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.
Mar. 30
ESOP companies can apply for greatly expanded federal financial assistance that may qualify for partial or full debt forgiveness. Read More
Mar. 26
See how the latest bill for COVID-19 relief, just passed by the Senate, can help ESOP companies grapple with the economic downturn.
Mar. 25
The ESOP Association today sent a letter to the Secretary of Labor asking for emergency plan flexibility, regulatory guidance, and investigatory relief for active or new routine EBSA investigations.
ESOP Association President & CEO Jim Bonham specifically requested that DOL:
ESOP Association President & CEO Jim Bonham specifically requested that DOL:
Mar. 23
In votes held last night and today, the Senate was unable to move forward on a proposed multi-trillion dollar “Phase 3” piece of legislation that would provide a massive infusion of cash and loan relief for private sector businesses. The legislation is currently stalled over disagreements between Republicans and Democrats over the nature of corporate relief and its uses.
Mar. 19
These slide decks show the nation's response to COVID-19 in a quick, easy to read format.
Mar. 18
As Congress considers various aid packages for businesses negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic, The ESOP Association is working to ensure the needs of the ESOP community are part of the discussion.