Browse Government and Regulatory News

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

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. 

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DHS Releases Second Update to its Guidance on Essential Critical Operations and Workers During COVID-19

On April 17, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued the latest update, Version 3.0, to its “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce” guidelines, intended to help state and other local officials decide what workers may need to continue to operate when coronavirus-related (CO

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Trump Administration Unveils Three-Phase Plan for States to Reopen Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

On April 16, the Trump administration released new federal guidelines for governors to use while reopening their state’s economies following coronavirus quarantine procedures. The administration's 18-page guidance document, the “Opening Up America Again” plan, details three phases to reopen state economies, with a series of “gating criteria” it uses to gauge infection levels and avoid a resurgence in infection rates.

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SBA Issues Final Application Form for New Small Business Loans

AFS will host a webinar, "COVID-19: New Federal Loaning Options for Small and Medium-Sized Metalcasters -- Are You Eligible, How Do You Apply, and What are the Key Terms/Benefits?" on April 6.

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

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.

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Congress Approves Historic Coronavirus Relief Package with Loans for Small Businesses

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.

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DOL Indicates Shut-Down Employees Won’t Qualify for Emergency Paid Sick Leave or FMLA

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released an updated guidance document on the implementation of the paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave benefits in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

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AFS Compiles Changes to Tax Filing Deadlines Due to COVID-19

The federal government and several states have extended their deadlines to file and pay 2019 tax returns because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

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States Must Designate Metalcasting as Critical Manufacturing Sector

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.

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Small Foundries in All U.S. States Eligible to Apply for Low-Interest Loans Due to Covid-19

The Small Business Administration announced it would offer disaster assistance loans for up to $2 million for foundries and other small businesses affected by the coronavirus. These low-interest loans are available to businesses that have sustained “substantial economic injury” due to the spread of the virus.

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