Senate Amendment May Protect Farms and Ranches from Transfer Taxes
In the middle of the U.S. Senate’s flurry of amendments and votes this week on a $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation
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Democrats Tie Infrastructure to Union Path
Supporters say it would ensure jobs created by the infrastructure proposal are higher-paying. Opponents say the legislation would impose sweeping changes to labor laws that have little to do with the president’s spending plan and amount to a giveaway to unions.
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Most States to Offer Businesses COVID Protection
Fifteen states have adopted laws that provide businesses civil liability protection from COVID-19 claims. Another 23 states have similar pending legislation. Several states are considering vaccine-related laws.
Read moreAg Groups React to Trade Rep Confirmation
New trade chief brings experience on China at a time when stakes are especially high.
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Legislative Watch: Issues Affecting Members
The Association continually monitors state legislation relevant to the shortline farm equipment industry. In past months, it has also begun tracking bills dealing with COVID-19 liability. Here is a snapshot of issues we are following.
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Federal Funds to Farmers: Lopsided Portion of Income
With the boost in government aid, which is on top of the 64 percent increase in 2019, farmers are projected to see a 43 percent increase in net farm income in 2020.
Read moreVilsack Expected to Return as USDA Chief
If confirmed, Vilsack will face challenges related to diminished trade, a decline in rural populations, a mandate to combat climate change, and a burdened food stamps program.
Read moreRoberts Regrets Gridlock, Salutes ‘Freedom to Farm’
In his farewell, he called on his colleagues to “once again become a body of respect, humility, cooperation, achievement, and, yes, friendship.”
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IRS Makes Consequential Change to PPP Rules
The IRS is disallowing tax deductions on PPP expenses if a company “reasonably believes” that a loan may be forgiven.
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Regulatory Onslaught Hits California Soon
Association members should stay abreast of new legal obligations in California. Attorneys who focus on HR law offer their thoughts here.
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In Other Election News for Ag …
Agriculture committees in both the the U.S. Senate and House are headed for change based on last week’s election results.
Read moreCalifornia Workers Can Use Sick Days as Kin Care Days
California has revised a labor code to give employees the right to designate sick leave for caring for family and obtaining relief if victimized by violence, assault, or stalking.
Read moreTrump, Biden Square Off on Taxes, Ag Issues
The American Farm Bureau asked the candidates to discuss rural life and health, regulatory reform, trade, and more. In this issue, see the candidates’ platforms on taxes.
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Employers Hesitate to Adopt Payroll Tax Deferral
Beginning this month, employers can stop withholding part of employees’ share of Social Security taxes. The IRS will recoup the funds from employee paychecks in the first four months of 2021.
Read moreFarm Bureau Lobbies Congress on PPP Tax Issue
The IRS in April issued guidance stating that expenses are not deductible if their payment results in a PPP loan being forgiven. The guidance has been criticized by some key lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, who argue it goes against congressional intent.
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U.S. to Reimpose Aluminum Tariffs in Canada
The White House said certain types of aluminum were surging into the U.S. and depressing the industry. The administration argued that a depressed U.S. aluminum industry threatens national security and imposed a 10-percent tariff.
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Iowa Receives Disaster Declaration After Derecho
The state estimates that hundreds of millions of bushels of commercial grain storage and tens of millions of bushels of on-farm grain storage were lost in the storm.
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Expect Extension on PPP Compliance Deadline
The administration seems open to the possibility of extending the timeline to meet obligations of Payroll Protection Program, although a 24-week window is uncertain.
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Lawmakers to Focus on Small Businesses This Week
Proposals include extending the timeline on PPP and allowing businesses to use more of the funds for overhead. Some lawmakers want to create new funding vehicles.
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Lawmakers Propose More Workplace Virus Protections
The new standards would require companies to develop protocols for each element of an entire program. The so-called emergency temporary standard would give regulators the power to issue citations or fines.
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More Funding for Small Business Certain But Stalled
Lawmakers agree that small business businesses need more in a COVID-19 rescue package, but negotiations stalled over details. Resolution is expected this week.
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Stimulus Offers Loans with Option for Forgiveness
The $2.2 trillion response deal allows small businesses to acquire grants and loans up to 125 percent of their payroll with the opportunity for loan forgiveness for businesses that can quickly ramp up or sustain their workforces.
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Member-Relevant Highlights of $2 Trillion Stimulus
New stimulus bill provides billions in loans to small businesses that can be converted to grants that will not require repayment.
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Bill Calls for Paid Leave at Small Companies
The bill requires employers of small companies to pay up to $511 a day for sick leave and up to $200 a day for family leave.
Read moreFarmer Coalition Forms to Tell Story of Sustainability
The group’s guiding principles call for policies that support science-based research, voluntary incentive-based conservation programs, investment in infrastructure, and solutions that ensure vibrant rural communities and a healthy planet.
Read moreLegislation Would Mitigate Headaches Around Real ID
Citing the potential for “mass confusion, chaos and delays” at U.S. airports starting Oct. 1, members of Congress last week introduced legislation to head off travel disruption caused by the Real ID deadline.
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Farmers Join Forces for Responsible Climate Policy
Farm and ranch groups representing millions of U.S. producers are launching a coalition committed to environmental and economic sustainability.
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EDA, Others, Unite Against Right-to-Repair
EDA’s Natalie Higgins said the association has “worked in lockstep” with AEM and other associations to oppose “an onslaught of so-called right-to-repair bills …”
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Millions More Qualify for Overtime Pay
The Trump administration has boosted the number of workers eligible for overtime, extending pay requirements for about 1.3 million people.
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EPA, Army finalize repeal of controversial ‘Waters of the U.S.’ rules
This action officially ends an egregious power grab and sets the stage for a new rule that will provide much-needed regulatory certainty for farmers, home builders, and property owners nationwide.
Read moreEPA Rejects Cancer Warning on Glyphosate
EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said it is “irresponsible to require labels on products that are inaccurate when EPA knows the product does not pose a cancer risk.”
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Illinois Law Bans Employers from Salary Question
Illinois has joined the national trend of banning questions regarding a job applicant’s salary history. It is effective Sept. 29.
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Injunction Stands in North Dakota
A U.S. Appeals court has affirmed a preliminary injunction against a statute regulating relationships between manufacturers and farm equipment dealers. Our Association is not a party to the case but hopes the courts ultimately rule that competing products can occupy space together on a dealer’s lot.
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Grassley warns EU trade deal will die if agriculture is excluded
Senate Finance Committee Chuck Grassley warned the European Union on Tuesday that insisting on excluding agriculture from any trade deal
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Both Parties Seek Change Before Ratifying USMCA
Senate Finance Chairman Chuck Grassley and five other leading Republican senators went to the White House last week to level
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Presidential Hopeful Warren Tackles Right to Repair
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) rolled out an extensive agriculture platform during a recent campaign stop in Iowa. It included a
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