Browse Government and Regulatory News

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

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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).

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

AFS Urges Administration to Classify Metalcasting as Essential Industry

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.

Read More