DOL Independent Contractor Rule Comments Due Friday
Source: the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed a new regulation to determine whether someone should be classified as an "independent contractor" or an "employee" under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA). This new regulation would replace the regulation issued by the Trump administration that the U.S. Chamber supported. The proposal can be viewed here and comments are due to the Department of Labor by Tuesday, December 13.
The new regulation is heavily biased towards concluding that someone should be considered an employee. If an employer determines a worker should be classified as an independent contractor, the employer will not be confident that classification will be correct until the DOL approves it. The only way an employer can be confident in their classification decision is if they classify someone as an employee—the DOL will never question that decision.
Click here to read comments that explain the problems with the proposed regulation and call for its withdrawal. They are written broadly without specific industry references. If your organization wishes to be listed on these comments, please click here to sign your organization to the comment letter by the deadline this Friday, December 9 at 5:00 p.m.
Representative Millard Offers Farewell Message
Below, you'll find Representative David Millard's Farewell Message to his constituents, called "It's Time for Goodbye"
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"As I retire from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives after eighteen years, I leave as a better person.
The confidence that you, my constituents, have placed in me has enabled me to have an honor of a lifetime: the opportunity to serve as your voice in state government.
That means the opportunity to participate in open debate and vote on legislation that ultimately affects nearly 13 million people. I always tried to put a face on every piece of legislation and question how it would impact that individual. This role is an awesome responsibility that I have never taken lightly.
My time in office has been a grand picture of the American Dream. I am living proof that if you work hard, opportunities will present themselves. I grew up a poor kid from a large family, whose mother was paralyzed from a stroke after I was born and a father who never took a nickel of welfare but worked two 8-hour jobs for 20 years to support his family. I’m the youngest of six kids, who each worked their way through institutions of higher learning and became career professionals. It took me twelve and a half years of night school to earn my bachelor’s degree. Although neither of my parents lived to see it, it was this work ethic established by my father that I brought to Harrisburg. And it has been my mission to give everyone back home an equal voice as their representative.
My legislative staff has been incredible – both in service to our constituents and in help to me. My district office team steers the ship in very busy district offices. I love passing on to them the many compliments I receive about how their knowledge and work truly helps so many people. All of my Capitol staff has been amazing as well.
I’m so pleased that Rep. Robert Leadbeter will be now taking the reins as representative for all of Columbia County. I wish him the very best.
Thank you again for allowing me to serve you."
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Representative Millard, thank you again for your service to the region these last 18 years.
Department of Veterans Affairs to Launch Life Insurance Program
According the the VA, the new program will make life insurance available to more veterans than ever before.
WASHINGTON — On Jan. 1, 2023, the Department of Veterans Affairs will open enrollment for Veterans Affairs Life Insurance — the first new VA life insurance program for Veterans in more than 50 years — extending VALife access to millions of Veterans.
VALife will provide up to $40,000 of whole life insurance for all Veterans, age 80 or under, with service-connected disabilities rated from 0-100%. Acceptance in the program is guaranteed, and no medical underwriting is required.
It will also allow Veterans to complete their application online, receive instant decisions, and perform self-service functions — including electronic payments and beneficiary updates.
“All Veterans deserve to know that their families will have financial support when they pass away,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “VALife is a critical step toward making that goal a reality, helping VA provide more life insurance to more Veterans than ever before in our nation’s history.”
VALife will increase Veteran access to life insurance in several ways:
- There is no time limit to apply: VA’s existing life insurance program for service-disabled Veterans, Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance, required most Veterans to apply for insurance within 2 years of receiving their disability rating. VALife has no such time constraint for Veterans aged 80 and under.
- There is no health requirement to apply: Under S-DVI, Veterans had to be in good health except for service-connected conditions. VALife has no medical evaluation tied to it.
- Veterans are eligible for more coverage than before: Under S-DVI, most Veterans could only receive up to $10,000 of coverage. Under VALife, all Veterans are eligible for up to $40,000 of coverage.
VALife premium rates are competitive with, or better than, similar coverage available in the private sector, and $40,000 of coverage is more coverage than other like products offered. The policy will build cash value after the first two years of coverage when the face value goes into effect. If a Veteran passes away during this two-year waiting period, the named beneficiary will receive all premiums paid plus interest. Unlike S-DVI, Veterans will not be able to get a waiver for their premiums.
VA currently serves nearly 6 million Veterans, service members and their families with more than $1.2 trillion of insurance. Veterans currently enrolled in S-DVI will have the option to keep their current coverage or switch to VALife. These Veterans can apply for VALife at any time after Jan. 1, 2023; however, if they apply between Jan. 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2025, they can also retain coverage under S-DVI during the two-year waiting period for the VALife death benefit to go into effect.
Veterans will no longer be able to apply for S-DVI after VALife launches Jan. 1, 2023. However, eligible Veterans still have the opportunity to apply for the program between now and Dec. 31, 2022.
To learn more, visit VALife. Information can also be found in the final rule, which posted for public inspection November 30.
REAL ID Deadline Extended to 2025
WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its intent to extend the REAL ID full enforcement date by 24 months, from May 3, 2023 to May 7, 2025. Under the new regulations published to execute this change, states will now have additional time to ensure their residents have driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the security standards established by the REAL ID Act. As required by the law, following the enforcement deadline, federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will be prohibited from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards that do not meet these federal standards. “DHS continues to work closely with U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories to meet REAL ID requirements,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “This extension will give states needed time to ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card. DHS will also use this time to implement innovations to make the process more efficient and accessible. We will continue to ensure that the American public can travel safely.”
The extension is necessary, in part, to address the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card. REAL ID progress over the past two years has been significantly hindered by state driver’s licensing agencies having to work through the backlogs created by the pandemic. Many of these agencies took various steps in response to the pandemic including automatically extending the expiration dates of driver’s licenses and identification cards and shifting operations to appointment only.
Passed by Congress in 2005 following a 9/11 Commission recommendation, the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Security standards include incorporating anti-counterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud, and using documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be. Under the new regulations, beginning May 7, 2025, every traveler 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel.
Since enactment of the REAL ID Act in 2005, advancements in technology have enabled TSA to make significant improvements in checkpoint screening, particularly in the areas of identity management, on-person screening, accessible property screening and alarm resolution. Through the deployment of technologies such as Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), Advanced Technology (AT) X-ray, then Computed Tomography (CT), Bottled Liquids Scanners (BLS), and Credential Authentication Technology (CAT), as well as deployment of Passenger Screening Canines (PSC) and the rollout of TSA PreCheck®, TSA has continually advanced its security capabilities. TSA also increased its vetting capability through Secure Flight, a risk-based passenger prescreening program that enhances security by identifying low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport by matching their names against trusted traveler lists and watchlists. REAL ID requirements will strengthen these improvements further by providing an additional layer of confidence in the identity of the traveler.
All 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and four of five U.S. territories covered by the REAL ID Act and related regulations are issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards. These standards have significantly improved the reliability and accuracy of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.
For more information on REAL ID, visit www.dhs.gov/real-id.
Pennsylvanians Encouraged to Review New Broadband Access Map
Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (Authority) Executive Director Brandon Carson announced last week that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released its new broadband access map, a tool that will be integral in ensuring the commonwealth receives sufficient federal funding to ensure high-speed internet access for all Pennsylvanians.
“This map is a critical step in closing the digital divide, and ensuring its accuracy is important,” said Carson. “I encourage all Pennsylvanians to review the FCC broadband access map and provide corrections through the challenge process.”
The FCC’s broadband access map shows all broadband serviceable locations across the United States where fixed broadband internet access service is or can be installed. The commonwealth’s allocation of funding for broadband deployment under the federal infrastructure law is dependent upon the map being accurate, and Pennsylvanians should visit the map to search for their home address to determine whether the information listed by the FCC is accurate.
Challenges to the Map
Challenges to the map can include:
- A location that meets the FCC’s definition of a broadband serviceable location is missing from the map.
- A location’s broadband serviceability is incorrectly identified.
- Information such as the address or unit count for the location is incorrect.
- The location’s placement (its geographic coordinates) is incorrect.
Pennsylvanians should challenge the map to help improve its accuracy by January 13, 2023. There are two ways to submit a challenge: by a single location, or in bulk. The location challenge can be completed by individual consumers utilizing the map itself. Bulk challengers will be required to use the Broadband Data Collection (BDC) platform to submit information to the FCC.
Member News – November 30, 2022
Ribbon Cuttings Galore!
Congratulations to Troop 47 Trading Co., Blossoms in Bloom by Megan, Something Borrowed by T + M, and the PA CareerLink, who have recently cut the ribbon on their new locations!
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THERE'LL BE PARTIES FOR HOSTING, MARSHMALLOWS FOR ROASTING...
Berwick
- 12/3 - Christmas Boulevard opens daily through December, 6pm - 10pm
- 12/4 - Christmas on the Homefront - Stuart Tank Memorial Association, 11am - 4pm (80th birthday celebration of "Lady Lois" tank)
- 12/10 - 5:00pm - Winterfest in downtown Berwick
Bloomsburg
- 12/2 - Coming Home for Christmas/Tree Lighting - Tree lighting at 5:30pm in front of the Bloom Diner. Coming Home for Christmas to be held outside the Caldwell Consistory.
- 12/2, 12/3, 12/9, and 12/10 - Santa visits Renco Ace Hardware! Photos are free, but Renco is requesting consideration - that customers bring a nonperishable food item or monetary gift for AGAPE's Food Bank.
- 12/7 - Holiday Open House at Brookdale Bloomsburg.
- 12/10 - Holiday Community Open House at Lions Gate.
- 12/11 - 13th Annual Community Free Christmas Dinner at the Caldwell Consistory.
Danville
- 12/3 - Hometown Holiday Market - 11am - 4pm - Festive street fair featuring holiday shopping, entertainment, and activities on Mill Street.
- Wagon Rides are sold out for 12/3, 12/10, and 12/11.
Riverside
- The Borough of Riverside will host its 2nd Annual Parade of Lights on 12/3. Parade forms at 4pm at former Riverside Elementary School. $50 prizes will be awarded in four categories - walkers/marching, vehicles without floats, large floats (over 20 feet), and small floats (under 20 feet). Santa in the Park will be located under the park pavilion. Registration due by November 30 to the Borough.
Joy Through the Grove
- 11/25 - 12/31 - (Except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) 5:30pm - 9:00pm. Learn more.
A comprehensive list of holiday events is also available on the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau's website.
MCKONLY & ASBURY HOSTING WEBINAR ON ETHICAL SKILLS FOR ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERS
This free webinar on December 15th will discuss the unexpected benefits of an ethical work environment. Presenters will focus on ethical behaviors that set the “Tone at the Top” as well as employee’s personal benefits of peace of mind, trust, and good reputation. The webinar will also address the numerous employer benefits including improved employee morale, enhanced employee retention, increased employee productivity, and a greater focus on transparency throughout the organization. Click here to register.
MEMBER BLOG POST: (IMC) Demands for Increased Visibility Are Impacting Cybersecurity Preparedness
IMC recently shared this great blog post, discussing how digitization and connectivity are having a huge impact on more than just your manufacturing operations and ability to monetize data. Vulnerabilities also are increasing as Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) manufacturing solutions involve more software, devices and digitally connected employees. Check it out!
Member Blog Post: Six Things to Consider When Writing Your Will
Nobody likes to talk about it, but it's important - consider these tips by chamber member Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak when writing your will and planning your estate.
Member Blog Post: What to Know About Winter Car Washes
Zimmer Insurance answers the question - how important is a winter car wash when it seems impossible to keep your car clean? Read more.
Free Children's Programs Throughout December at Bloomsburg Public Library
From legos to Mother Goose, and story time to career exploring, there's lots of free children's programs this month!
Bloomsburg Area YMCA To Offer Adaptive Recreation
SEDA-COG's Betsy Kramer Awarded Credentials
Congratulations to Betsy Kramer, Revitalization Coordinator for SEDA-Council of Governments, who was recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) with Entrepreneurship Development Professional credentials (EDP). Read more.
Congrats, Parade of Lights Champion!
Congrats to The Dutch Wheelman Bicycle Shop, who was named first place winner at this year's Parade of Lights, having designed a windmill that operated with bicycle gears. See the picture below of the windmill en route to victory!
State Senator John Gordner Resigns
On Monday, State Senator John Gordner announced his resignation from the PA Senate after 30 years of combined service in the PA House and Senate. His full statement is below:
"On November 30, 2022, I will have served 30 years in the Pennsylvania State House and State Senate. It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve the citizens of the 109th Legislative District and the 27th Senatorial District. After being reelected in November 2020, my plan was to serve until the end of my term in November 2024 and retire. However, I have been presented with a unique opportunity that, after much family discussion and consideration, I have decided to accept. I will be resigning as a state Senator on November 30, 2022 and accepting a new position in the coming week. The new position will allow me to take full advantage of my 30-year legislative experience in the House and Senate, as well as my 35 years of being an attorney. Once again, I want to thank the residents of Columbia, Dauphin, Luzerne, Montour, Northumberland, and Snyder Counties that have supported me over the past 30 years. During the vacancy, the district offices in Bloomsburg, Mount Carmel, and Shamokin Dam will remain fully operational."
Senator Gordner's new position will be as Counsel to the office of interim Senate Pro Tempore Kim Ward.
In a statement issued November 29, Columbia Montour Chamber President Fred Gaffney said, "John Gordner has been such a strong advocate for our area, including the business community, over his years in the House and Senate. From securing funds for flood protection and storm water management to numerous economic development projects, his efforts will benefit our communities for many years to come. We cannot overstate our appreciation to Senator Gordner."
Flashback: This 2019 photo featured in the Press Enterprise, shows State Senator John Gordner speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for Chamber member Forest & Field.
A special election will take place to fill the seat left vacant by Senator Gordner's departure.
PA Chamber Reviews 2022 With End of Session Report
The PA Chamber of Business & Industry has released its 2021 - 2022 End of Session Report, which serves as a comprehensive review of the state chamber's legislative positions and an update on issues important to the business community over the last year. Serving as a deep-dive on specific government action enacted at the state level over the last session the report is categorized so as to include updates on taxes, workforce development, childcare, and career readiness, transportation and infrastructure, energy and environmental issues, labor relations and employment policies, civil justice, education, healthcare, responsible state spending, and emergency preparedness and response.
In short, the report is packed with updates on the top issues facing the business community in Columbia and Montour Counties (and beyond) - issues on which the Columbia Montour Chamber governmental affairs committee and Board of Directors have provided input and feedback to the state chamber's team and our own legislators throughout the year.
Access the 2021-2022 PA Chamber End of Session Report here.
Small Business Administration Releases Additional Restaurant Revitalization Fund Money
Source: The National Restaurant Association
The Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced the release of $83 million dollars in unobligated Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) grants to 169 operators with pending applications.
The National Restaurant Association has been requesting these funds be released, and Executive Vice President of Public Affairs Sean Kennedy made the following statement in response:
“The SBA’s action represents the final chapter of our nearly three-year effort to secure dedicated federal pandemic relief dollars for local restaurants. Today’s announcement is great news for those 169 operators fortunate enough to receive an RRF grant, but hundreds of thousands more are struggling with uncertainty.
According to the SBA, the grants are being released to operators in the order their applications were received. Operators receiving funds should receive notification today and SBA will begin transmitting the grants next week. They have until March 2023 to spend the money.
The Association was first to lay out the plan for a restaurant industry recovery fund to Congress in April 2020. Congress eventually set aside $28.6 billion dollars for the RRF in the American Rescue Plan Act. After this money was distributed, more than 177,000 applications were left in limbo at the SBA.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report in July, noting SBA was holding unobligated RRF funds and the Association was first to send a letter to SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman requesting that the unobligated money be released to unfunded applicants.
The restaurant industry was the hardest hit by the pandemic. In the initial shutdowns, more than eight million industry employees were laid off or furloughed. The industry still has not recreated 565,000 jobs lost at that time, which is the largest current employment deficit caused by the pandemic among all U.S. industries. More than 90,000 restaurants closed permanently or long-term because of the pandemic.
Member News – November 23, 2022
It's the Holiday Season, with Area Events Starting This Weekend
Berwick
- 11/24 -10:00am - Run for the Diamonds
- 11/25 - 10:30am - Santa Parade
- 11/26 - Speedo Run For the Cause
- 12/3 - Christmas Boulevard opens daily through December, 6pm - 10pm
- 12/10 - 5:00pm - Winterfest in downtown Berwick
Bloomsburg
- 11/25 - 4:00pm - TreeFest begins at the Caldwell Consistory
- 11/25 - 4:30pm - Parade of Lights - forms in Geisinger Bloomsburg Lot, moves at 6pm; Lighstreet Rd to Main St., Market to 5th, 5th to Fairgrounds. Register here.
- 11/25 & 11/26 - 10:00am - 8:00pm - Winterfest at the Fairgrounds - (Free) - Shop over 150 craft vendors inside the fair buildings including local wineries and breweries.
- 11/26 - Santa begins hours at Exclusively You on the square. Schedule here.
- 11/26 & 11/27 - North Pole Express Train Rides - Rides are approximately 1 hour and travel from Bloomsburg at Autoneum to Catawissa. Ticket availability here. Tickets for 10am Saturday ride are sold out. Tickets can also be purchased at Exclusively You, The Exchange, and Town Camera.
- 12/2 - Coming Home for Christmas/Tree Lighting - Tree lighting at 5:30pm in front of the Bloom Diner. Coming Home for Christmas to be held outside the Caldwell Consistory.
- 12/2, 12/3, 12/9, and 12/10 - Santa visits Renco Ace Hardware! Photos are free, but Renco is requesting consideration - that customers bring a nonperishable food item or monetary gift for AGAPE's Food Bank.
Danville
- 12/3 - Hometown Holiday Market - 11am - 4pm - Festive street fair featuring holiday shopping, entertainment, and activities on Mill Street.
- Wagon Rides are sold out for 12/3, 12/10, and 12/11.
Riverside
- The Borough of Riverside will host its 2nd Annual Parade of Lights on 12/3. Parade forms at 4pm at former Riverside Elementary School. $50 prizes will be awarded in four categories - walkers/marching, vehicles without floats, large floats (over 20 feet), and small floats (under 20 feet). Santa in the Park will be located under the park pavilion. Registration due by November 30 to the Borough.
Joy Through the Grove
- 11/25 - 12/31 - (Except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) 5:30pm - 9:00pm. Learn more.
A comprehensive list of holiday events is also available on the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau's website.
UGI Encourages Safe Energy Practices During the Holiday Season
Utility provides tips when cooking and decorating.
Traveling for the Holidays? 'Waterproof' Your Home Before You Leave
For many, the holiday season includes travel, whether it is to join a family gathering or enjoy a holiday vacation. These traditional holiday trips stand to amplify an already growing travel demand. The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics* reports that for July 2022, the number of people boarding a U.S. airline plane for domestic or international travel grew to 69.9 million, up 8.6 percent from July 2021 numbers. As the holiday travel season approaches, the water and fire remediation specialists at SERVPRO® of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties caution homeowners that they need to go beyond buying tickets and packing a suitcase before they leave on a trip. Homeowners need to "waterproof" their homes with this six-step plan.
North Shore Railroad Hosts Toys for Tots Drive
On Saturday, November 19th, North Shore Railroad hosted NARCOA Speeders for the 19th Annual Toys for Tots drive.
These little rail cars traveled from Northumberland, through Danville and Bloomsburg, to Berwick, and back. The public was welcomed to come alongside the railroad tracks to meet the speeder drivers and hand them a new, unwrapped toy for the drive.
Women's Center Holding Holiday Meal and Gift Pickup
Pre-registration is required by November 28 by calling 570-784-6631.
Click here for details.
Susquehanna Valley United Way Sponsoring Be Kind. Poster Contest
The goal of this contest is to increase youth community involvement while supporting the mission of Be Kind. campaign to spread kindness throughout the region and encourage each of us to give back to our community.
School-aged children across Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties are eligible to enter. The competition will be featured on social media and 3 Grand Prize winners will receive a $100 cash prize!
Click here for more information.
McKonly & Asbury Hosting Webinar on Ethical Skills for Organizational Leaders
This free webinar on December 15th will discuss the unexpected benefits of an ethical work environment. Presenters will focus on ethical behaviors that set the “Tone at the Top” as well as employee’s personal benefits of peace of mind, trust, and good reputation. The webinar will also address the numerous employer benefits including improved employee morale, enhanced employee retention, increased employee productivity, and a greater focus on transparency throughout the organization.
Click here to register.