Browse Government and Regulatory News

AFS Supports Legislation to Double R&D Tax Credit

A bill that would boost innovation and expand tax credits for small businesses has the support of the American Foundry Society. H.R. 7766 would assist metalcasters by doubling research and development tax credits and allowing more businesses to access these incentives.

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AFS calls on lawmakers to pass ‘bold’ infrastructure bill

The American Foundry Society is calling on U.S. lawmakers to make long-overdue investments in the nation’s critical infrastructure networks. As metal castings are used in 90 percent of all durable goods, they are integral to the nation's infrastructure.

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OSHA Issues Guidance for Uniform Enforcement of its Crystalline Silica Standards

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently issued a compliance directive designed to ensure uniformity in its inspection and enforcement procedures when addressing respirable crystalline silica exposures in general industry, maritime, and construction.

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CDC Issues Testing Strategy for COVID-19 after a Case is Identified

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a guidance document for high-density critical infrastructure workplaces that test employees for COVID-19 as part of their disease control measures.

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

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.

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Medical Surveillance Requirements for OSHA’s Silica Rule Change on June 23

U.S. metalcasters should be aware that the medical surveillance requirements for OSHA’s silica rule change on June 23, 2020.

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Congressman Brady Discusses Solutions for Reopening the Economy Across the Country

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.

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AFS Urges Congress and Administration to Fix Paycheck Protection Program

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.

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OSHA to Increase Enforcement and Revise Recordkeeping Requirements for COVID-19

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced this week a new guidance for enforcing its COVID-19 recordkeeping requirements, soon requiring employers, including metalcasters, to make an increased effort to determine whether they need to record and report coronavirus cases in the workplace.

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IRS Revises Guidance on Employee Retention Credit in PPP Loans

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.

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