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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.

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.

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

March 30, 2020

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).

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 Compiles Changes to Tax Filing Deadlines Due to COVID-19

March 25, 2020

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

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

March 23, 2020

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.

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.

Congress Sends COVID-19 Response Bill to President, Implications for U.S. Metalcasters

March 18, 2020

The Senate approved a multibillion-dollar emergency aid package on Wednesday, March 18, to provide up to 12 weeks of paid sick and family leave for workers at companies with fewer than 500 employees, unemployment benefits, free coronavirus testing, and food and medical aid to people suffering from the results of the coronavirus pandemic.

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.

AFS Announces 2020 Policy Priorities

January 9, 2020

AFS released its top policy priorities for 2020. This year’s policy priorities identify five areas where AFS will focus its advocacy efforts: infrastructure, trade, safety, tax, and energy/environment.