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.
Apr. 27
There has been a clear shift in the political environment propelled by public discussions of certain large, public companies obtaining loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), including Shake Shack, Ruth’s Chris and others[1]. During this time, many small businesses have been quoted in the press expressing frustration with their inability to access the PPP program prior to the first round of guarantee authority being exhausted.
Apr. 24
New guidance assures that ESOP companies are eligible for key federal relief under the Paycheck Protection Program.
Apr. 24
New guidance and a resource page from the EEOC can help reduce risk as employers make plans to reopen their businesses.
Apr. 22
Congress and the Trump Administration have reached a deal on a new round of coronavirus aid entitled the Paycheck Protection Program Increase Act of 2020. The ESOP Association has remained aggressively engaged with key leaders in Congress and the White House to ensure ESOPs and employee owned businesses remain front of mind as legislation is drafted.
Apr. 08
Washington Alert: Senators Tell SBA That ESOPs Qualify for Relief, Urge Clear Instruction to Lenders
In response to TEA request, two influential Senators take action to clear the way for ESOPs to receive PPP funds.
Apr. 02
Sharing these three informational resources with your employee owners can help them grapple with today’s challenges.