Dane County and Madison’s New Public Health Order
Dane County and Madison’s New Public Health Order On May 18, Public Heath Madison and Dane County (PHMDC) issued Emergency Order #2 along with a guide for organizations to start planning a phased reopening under the Order, Forward Dane. We are currently in the Preparing for Safe Reopen Phase under Forward Dane and all individuals and organizations are […]
SBA and Treasury Release PPP Loan Forgiveness Application
On May 15, 2020, the Small Business Administration (“SBA”), in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, released the PPP Loan Forgiveness Application and related forms and instructions. The application and forms instruct borrowers how to calculate and apply for loan forgiveness and specify the supporting documentation to be submitted to lenders. Key aspects of […]
IRS Increases Flexibility for Employer Health Plans, FSAs and Dependent Care Programs
On May 13, 2020, the IRS released new guidance giving employers greater flexibility in the administration of sponsored Sec. 125 cafeteria plans (including health insurance, flexible spending and dependent care plans), whether insured or self-insured. Under the new rules, an employer may amend plan documents to permit employees to make new health care elections or […]
DWD’s Work-Share Program: Another Option to Avoid Layoffs
As employers evaluate options to address the impact of COVID-19 on their organizations, Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is encouraging participation in its Work-Share Program. The Work-Share Program is designed to help employers avoid layoffs of at least two employees by reducing employees’ hours during slow business periods of up to six months. The […]
Evers Administration Releases Specific Guidance to Prepare for Reopening
On May 8, 2020, the Evers administration released specific guidance on “turning the dial” toward reopening. The guidelines cover such issues as employee health and hygiene; social distancing and other protective measures in the workplace; cleaning and disinfection practices; physical distancing of employees and equipment; employee training, support and communication; and customer/public health and safety […]
EEOC Updates ADA Accommodations and EEO Reporting
On May 7, 2020, the EEOC updated an existing technical assistance publication, “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and other EEO Laws.” New questions and answers on “Return to Work” address an employer’s obligations to accommodate employees with underlying medical conditions as they begin to return to the workplace […]
Updated Cobra Forms
Updated Cobra Forms On May 4, 2020, the Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service jointly provided updates to the notification and elections deadlines set forth in the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) intended to protect the participants and beneficiaries in employee benefit plans during the National Emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. […]
Illinois Provides Model for Newly Required Anti-Harassment Training
On April 30, the Illinois Department of Human Rights released a model training presentation that employers can use to comply with Illinois’ new sexual harassment prevention training requirement. An employer may use this model training, or it may develop a training specifically tailored to its organization, provided that the training meets the state’s minimum legal […]
Updated Cobra Forms
Updated Cobra Forms On May 1, 2020, the Department of Labor announced updates to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) Model General Notice and Model Election Notice. The modifications provide information about Medicare as an option for employees who have lost their health insurance as a result of a qualifying event. Given the number […]
Recovery Readiness Guide For Employers
Recovery Readiness Guide For Employers As businesses prepare to reopen or resume full operations amid COVID-19, there will be new challenges and questions. No one has all the answers, but Lake Effect can help you anticipate some of the issues that are likely to arise as you reopen and/or return more employees to the worksite. […]
