Arizona Legislature The Arizona Legislature adjourned on March 23rd with the hope of reconvening on April 13th to finish the session, but this week it was decided that it would not be safe to return April 13th. No new date of return was announced, only that members would be given ample notice before they are…
California Legislature While originally planning on returning to Sacramento on April 13th, the California Legislature announced last week that it will remain on recess until May 4th. Assuming that date holds true, the Legislature will immediately get to work on the State Budget upon their return. The Governor’s May Revision of the budget is due…
CalOSHA Issues Workplace Guidance for Agriculture The California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Occupational Safety & Health (CalOSHA) has released a safety and health guidance document for agricultural employers. The document contains information, recommendations, and requirements for agricultural employers on how to update their Injury and Illness Prevention Programs (IIPP) to include preventing the…
Specialty Crop Coalition & Valley Representatives Request Funding to Combat Impacts of COVID-19 April 9, 2020 American Pistachio Growers is part of a specialty crop coalition advocating to Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for funding for specialty crop industries from the recently passed CARES Act. Recognizing the value of specialty crops in…
Congress Debates a Potential Phase 4 April 9, 2020 Immediately after passing the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the $2 trillion Phase 3 stimulus bill, Congress was already discussing about whether to do a Phase 4 bill and what might be included if any legislation was put forward. Talk from D.C. indicates…
Paycheck Protection Program Accepting Applications from Small Businesses April 9, 2020 Congress has created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) which authorizes up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to be issued to small businesses. These loans can be utilized to pay employees during the COVID-19 crisis and will be forgiven as long as: The loan…
COVID-19: New Mexico Resources Sec. of Health issues Public Health order On March 23, 2020, New Mexico Secretary of Health Kathyleen Kunkel issued a Public Health Order further limiting mass gatherings, defined as 5 or more people in a single room, and ordering the closing of all businesses except those deemed essential. As defined in New…
COVID-19: Federal Resources White House Food & Drug Administration (FDA) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) COVID-19 Guidance Centers for Disease & Control (CDC): COVID-19 Information CDC Guidance for Businesses & Employers How to Protect Yourself and Others Critical Infrastructure: Food & Agriculture Workers
COVID-19: Arizona Resources Governor Ducey issues “Stay Home” Order On March 30, 2020, Governor Ducey issued an Executive Order instituting a “Stay home, Stay healthy, Stay connected” policy for the State of Arizona. Under the policy, all Arizonans are to limit their time away from their place of residence or property, and “may leave their place…
COVID-19: California Resources Governor Newsom Issues “Stay at Home” Order In California, Governor Newsom has issued a “Stay at Home” Executive Order as of the evening of March 19, 2020. All individuals in the State of California are ordered to stay home or at their place of residence except as needed to maintain continuity of…