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.
Jun. 26
On June 22nd, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Department of the Treasury released revisions to the interim final rule on forgiveness and the interim final rule on loan review procedures for PPP loans.
Jun. 24
Companies planning to re-open their doors have a new resource to help them: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released guidance employers should use when developing policies and procedures that ensure the safety and health of their employees.
Jun. 22
As companies re-open and the standards change for how to remain safe, communicating with employee owners will become even more important—and more challenging.
Program Research
Jun. 20
For nearly the last decade, the Employee Ownership Foundation has provided the funding necessary to collect data regarding employee ownership as part of the General Social Survey (GSS). This survey, and the data it produces, is considered the gold-standard for data used by academic researchers interested in studying the American population. The data is openly available and has subsequently been used by academics to better understand Americans’ attitudes toward employee ownership and the impact it has on their lives. This new report published by Dr. Joseph Blasi and Dr. Doug Kruse of Rutgers University analyzed the newest release of GSS data and observed the overwhelming and uniquely bi-partisan support for employee ownership across all demographics and citizen profiles.
Jun. 19
Wednesday, The Small Business Administration (SBA) released two important documents related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP):