Blog
COVID-19 TASK FORCE FORMED
March 30, 2020 By: Anne B. Ruffer
MEMO To: Our Clients and Friends Re: COVID-19: Mackenzie Hughes Task Force Prompted by the devastating effect that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has had on the financial stability of the country, on March 27, the 2020 Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “Act” or “CARES”). Described as the…
Read moreUSDOL ISSUES CLARIFYING GUIDANCE REGARDING SMALL BUSINESS EXEMPTION UNDER THE FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT
March 30, 2020 By: Christian P. Jones
The USDOL has issued guidance clarifying when the small business exemption applies to exclude a small business from the leave provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FCCRA), including both the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSL) and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLA). By way of reminder, the EPSL provides for…
Read moreUNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR PROVIDES GUIDANCE ON FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT
March 30, 2020 By: Christian P. Jones
The United States Department of Labor (USDOL) has been providing updated guidance for workers and employers explaining paid sick leave and expanded FMLA benefits under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Of particular assistance is a Q&A addressing many critical FFCRA issues, including the scope of small business exemptions, the circumstances under which leave…
Read moreSmall Business Bankruptcy Provisions in the Proposed “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act”
March 26, 2020 By: Neil J. Smith
At the time of this writing, the Senate has now passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) and the bill now awaits final approval by the House of Representatives and the President to be enacted into law. In addition to the well-publicized provisions providing direct financial relief to individuals and making…
Read moreCoronavirus Causes Governor to Toll the Statute of Limitations in New York
March 24, 2020 By: Megan K. Thomas, Stephen T. Helmer
Coronavirus Causes Governor to Toll the Statute of Limitations in New York The Coronavirus is impacting all aspects of our lives, and after an Order issued by Governor Cuomo on March 20, 2020, this includes temporary limitations on which lawsuits can be filed and when. By way of background, on March 7, 2020, Governor Cuomo…
Read moreNEW YORK PROVIDES FOR ADDITIONAL PAID SICK LEAVE AND OTHER BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYEES UNDER COVID-19 QUARANTINE ORDER
March 20, 2020 By: Christian P. Jones
On March 18, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed into law a statewide Coronavirus response bill that immediately provides for additional paid sick leave, unpaid leave, as well as an expansion of the state’s paid family leave and disability benefits, to certain employees who are “subject to mandatory or precautionary orders of quarantine or isolation” related to COVID-19…
Read moreFederal “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” Signed into Law: What Does it Mean for Employers?
March 19, 2020 By: Christian P. Jones
After a few days of negotiation, the federal “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” (Act) passed the Senate and was signed into law by President Trump late Wednesday. Of particular importance to employers are provisions related to paid sick leave and paid Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave. Both provisions will become effective not later than…
Read moreFour Quick Tips For Small Businesses During the Corona Virus Epidemic
March 18, 2020 By: Neil J. Smith
So you’ve followed all the CDC guidelines, obeyed the orders issued by Governor Cuomo, and heeded the advice of my colleague Chris Jones with the same fanatical devotion as a samurai obeying his master. (https://www.mackenziehughes.com/blog/new-york-provides-for-additional-paid-sick-leave-and-other-benefits-for-employees-under-covid-19-quarantine-order/). But most companies in the US are heavily indebted, and almost all companies’ cash flow will be reduced to a…
Read moreNew Legislation and Estate Planning
January 9, 2020 By: Anne B. Ruffer
New Legislation and Estate Planning What is the buzz about the SECURE Act that keeps popping up in news reports, tweets and in your email account? You are curious to find out but you’ve always been too busy to sit down and read about it. Take a few moments and read on. The SECURE Act…
Read moreEstate Planning Considerations for the year 2020
January 7, 2020 By: Mary Anne Cody
The start of a new year is always a good time to step back and consider estate planning. A carefully thought out plan is a wonderful legacy for your family. With the turmoil that now exists in our nation’s capital and the national elections which will take place next year, we should carefully consider what…
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