Weekly Advocacy Recap—ISSA Spearheads Healthy & Safe Workplace Tax Credit Campaign

Welcome to the ISSA Advocacy Recap, our regular roundup of the latest public policy issues impacting the cleaning industry. This week’s recap touches on ISSA seeking passage of the Healthy and Safe Workplace Tax Credit, U.S. Congress passing a US$1.9 trillion economic stimulus package, the U.S. House of Representatives passing a bill to strengthen unions, and more.

ISSA Advocates for Healthy and Safe Workplace Tax Credit
ISSA announced its support for the Healthy and Safe Workplace Tax Credit to help businesses cover the costs of essential cleaning and disinfecting solutions, personal protective equipment, social distancing measures, and employee training and certification. “The pandemic has led to a new standard of cleanliness as well as financial hardships for many organizations. Businesses shouldn’t have to choose between protecting staff and customers and closing their doors,” said ISSA Director of Government Affairs John Nothdurft. “This tax credit will help businesses of all sizes uphold cleanliness, protect employees, and most of all, restore the confidence of the consumer.” To learn more and find out how to contact Congress to help pass this critical piece of legislation, visit issa.com/TaxCredit.

Congress Passes $1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Relief Package; Implications for Cleaning Industry
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package with implications for the cleaning industry. U.S. President Joe Biden signed the legislation, which the Senate passed last week, on Thursday. The bill, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, contains several provisions significant for the cleaning industry, including billions of dollars for state and local aid and education, as well as transportation. The legislation does not include an increase in the federal minimum wage, which was part of President Biden’s original COVID-19 relief proposal, nor does the bill include a Healthy and Safe Workplace Tax Credit, which ISSA strongly supports to help businesses cover the costs of cleaning and disinfecting, personal protective equipment (PPE), employee training and certification, and more.

House Passes Bill to Strengthen Unions
The House of Representatives passed legislation aimed at strengthening workers’ rights to unionize in a 225-206 party-line vote on Tuesday, The Hill reported. The Protecting the Right to Organize Act—introduced by Representative Bobby Scott (VA-D)—would implement penalties for companies that violate labor law and would tamp down “right-to-work” laws in 27 states by blocking laws that allow employees to not pay union dues. The bill also looks to change the way workers are classified and includes language aimed at ensuring workers are not denied rights due to their immigration status. The measure received strong pushback from Republicans, who argued it would place unnecessary burdens on businesses and have a detrimental impact on job numbers. The legislation faces an uphill battle in the Senate, where it would need 60 votes to be signed into law.

Other links of interest

• COVID-19 Liability Shield Bill for Businesses Clears Florida House
• Time Is Running out – Register for ISSA’s Clean Advocacy Summit
• Save Your Seat for the Thirteenth Antimicrobial Workshop
• Support the Healthy & Safe Workplace Tax Credit Campaign – Contribute to ISSA’s Advocacy Fund