After several days of debate, Senate Republicans have offered their version of the “Phase Four” economic stimulus and COVID recovery bill. Of particular note to those in the ESOP community, this package of bills does not yet include S. 4236—the bill introduced by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) that would offer grants to companies that create or expand an ESOP.
The package is a first draft and will likely change significantly as both parties work to hammer out an agreement. As currently written, this group of bills would offer the following items.
The ESOP Association
ESOP Association Resources
Jul. 27
S. 4236
Economic Recovery and Investment Through Employee Ownership Program
On July 21, 2020, Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 4236, a bill to establish a federal grant program to encourage economic recovery through business investment and the creation and expansion of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). The bi-partisan bill has been co-sponsored by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance.
Economic Recovery and Investment Through Employee Ownership Program
On July 21, 2020, Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 4236, a bill to establish a federal grant program to encourage economic recovery through business investment and the creation and expansion of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). The bi-partisan bill has been co-sponsored by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance.
Jul. 21
Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced the Temporary Federal ESOP Grant Program Act, legislation to recapitalize businesses as they resume operations by helping them to create or expand an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).
This is an incredible milestone for the ESOP community. Thank Senator Johnson by clicking this link: https://ctt.ac/0jS3b
Read the full release from Senator Johnson's office below:
This is an incredible milestone for the ESOP community. Thank Senator Johnson by clicking this link: https://ctt.ac/0jS3b
Read the full release from Senator Johnson's office below:
Jul. 17
Virginia sets rules that employers must follow or face penalties; other states could use Virginia's rules as a model.
Jul. 16
By surviving tough times and retaining employees, ESOPs benefit the nation as a whole.
Jul. 09
Learn about federal and state guidance for ESOP companies planning to reopen, find out how to strengthen employee owner resiliency, find the latest on notifications and regulations, get insights on administering C corp ESOPs, and discover new content available for members—including our Summer Webinar Series, new virtual Regional Meetings, and the Professionals' Forum Summer Edition.
Employee Ownership, Culture
Oct. 30
Editor’s Note: As part of this year’s Employee Ownership Month celebration, we asked our members to share, in their own words, what being an employer means to them.
By Leila Castañeda, Strategic Initiatives Manager, Rincon Technology, Inc.
When I first interviewed for the position at Rincon Technology, I was asked to describe the life I always wanted to live; it was a question I had never been asked before by a potential employer. My shoulders and expression relaxed. Lost in thought, contemplating the request, I responded: “freedom.”
By Leila Castañeda, Strategic Initiatives Manager, Rincon Technology, Inc.
When I first interviewed for the position at Rincon Technology, I was asked to describe the life I always wanted to live; it was a question I had never been asked before by a potential employer. My shoulders and expression relaxed. Lost in thought, contemplating the request, I responded: “freedom.”
ESOP Association, ESOP Blog, Wealth Inequality, Wealth Distribution, Kellogg Foundation, ESOP Research, Rutgers University, Resource
Oct. 16
There is plenty of data about wealth inequality, focusing on data alone misses a key point: Wealth inequality is about people. It is about people who go to work, pay their bills, meet their responsibilities, contribute to their communities, and pay their taxes—and who, in spite of their best efforts, are prevented from sharing in the wealth they help create.
ESOP Blog, Employee Owner of the Year, Employee Ownership Month, Resource
Oct. 16
Jeff Mounts, Marketing Manager at ESP International, absolutely loves a certain quote. When you hear it, you understand a lot about Jeff, why he has become an invaluable member of the Communications Committee at ESP International, and why he earned The ESOP Association award for 2019 Employee Owner of the Year.
That quote? It’s from Albert Einstein, who said: “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
That quote? It’s from Albert Einstein, who said: “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
ESOP Blog, Employee Training, Culture, Employee Ownership Foundation, ESOP Research, Program Research, Resource
Oct. 07
Providing training to employees helps keep their skills sharp and can lead to improved productivity. It also shows a commitment to employee growth and development that may pay additional dividends, including potentially having a positive effect on employee retention.