Coronavirus Government Response Update—ISSA Issues Government Response FAQ

Welcome to the Coronavirus Government Response Update. This information is intended to keep ISSA members up to date on fast-moving government affairs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other public policy issues important to the cleaning industry. Today’s update touches on a new ISSA coronavirus government response FAQ, ISSA calling on the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to broadly apply small business exemptions, U.S. Vice President Pence recognizing ISSA, and more.

ISSA Coronavirus Government Response FAQ
There has been a plethora of government—federal, state, and local—responses to the novel coronavirus crisis in the U.S, many of which significantly impact the full spectrum of the cleaning industry. Accordingly, ISSA has received many questions from our members about these responses and the association has created numerous materials to assist and support our members during this pandemic. This FAQ is a compilation of some of the most common questions we’ve received, along with our corresponding answers, including links to further information. Topics addressed include: essential business, paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave, small business assistance, disinfectant products, unemployment benefits, protecting workers, and other ISSA advocacy efforts.

ISSA Calls on DOL to Broadly Apply Small Business Exemptions
On March 30, ISSA sent a letter to the Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia urging the department to apply as broadly as possible the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) exemptions for small businesses. The full spectrum of the cleaning industry is fulfilling its important role in reducing the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. For the industry to continue to do so, there is an acute need for guidance from the DOL on how new requirements imposed on the industry, particularly on smaller building service contractors and residential cleaners, by the FFCRA will be implemented.

Vice President Pence Recognizes ISSA’s Efforts in Advising on Coronavirus Crisis
Vice President Mike Pence recently sent a letter to John Barrett, ISSA Executive Director, acknowledging ISSA’s efforts in aiding and advising the federal government during the coronavirus outbreak. Earlier this month, Barrett participated in a conference call with U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President Pence, and cleaning industry executives. The call focused on the importance of maintaining a strong supply chain for critical supplies in the face of the COVID-19 emergency. 

White House, Pelosi Weigh Next Stimulus
The White House and congressional Democrats are preparing for a fourth round of economic stimulus to get the U.S. through its coronavirus outbreak, even while they’re still arguing over the US$2 trillion measure President Trump signed Friday. White House officials have compiled lists of requests from government agencies totaling roughly $600 billion, according to people familiar with the matter. The proposals include more state aid as well as financial assistance for mortgage markets and the travel industries.

Other links of interest

• ISSATV: How U.S. Governments Are Responding to COVID-19
• ISSA Essential Business Resources
• Federal Coronavirus Legislative Package 3 Summary
• Department of Labor: COVID-19 and the Workplace
• SBA Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources