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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.

Congress Approves Historic Coronavirus Relief Package with Loans for Small Businesses

April 1, 2020

The massive aid package contains a combination of funding for tax benefits for businesses and individuals, appropriations for government programs supporting coronavirus relief efforts public health programs, and other items to help stabilize the economy amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

States Must Designate Metalcasting as Critical Manufacturing Sector

March 25, 2020

As states initiate work restrictions on business, AFS urges governors to ensure the metalcasting industry is designated as a critical manufacturing sector vital to critical infrastructure.

AFS Urges Administration to Classify Metalcasting as Essential Industry

March 20, 2020

AFS continues to advocate for metalcasting during the COVID-19 crisis facing the U.S. and the metalcasting supply chain. On Friday, March 20, AFS sent a letter to Vice President Mike Pence in his role leading the COVID-19 task force, asking the administration to identify foundries, their supply chains, and workers as essential when drafting and enforcing shelter-in-place rules during the pandemic.

AFS Urges Senate Passage of Energy Innovation Bill

March 9, 2020

The American Foundry Society said today it supports the energy package under consideration in the U.S. Senate, the bipartisan American Energy Innovation Act (S. 2657). A vote in the Senate could come the week of March 9.

CISA To Co-Sponsor AFS Government Affairs Fly-In

February 20, 2020

AFS this week announced that the Casting Industry Suppliers Association (CISA) will again co-sponsor the AFS Government Affairs Fly-In. The Fly-In, to be held May 19-20, brings together foundry and supplier representatives to advocate for the metalcasting industry in the nation’s capital.

AFS Supports Legislation to Help Solve Truck Driver Shortage

February 13, 2020

Many metalcasters are experiencing the effects of the truck driver shortage across the nation. AFS has been working with a coalition and recently joined on a congressional letter with over 80 organizations urging that the DRIVE Safe Act be included in the next highway bill.