March 2022 Government Affairs Update

Congress Passes FY 2022 Appropriations Bill

Last week, Congress passed a $1.5 trillion bipartisan appropriations bill that funds the federal government through the remainder of fiscal year (FY) 2022. The spending package also contains a supplemental funding bill providing $13.6 billion to support Ukraine.

The legislation contains several provisions relevant for building service contractors, including workforce development initiatives, small business programs, immigration and others. A full summary of the bill can be found here.

Workforce Development:

• $2.1 billion for Career, Technical and Adult Education, an increase of $61 million above the FY 2021 enacted level.
• $235 million for Registered Apprenticeships, an increase of $50 million above the FY 2021 enacted level.
• $50 million, an increase of $5 million over the FY 2021 enacted level, to continue and expand Strengthening Community College Training Grants to help meet local and regional labor market demand for a skilled workforce by providing training to workers in in-demand industries at community colleges and four-year partners.
• $2 million for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) Apprenticeships to Additional increases are provided for grants to states for fire protection and forest stewardship, and for research on fire behavior, invasive pests, and disease.

Small Business Administration

• $1 billion in investments for programs to help small businesses and entrepreneurs access capital and contracting opportunities through the Small Business Administration (SBA).
• $178 million for SBA disaster loans, which provide assistance to business owners, homeowners, and nonprofits that are rebuilding local communities in the wake of devastating natural disasters.
• $290 million for Entrepreneurial Development grants, which is $18 million above the fiscal year 2021 enacted level.
• $138 million for Small Business Development Centers.

Immigration:

• $275 million to the Department of Homeland Security for application processing to address visa backlogs and delays.

IRS Releases Updated FAQs on COVID-19 Paid Leave Credits

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently updated its frequently asked questions (FAQs) on tax credits for paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) for paid leave prior to April 1, 2021 and after March 31, 2021.

The FFCRA and ARP provided small and midsize employers with refundable tax credits and reimburses them, dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of providing paid sick and family leave wages to their employees for leave related to COVID-19.

Frequently Asked Questions for Paid Leave Credits Prior to April 1, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions for Paid Leave Credits After March 31, 2021