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Apr 09President Trump: The Paycheck Protection Program Applies to All Small Construction Firms
New guidance from the Treasury Department appears to allow any U.S. firms with 500 or fewer employees to qualify for the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program regardless of revenue, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. The initiative was created as part of the $2 trillion coronavirus rescue bill enacted late last month. President Donald Trump's administration released the new guidance yesterday after the AGC raised concerns that many small construction
Apr 08Treasury Asks for $250 billion More in Aid for Small Business
The top Democrats in Congress Wednesday proposed pushing the next round of economic stimulus to $500 billion, double what the Trump administration and GOP leaders are seeking.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin asked Congress Tuesday to add $250 billion to a program for small businesses, but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement Wednesday that they also want $100 billion for hospitals and $150 billion for state and local governments. Democrats are also
Apr 08NAHB Urges Members to Pause for a Safety Stand Down on April 16
With municipalities cracking down on jobsites not adhering to safety standards, NAHB is calling for its members, and all residential construction companies, to pause all work for at least 10 minutes for a national safety stand down on Thursday, April 16, to educate workers on what they should do to stop the spread of COVID-19, a respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus.The health and safety of workers on home building job sites is a top priority for NAHB. With the federal government recently
Apr 06PPP: Builders Pursuing COVID19 Relief Loans
On Wednesday, March 25, in light of the increasing spread of the coronavirus in his state and nationally, Washington state Governor Jay Inslee declared residential construction, among other activities, nonessential, and that all work on those jobsites must cease immediately until April 6, at least. By 7:30 p.m. that night, Heather Dosch, CEO of John Buchan Homes (JBH), in Seattle, knew she was going to have to make some difficult decisions about the company's employees, especially those working in the
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Apr 03How Governor Edwards' Stay-At-Home Order Affects Home Building
Under Governor Edwards' stay-at-home order, residential construction is considered a critical service and is allowed to continue operations. Businesses that support residential construction, through supplies and services, are allowed to operate. Please review this list from the governor's office that provides more clarity. Governor Edwards has extended the stay-at-home order and non-essential business closure until April 30th. Lastly, the guidelines require businesses to practice social distancing and
Apr 02Governor Announces New State-Led Loan Program
Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced a new Louisiana Loan Portfolio Guaranty Program, which will offer loans of up to $100,000 to Louisiana small businesses of fewer than 100 employees that are impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. To help Main Street and rural businesses sustain operations, the loans will require no payments for 180 days and carry below-market interest rates of no more than 3.5 percent. LPGP Highlights Firms of fewer than 100 employees will be able to borrow up to $100,000 at below-market
Apr 01Apply for The Payment Protection Program and EIDL Loan
The SBA has compiled a detailed summary of available resources for small businesses. Click here to learn more about the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance, Government Contracting, Local Assistance, and more. Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Paycheck Protection Program FAQs Who is eligible? Small and medium sized businesses with fewer than 500 employees;Nonprofits with fewer than 500 employees; 501(c)(3) organizations (this
Mar 30Small Business Administration Loans & Local Lender Locations
Many FDIC-backed banks will be able to offer the SBA economic injury disaster loan (EIDL) and 7(a) loan. Click hereto view our financial institution members. The Jefferson Economic Development Commission released this list of SBA approved lenders in Louisiana. Click here The application may be submitted online through the SBA’s website: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. Details about the loan program are as follows:Loans may be made in an amount of up to $2,000,000 per borrower.Loans carry an
Mar 30Congress Approves $2.2 Trillion Economic Stimulus Package
Congress has approved a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus package in response to the coronavirus pandemic that has wreaked havoc on the U.S. economy. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes several provisions to help small businesses and those engaged in the residential construction sector. The Senate passed the bill on March 25. The House approved the legislation on March 27 and President Trump signed the economic stimulus bill later that day. At the top level, the CARES
Mar 30DOL Explains Paid Sick Leave, Expanded Family and Medical Leave Benefits
March 27, 2020 U.S. Department Of Labor Publishes More Guidance for Workers and Employers Explaining Paid Sick Leave, Expanded Family and Medical Leave Benefits WASHINGTON, DC –Today, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) announced more guidance to provide information to workers and employers about how each will be able to take advantage of the protections and relief offered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) when it takes effect on April 1, 2020. The new
Mar 30CISA Guidelines on Essential Businesses
ADVISORY MEMORANDUM ON IDENTIFICATION OF ESSENTIAL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WORKERS DURING COVID-19 RESPONSE FROM: Christopher C. Krebs Director Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Website: www.cisa.gov | Email: CISA.CAT@cisa.dhs.gov | Facebook: Facebook.com/CISA As the nation comes together to slow the spread of COVID-19, on March 16th the President issued updated Coronavirus Guidance for America that highlighted the importance of the critical infrastructure workforce. The
Mar 27President Trump Signs COVID19 Stimulus Bill
Today, President Trump signed the CARES ACT, which will provide the United States a stimulus package to aid with COVID-19 relief. Here are some key provisions from the legislation. Paycheck Protection Act (PPA)The Paycheck Protection Program sets aside $350 billion in government-backed loans, and it is modeled after the existing SBA 7(a) loan program many businesses already know.Businesses That Are Eligible For the PPA The Paycheck Protection Program offers loans for small businesses with fewer than 500
Mar 26Small Business Resources - COVID-19
Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy. Economic Injury Disaster Loan ProgramSBA Express Bridge LoansGuidance for Businesses and EmployersSBA Products and ResourcesGovernment ContractingLocal AssistanceEconomic Injury Disaster Loan Program Small business owners in all U.S. states and territories are currently eligible
Mar 26Construction Job Site Guidance for Coronavirus
The Construction Industry Safety Coalition (CISC) today published guidance for construction employers, employees and contractors on coronavirus exposure prevention, preparedness and response. NAHB is a key member of CISC. The guidance describes how to prevent worker exposure to coronavirus, protective measures to be taken on the job site, personal protective equipment and work practice controls to be used, cleaning and disinfecting procedures, and what to do if a worker becomes sick. The documents are
Mar 26Recommendations for Construction Jobsite Safety
NAHB is a leading member of the Construction Industry Safety Coalition (CISC), which has provided a detailed plan to outline the steps that every employer and employee can take to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. The plan describes how to prevent worker exposure to coronavirus, protective measures to be taken on the jobsite, personal protective equipment and work practice controls to be used, cleaning and disinfecting procedures, and OSHA guidance on what to do if a worker becomes sick.CISC
Mar 26NAHB Letter to President Trump on Coronavirus
March 17, 2020 The President The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President: On behalf of the more than 140,000 members of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), we write to urge you to consider policy proposals to support the housing sector of the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. NAHB’s members stand with you during these uncertain times and look to your leadership to help steer the American people and the national economy through uncharted
Mar 26Emergency Preparedness and Response to Coronavirus for Construction Industry
This website post is strictly set up for the purpose of directing you to more COVID-19 news and information from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Visit NAHB for more resources on Coronavirus Preparedness at https://www.nahb.org/Advocacy/Industry-Issues/Emergency-Preparedness-and-Response/Coronavirus-Preparedness
Mar 24Cyber Attack & COVID-19 Response
Cyber Attack Incident and COVID-19 Response Update forOne Stop Shop Online Public Accessibility NEW ORLEANS — Beginning today, certain types of permits and licenses may once again be applied for on the One Stop App public portal. Link here: http://onestopapp.nola.gov. These include building permits, sign permits, trade permits (including electrical and mechanical permits), and some permits related to streets and sidewalks.These permits, as well as other permit and license types, may still be applied
Mar 24Coronavirus Impact on Construction Projects
Construction projects are expected to take a hit thanks to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. From scheduling delays to challenges acquiring materials and labor, projects will move forward at a different pace, requiring general contractors to keep up. In this on-demand webinar, Susan Eccles shares insights for construction industry players on what to expect thanks to the coronavirus. Learn about documents you need to review now, as well as how and when to take action to ensure progress or
Mar 23Unemployment Insurance Rule and Information: Louisiana Workforce Commission
Louisiana Workforce Commission’s Office of Workers’ Compensation has issued an emergency rule that aims to ensure that injured workers receive the medical attention their injury warrants under the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Act. [Scroll down to see links for Unemployment Insurance]. (Cont'd) The rule is effective from March 19 until April 13. It includes the following:Workers’ compensation insurers should accept an approved LWC-WC 1010 for longer than thirty (30) days, especially if a treatment
Mar 20Louisiana Parishes Eligible for COVID-19 Business Aid
Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that small businesses in all 64 Louisiana parishes will have access to federal Small Business Administration disaster aid in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza confirmed that Louisiana’s more than 440,000 small businesses are eligible to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans, which will be made available to eligible firms suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus. “COVID-19 is a unique crisis affecting all
Mar 19How COVID-19 is Affecting Permits Across the Region
New Orleans Safety and Permits Website The Department is asking all applicants to submit their application, materials, and general questions to the Department via e-mail. Please note that special event permits will not be issued until further notice (with the exception of funerals), this includes re-schedule events that have been cancelled. Those with general special event questions can contact eventpermits@nola.gov GENERAL INFORMATION All applicants should make every effort to submit their
Mar 19Revised Bill Signed into Law Requiring Small Businesses to Provide Paid Leave due to Coronavirus
Revised Bill Signed into Law Requiring Small Businesses to Provide Paid Leave due to Coronavirus On Monday, March 16, the House of Representatives went back to the drawing board and made “corrections” to its Emergency Family First Response Act. The revised bill somewhat decreases the financial burden on small businesses and changes the circumstances under which employers are required to continue to pay their employees for COVID-19 related reasons. On March 18, the Bill was passed in the Senate without
Mar 19Coronavirus Could Affect OSHA Compliance on Home Building Sites
Coronavirus Could Affect OSHA Compliance on Home Building Sites The effects of the COVID-19 illness associated with a new coronavirus have already proven to be extraordinarily broad, ranging from the obvious strain on countries’ healthcare systems to a global economic slowdown spurred by social distancing and reduced commerce. Those impacts might be felt for months to come. But NAHB has identified at least two areas of concern for home builders in the short term, both related to compliance with OSHA
Mar 18Contractors, Prepare for Construction Projects to Stop and Know Your Legal Rights
Contractors, Prepare for Construction Projects to Stop and Know Your Legal Rights Over the past two weeks, the United States has experienced change at break-neck speed. On March 16, 2020, the City of Boston ordered the cessation of all construction projects in the city for an initial period of 14 days. It is only a matter of time before other cities and the federal government do the same.Now is the time for contractors to prepare and review their rights Contractors anticipating project cessation should
Mar 18Employment Law Changes and Challenges (COVID-19)
Employment Law Changes and Challenges (COVID-19)The spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) has resulted in uncharted territory for employers throughout the United States. Now that the World Health Organization has labeled the coronavirus a pandemic, what do employers need to know, and what are they required to do? What should an organization do if one of its employees tests positive for the virus? What relief could be coming for small businesses and other organizations that may struggle to stay afloat without
Mar 18NAHB Economist Robert Dietz
The last two weeks have seen growing concern and economic stress related to coronavirus mitigation efforts and social distancing. These recommended strategies will continue to place large sections of the U.S. economy on pause for at least the next few weeks — and potentially much longer. Postponed events, cancelled travel plans and deferred service consumption all represent lost economic activity. With a growing number of individuals altering their work schedules and working from home, construction and
Mar 17Jefferson Parish Inspection and Code Enforcement Permitting and Review Process
Jefferson Parish Inspection and Code Enforcement Permitting and Review ProcessJefferson Parish Department of Inspection and Code Enforcement announced today to the HBA of Greater New Orleans, its members and the rest of the construction community that they will continue to operate as it relates to the permitting and review process including inspections. They are not allowing members of the public to meet with the staff until further notice. Please use My Permit Now, email communications and telephone to
Mar 16Federal Disaster Loan Assistance for Businesses, Private Nonprofits, Homeowners, and Renters
Disaster Loan InformationSBA provides low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters. SBA disaster loans can be used to repair or replace the following items damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster: real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, and inventory and business assets. 3-Step Process can be found here. Apply For A Disaster LoanComplete your disaster loan application online.Disaster Loan Application Paper
Mar 16Environmental Protection Agency: Coronavirus and Your Drinking Water
Environmental Protection Agency: Coronavirus and Your Drinking Water There is no higher priority for EPA than protecting the health and safety of Americans. EPA is providing this important information about COVID-19 as it relates to drinking water and wastewater to provide clarity to the public. The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies. Based on current evidence, the risk to water supplies is low. Americans can continue to use and drink water from their tap as usual. EPA has
