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AFS Pushes For Key Provisions In Stimulus Package to Benefit Metalcasters

March 24, 2020

As Congress negotiates a third stimulus package, the American Foundry Society (AFS) has worked closely with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to ensure key provisions are included that could benefit metalcasters.

Bill to Fix COVID-19 Payroll Loan Program, Supported by AFS, Signed by President

June 11, 2020

A fix to the popular Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), created to help small businesses survive during the COVID-19 pandemic, was signed into law by President Trump on June 5.

Congressman Brady Discusses Solutions for Reopening the Economy Across the Country

June 2, 2020

The American Foundry Society held a virtual discussion on June 2 hosted by the AFS Government Affairs Division with U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (TX-8), a 23-year veteran of Capitol Hill and the top Republican on the Ways and Means Committee. The congressman kicked off his remarks by evaluating the work done by Congress so far to combat the effects of the global pandemic.

AFS Urges Congress and Administration to Fix Paycheck Protection Program

May 21, 2020

The American Foundry Society, along with a coalition of more than 130 small business organizations, is calling on Congress to make critical changes to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) so small manufacturers, including foundries, have more flexibility and the opportunity to remain operational throughout COVID-19.

AFS Unveils Reports Showing U.S. Metalcasters Account for $44.3 Billion in Direct Economic Benefit

May 19, 2020

The U.S. metalcasting industry accounts for $44.3 billion in direct economic benefit and a total national economic impact for the U.S. of $110.52 billion, according to a new study released today by the American Foundry Society.

IRS Revises Guidance on Employee Retention Credit in PPP Loans

May 11, 2020

Following outcry from the business community and Congress, the IRS reversed course on May 8, saying businesses can get the new employee retention tax credit even if they are paying health benefits but not wages for workers.

AFS Urges FERC to Delay Comment Deadline on Rulemaking to Hike Electricity Transmission Rates

April 30, 2020

AFS is calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the comment period on a proposed rulemaking that would raise electricity bills for all consumers, including U.S. metalcasters, until the COVID-19 pandemic ends.

AFS Calls on Congress to Pass Legislation for Increased Funding for the Paycheck Protection Program

April 15, 2020

AFS joined more than 200 national and state-based trade groups in a letter to congressional leadership today calling on Congress to increase funding for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.

AFS Advocacy Summit to Feature Labor Sec. Scalia

April 9, 2020

AFS today announced its annual flagship advocacy event, the Government Affairs Fly-In, has been replaced this year with a three-hour virtual Advocacy Summit, to be held on May 19 at 9 a.m. (CT). The Summit will have an extremely powerful and substantial policy agenda, featuring Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia and other can’t-miss experts.

New Small Business Loans Under the CARES Act Open April 3: Eligibility, Application, and Key Terms/Benefits

April 1, 2020

The CARES Act includes the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for small businesses. The PPP provides short-term cash flow assistance to small businesses, including foundries, and their employees deal with the immediate economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Loans are made by lenders certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and guaranteed by the federal government. The SBA will administer the PPP.