Grant in partnership with the Columbia County Commissioners. This grant will provide funding to a qualified nonprofit or government entity for the implementation of an emerging idea and initiative that can substantially impact or provide measurable progress toward the betterment of our community. The Innovation Grant is a vehicle to enable continued growth and strengthening of Columbia County.
The Columbia County Commissioners ARP Nonprofit Innovation Grant will provide one grant of up to $100,000 to one organization. Interested applicants can review the guidelines and submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) online until November 15, 2021, by 11:45 p.m. The LOI is limited to a two-page document introducing your organization, project description, service area, and requested budget summary.
If the LOI is approved, an application will be made available. Those invited to submit a full application will be notified on December 1, 2021. Completed applications with supporting documents will be due by December 30, 2021, at 11:45 p.m. Full application submissions will also require an in-person presentation with the grant committee on January 11 or 12, 2022. Final grant decisions will be announced January 21, 2022.
Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit and government organizations are eligible to apply, and the requested funding must be invested within Columbia County. Individuals are not eligible to apply. To discuss your organization’s eligibility, please contact the Foundation.
Grant applications must be completed and submitted through a web-based program. Interested applicants can access the guidelines and application by visiting csgiving.org/grants.
Letters of Interest must be submitted online by 11:45 pm on November 15, 2021.
Just the thought of an approaching open enrollment period can cause stress for employers and their workers. But with proper planning and a well-developed strategy, open enrollments can be organized, effective and a positive experience for all involved.
Development of a detailed timeline well in advance of the start of open enrollment season is a great first step. The employer and their benefit consultant can analyze the company’s specific objectives, style and demographics to develop a customized approach. Included in this stage should be the scheduling of webinars, benefit fairs, seminars and opportunities, as applicable. Likewise, the framework of an employee communication campaign can be developed, leaving specific details (like plan data, contribution schedules, etc.) to be inserted at a later time.
As soon as renewals are made available by the carrier(s), plans and contribution schedules can be selected by the employer and a communication piece should be distributed to all employees outlining the planned process, any critical information and any important dates and deadlines.
Benefit plan and contribution information should be presented to employees in a manner that encourages employees to become engaged in the process. The communication material should present the range of benefit details in a simple, understandable and even exciting, if possible, manner…customized as much as possible to the profile of employees in each organization.
Technology should be used whenever possible. Utilization of emails, webinars and online open enrollment tools all enhance the experience for today’s technology-oriented workforce and help to streamline the entire process.
Once open enrollment ends and everything settles down, the process can be reviewed and employee feedback solicited in order to better understand the components that worked well and those that didn’t. In this way, the experience can be further perfected for the following year’s open enrollment season.
The Columbia-Montour Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at cmcc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Glynis Roberts at (800) 377-3539.