Table of Contents:
Senate GOP Released Next COVID Package
Update from NPMA
The Senate Republicans have finally (finally!) dropped their initial volley in the battle for the next COVID package with the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection and Schools (HEALS) Act. Originally expected last Wednesday, the bill was released in 20+ individual documents over several hours on July 27, with one unifying document still not available at the time of writing. Unfortunately, this release and bill do not appear very organized, and it probably speaks to the significant rewrites that allegedly occurred over the weekend.
This bill will see significant changes before passage, if passage occurs. NPMA will continue updating membership on iterations of the legislation.
This bill is only the opening salvo in what will likely be a couple weeks of back and forth. The House was set to recess after this week, but obviously they will need to at least come back for votes. The Senate GOP have been clear this is a starting marker, and they don't anticipate this bill even passing the Senate as-is. Given the expiration of several provisions this week (the eviction moratorium and extra $600 on unemployment) the GOP has also floated the idea of carving up issues into several smaller bills, which the Democrats have rejected out of hand.
Where are the Democrats? The Democrats are using The HEROES Act (NPMA's breakdown available here) as their starting point, with additional funding on top for state and local government. Their target is approximately $3-4 trillion. They are vehemently opposed to multiple provisions outlined below; the liability limitations and lowered unemployment have been particularly points of contention.
The White House: President Trump has been championing a payroll tax cut for months although neither Republicans nor Democrats have been in favor. He has said he would consider vetoing any package that does not include this provision but is yet to be seen if this is a sticking point that would prohibit the President's signature on a final bill. It's worth noting that any package that can get past both houses and both parties will almost certainly have a veto-proof majority.
Individuals
COVID Checks to individuals: Individuals who received a check under the CARES Act will see a second iteration. Those with an income of $75,000 ($150,000 joint) will receive $1,200 ($2,400 joint) as well as an additional $500 per dependents of any age. (Under CARES, this was limited to dependents aged 17 and under.) As with CARES, the amount phases-out completely once the income of single filers exceeds $99,000 ($198,000 joint). Rebates would now be retroactively protected from bank garnishment or levy by private creditors, debt collectors, or bank garnishment.
Student Loan Repayment: Reduces 9 current repayment options to either a standard ten-year mortgage-style payment plan or an income-based payment plan that limits payments to 10% of discretionary income. If a borrower has only undergraduate loans, then their outstanding debt will be forgiven after 20 years of payments. If the borrower has any graduate loans, then their outstanding debt will be forgiven after 25 years of payments. Federal student loan borrowers who enter repayment or wish to switch repayment plans on or after October 1, 2020 can choose between these two options.
Rental Assistance: Allocates $2.2 billion to maintain current Section 8 voucher rental assistance for low-income families who are experiencing a loss of income from the coronavirus.
Eviction Moratorium: Republicans have indicated they would extend the moratorium on evictions, but as of the time of writing, there does not appear to be textual support for this claim. As noted earlier, there is still not one cohesive copy of the bill, only individual sections, so it is possible it is buried in one of the many components.
Businesses
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): The bill would make significant changes to the PPP Loans.
Other PPP changes
Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC): Under the CARES Act, employers are eligible for the ERTC if their (1) operations were fully or partially suspended due to a COVID-19-related shut-down order, or (2) gross receipts declined by more than 50 percent when compared to the same quarter in the prior year.
Workplace and Individual: Health, Safety and Unemployment
Unemployment: This has been one of if not the main sticking point in negotiations between Democrats and Republicans. The CARES Act provides an additional payment of $600 per week to individuals receiving unemployment insurance (UI) benefits through July of 2020. This bill would continue supplemental payments of $200 per week through September. Starting in October, this payment would be replaced with a payment (up to $500) that, when combined with the state UI payment, would replace 70 percent of lost wages-either via a formula specified in the bill or by a state proposing an alternative method and receiving approval from the Secretary. States that are unable to provide a second payment tied to lost wages by October 5 could apply for a waiver from the Department of Labor to continue paying a fixed dollar amount for up to two months. Starting in October, the additional payment would count as income when determining eligibility for federal low-income programs in the same way as wages and regular state unemployment insurance payments do now.
FSA/DCFSA: Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) unused 2020 contribution amounts would be rolled over into the 2021 plan year.
Disinfectant Tax Credits: One of NPMA's priorities, this would establish a refundable payroll tax credit equal to 50 percent of an employer's "qualified employee protection expenses," such as testing for protective personal equipment, cleaning or disinfection of a workspace, and many others. In each calendar quarter, qualified expenses cannot exceed a cap based on the average number of employees. This will make disinfectant services more affordable for smaller businesses and also allow a write off for NPMA members who need to purchase equipment or products to keep their workplace free of COVID.
Limiting Liability: This has been a GOP messaging point the last few months and the text provides two types of liability limitation: medical professionals and businesses/schools/churches. This bill would preempt all state and local laws to establish a ceiling on the liability a business or medical professional can bear; states can choose to limit it further but cannot expand. Under the bill, there is a one-year statute of limitations from Dec. 1, 2019 through Oct. 1, 2024 or whenever the public health emergency is declared over. The bill provides a safe harbor, indicating that a defendant is not liable for coronavirus exposure as long as reasonable efforts were taken to comply with the applicable mandatory coronavirus standards and regulations in effect at the time of the alleged exposure. If the defendant was not subject to mandatory standards, it can claim the benefit of the safe harbor so long as it followed some set of applicable public-health guidelines. Should multiple sets of applicable mandatory guidelines conflict, compliance with one set will satisfy the safe harbor. Safe harbor is forfeited if gross negligence or willful misconduct is proven. Damages are limited to economic losses and punitive damages prohibited except in cases involving intentional misconduct. States cannot authorize higher damages.
Miscellaneous provisions of interest
Sure, Let's Pretend This is Related to COVID
What's Next?
Overall, this bill is fairly comprehensive, if disjointed. There are many positive aspects: from the disinfectant tax credit to the PPP changes. However, even the Senate GOP leadership admits that significant changes will be made, and multiple GOP Senators will vote against the bill on principle.
Further complicating things is how far apart the Dems and GOP are on both policy and price. The limiting liability and unemployment provisions will be particular sticking points for the Democrats. The GOP balks at the $3-4 trillion price tag the Democrats have championed. All of this against a backdrop of an impending August recess and expiring provisions. It's going to be a rough 1-2 weeks while Congress tries to iron out their differences.
Posted June 17, 2020
Contact Congress Today: Support Disinfectant Services Tax Credit
Update from NPMA
Congress has indicated they will focus on their next COVID-19 Relief package in July, so NPMA has created a month-long campaign to spotlight COVID-19 bills our industry cares about. Each week we will be asking you to participate in a voter voice on a specific bill to raise awareness on Capitol Hill. NPMA will also be tweeting and sending a letter from Dominque Stumpf, NPMA's CEO, to Congress outlining our concerns.
This week's campaign focuses on H.R. 7079, The Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act.
H.R. 7079 would create a tax credit per business entity to help defray the unforeseen and increased cleaning costs associated with fighting the coronavirus. The credit would be temporary, capped, and used to help offset the costs of cleaning services, cleaning products and sanitary-related equipment. Qualified cleaning expenses also would include personal protective equipment, which is critical to protecting employees and the public. This bill would assist businesses that want to reopen safely and allow disinfectant services to remain financially feasible for struggling businesses.
We need you to reach out to your Representatives and encourage them to include H.R. 7097 H.R. 7079, The Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act in the next COVID relief package.
Contact your member of Congress today by sending a Voter Voice.
Posted June 10, 2020
Contact Congress Today: Maintain Small Business Exemptions
Update from NPMA
Congress has indicated they will focus on their next COVID-19 Relief package in July, so NPMA has created a month long campaign to spotlight COVID-19 bills our industry cares about. Each week we will be asking you to participate in a voter voice on a specific bill to raise awareness on Capitol Hill. NPMA will also be tweeting and sending a letter from Dominque Stumpf, NPMA's CEO, to Congress outlining our concerns.
We have a window to make a difference and we need your help.
This week's campaign focuses on a provision in the recent House-passed bill, The HEROES Act. Currently if you have 50 or fewer employees you can qualify for an exemption from providing COVID-19 specific paid leave. It's not automatic, and you do have to document that you meet all the qualifications Department of Labor lays out, but if offering an employee paid leave for COVID-19 related reasons would "jeopardize the viability of the business as a going concern" then you have a recourse through this exemption. (More information is available on NPMA's website here.) The HEROES ACT would remove this exemption entirely, leaving no recourse for businesses under 50 employees.
We need you to reach out to your Senators and explain that removing this exemption would be hurtful to small businesses. If The HEROES Act or any similar legislation receives a vote in the Senate, we urge them to remove this exemption. Take action today through our VoterVoice and tell your Senator to retain this key small business exemption.
Posted June 10, 2020
New Senate PPP Bill Introduced Allowing a Second Loan
Update from NPMA
Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chris Coons (Del.) and Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.) introduced The Prioritized Paycheck Protection Program (P4) Act this afternoon that would allow businesses with less than 100 employees who have suffered as a result of COVID-19 to take out a second PPP (or P4) loan.
Qualifying borrowers must have 100 employees or less or be self-employed and must also be able to demonstrate a loss of more than 50% in gross receipts for a quarter in 2020 compared to a quarter in 2019. They must have exhausted (or be on pace to exhaust) their first PPP loan and certify they need the funding to support ongoing operations for covered expenses (payroll and rent/utilities/mortgage).
Publicly traded companies would not be eligible, and a P4 loan must not exceed $2 million. The Small Business Administration (SBA) would provide priority to companies with ten employees or less. If passed, the deadline to apply for these P4 loans would be October 1, 2020, although the SBA would be empowered to extend that deadline.
Many in the Senate have not had a chance to comment on this legislation yet given it's only several hours old. NPMA will continue to monitor this and other COVID-19 bills that could impact the industry. For questions on PPP loans or Congress, contact VP of Public Policy Ashley Amidon at aamidon@pestworld.org.
Posted June 5, 2020
President Trump Signs PPP Changes Into Law
Update from NPMA
President Trump has signed H.R. 7010 the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act into law. The bill makes two significant changes to the PPP loans. Previously, 75% of the funds could be used on payroll and 25% towards rent, utilities, and/or mortgage payments; now 60% can go towards payroll and 40% to rent/utilities/mortgage payments. Originally loans had to be used within 8 weeks; the bill now extends that to 24 weeks. NPMA applauds the passage of this bill and the increased flexibility it will give to small businesses.
For questions about Congress or PPP loans, contact NPMA's VP of Public Policy, Ashley Amidon, at aamidon@pestworld.org.
Posted May 14, 2020
NPMA COVID-19 Update: SBA Updates PPP Guidance
Update from NPMA
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has updated guidance on May 13 related to "borrower need" under the Paycheck Protection Program.
The concern over which companies have a demonstrated need has been a subject of much debate and media attention, as the lack of clear guidance resulted in many large companies applying for and receiving loans during the first round of PPP funding. SBA released a clarification in April regarding what constituted need; you can read NPMA's update on that clarification here. As larger companies with access to capital markets have debated whether to return funding or not, small businesses have also wondered what exactly a demonstrated need is.
SBA updated their FAQ document on May 13th to further clarify. In FAQ Question 46 the SBA explains that they have created a safe harbor provision for smaller loans. In essence, loans that are under $2 million are deemed to have been made in good faith. Borrowers should still maintain records as required by the program but audits will be focused on loans above $2 million, as those companies are more likely to have access to other funding streams.
The full answer is available below. For additional questions, contact Ashley Amidon, VP of Public Policy at aamidon@pestworld.org.
Coped from page 16 of the SBA FAQ available here:
Question: How will SBA review borrowers' required good-faith certification concerning the necessity of their loan request?
Answer: When submitting a PPP application, all borrowers must certify in good faith that "[c]urrent economic uncertainty makes this loan request necessary to support the ongoing operations of the Applicant." SBA, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, has determined that the following safe harbor will apply to SBA's review of PPP loans with respect to this issue: Any borrower that, together with its affiliates, 20 received PPP loans with an original principal amount of less than $2 million will be deemed to have made the required certification concerning the necessity of the loan request in good faith.
SBA has determined that this safe harbor is appropriate because borrowers with loans below this threshold are generally less likely to have had access to adequate sources of liquidity in the current economic environment than borrowers that obtained larger loans. This safe harbor will also promote economic certainty as PPP borrowers with more limited resources endeavor to retain and rehire employees. In addition, given the large volume of PPP loans, this approach will enable SBA to conserve its finite audit resources and focus its reviews on larger loans, where the compliance effort may yield higher returns.
Importantly, borrowers with loans greater than $2 million that do not satisfy this safe harbor may still have an adequate basis for making the required good-faith certification, based on their individual circumstances in light of the language of the certification and SBA guidance. SBA has previously stated that all PPP loans in excess of $2 million, and other PPP loans as appropriate, will be subject to review by SBA for compliance with program requirements set forth in the PPP Interim Final Rules and in the Borrower Application Form. If SBA determines in the course of its review that a borrower lacked an adequate basis for the required certification concerning the necessity of the loan request, SBA will seek repayment of the outstanding PPP loan balance and will inform the lender that the borrower is not eligible for loan forgiveness. If the borrower repays the loan after receiving notification from SBA, SBA will not pursue administrative enforcement or referrals to other agencies based on its determination with respect to the certification concerning necessity of the loan request. SBA's determination concerning the certification regarding the necessity of the loan request will not affect SBA's loan guarantee.
Posted May 13, 2020
NPMA COVID-19 Update: HEROES Act
Update from NPMA
House Democrats dropped text today of their next COVID relief bill titled The Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions, or HEROES Act. Clocking in at about $3 trillion, it runs 1,815 pages (the summary alone is 90 pages). A House vote is tentatively scheduled for 9 AM Friday. It will likely pass along partisan lines and then languish in the Senate, as Republicans have indicated they do not see a need to pass another stimulus bill right now.
Knowing this, the Democrats have used this as a messaging vehicle, loading it up with every priority (and then some) not included in previous bills. Some provisions bear only a passing connection to COVID's effects on individuals and businesses, some are bipartisan and sensible, and some are almost guaranteed to cause GOP outcry. Despite the many provisions that will never pass, this bill is worth dissecting because some of these provisions will likely find support amongst Republicans in whatever the next package is, whenever it passes. It is also worth noting that some progressives are also unhappy with the bill, noting it doesn't go far enough.
Below is an initial breakdown of provisions within the bill of interest to individuals and businesses. Please note, this bill is not likely to pass Congress in its current form; it will likely pass the Democratic-controlled House with few or no changes but will not be welcomed in the GOP controlled Senate. NPMA staff will continue to monitor this legislation and provide updates as they are available; for specific questions, contact Ashley Amidon, VP of Public Policy at aamidon@pestworld.org.
COVID Checks to individuals:
Student Loans: Prohibits federally backed student loans from accruing interest through September 30, 2021. Provides up to $10,000 in relief for all Department of Education and privately held loan borrowers. This payment will not be considered taxable income.
Debt Collection: Prohibits collection of consumer debt during this COVID-19 crisis and for 120 days thereafter.
Homeowners & Renters:
Taxes: Makes the child tax credit ("CTC") fully refundable for 2020 and increases the amount to $3,000 per child ($3,600 for a child under age 6). The provision also makes 17-year-olds qualifying children.
Debt Collection: Establishes a temporary moratorium on small business and non-profit debt collection during this COVID-19 crisis, and for 120 days after its conclusion. For non-profit debt collection, only 501 (c) 3 organizations are eligible for the moratorium.
Changes to Main Street Lending Program:
Changes to PPP Loans:
Small Business Grants: $10 billion in grants to small businesses that have suffered financial losses as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
Essential Worker Support: Establishes $850 million in funding to provide childcare support to those considered essential workers. States can determine if that support is distributed via reimbursement, paying providers directly, or setting up childcare services. No income test may be used to determine eligibility. Essential workers are defined as any of the following: Health care sector workers; Emergency response workers; Sanitation workers; Workers at businesses which state or local officials have determined must stay open to serve the public during the COVID-19 emergency; Any other worker who cannot telework and who the State or local government deems to be essential during the COVID-19 pandemic.
(NPMA NOTE: this provides very broad definitions of "essential worker" and as specified, could cover the pest management industry. It is likely that a narrower definition would be ultimately used.)
Taxes:
WORKPLACE & INDIVIDUAL: HEALTH, SAFETY AND PAID LEAVE CHANGES
Workplace Safety: Requires OSHA to create an emergency temporary standard within 7 days of enactment. Much of this would apply only to health care workers, but the standard would also prohibit employers from retaliating against workers for reporting or publicizing health and safety hazards, or for using their own more protective personal protective equipment if not provided by the employer.
Public Health:
FMLA & Paid Sick Leave: This bill would make significant changes to the FMLA/Sick leave provisions in the CARES Act, particularly when it comes to small businesses. The small business exemptions would be totally removed, and the categories under which FMLA leave is available would be dramatically expanded.
Exemptions for businesses with less than 50 employees are no longer applicable for either paid sick leave or FMLA. Any exemption is retroactively removed.
FMLA specific:
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS OF INTEREST
Posted May 1, 2020
COVID Loan Resources: PPP, EIDL & Main Street Loans
Update from NPMA
NPMA has prepared a one-page reference document (available here) with pertinent information on all current COVID specific loan programs. The document breaks down exactly what you need to know about each program including where to apply and whether it is currently accepting applications.
NPMA has also added a new FAQ on our website in response to questions about the PPP guidance on which companies are asked to return already approved loans:
I've read in the news about some companies having to return PPP loans by May 7th if they have access to "other capital." How do I know if I have to return my PPP loan?
The Small Businesses Administration updated their FAQ on 4/29/20 (available here) to clarify eligibility in response to reports of large, publicly traded companies taking these PPP loans; the case of Shake Shack is perhaps the most publicized. Congressional intent was that these loans were for small businesses, not for major companies that are publicly traded with large reserves and access to capital markets. The SBA has clarified in their 4/29/20 FAQ Update that companies who are publicly traded and have access to capital markets are unlikely to qualify: "For example, it is unlikely that a public company with substantial market value and access to capital markets will be able to make the required certification in good faith, and such a company should be prepared to demonstrate to SBA, upon request, the basis for its certification. (SBA FAQ, pg 11) Since businesses of any size can have access to lines of credit through their lending institutions and the CARES Act specifically does not say that access to a line of credit is a disqualifier, small businesses who have access to credit through their lending institutions are still eligible to get and keep a PPP loan, but they do need to show that's it's important for their businesses to continue functioning: "borrowers still must certify in good faith that their PPP loan request is necessary. Specifically, before submitting a PPP application, all borrowers should review carefully the required certification that '[c]urrent economic uncertainty makes this loan request necessary to support the ongoing operations of the Applicant." (SBA FAQ, pg 11). It is also important for all borrowers to maintain records as required by the PPP. Each individual company is best situated to make a determination of what the need is for their company.
Posted April 27, 2020
PPP & EIDL Funding Signed Into Law
Update from NPMA
On Friday, President Trump signed into law an additional $310 billion in funding for the Paycheck Protection Program and an additional $50 billion for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). While welcome, banks have warned this additional funding could be eaten up in as little as two days.
Republicans have indicated they are unwilling to pass additional COVID support bills until they reconvene in May and may not be interested in adding more funding to these programs. It is widely expected these programs will lapse again. If your business plans on taking advantage of either of these programs you should put in an application immediately with your lending institution.
For more information on any of the loan programs, visit NPMA's Small Business FAQ here. For a list of approved lending institutions by state, visit the SBA website here.
Posted April 23, 2020
Main Street Lending Program Information Loans for Small and Mid-Sized Business
Much attention has been paid to the plight of small businesses (500 or less employees) in the wake of COVID. But small businesses have not been the only ones struggling; mid-sized and even larger businesses are beginning to feel the effects of shrinking consumer confidence and a contracting economy. With lending options like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) under The CARES Act reserved for small businesses, mid-sized businesses have struggled to find funding streams. The CARES Act did authorize one program for small and mid-sized businesses, which while not yet fully operational has begun to stand up the application framework and eligibility information. The Federal Reserve has stated that the program aims to be open within 1-2 weeks. NPMA has provided information below that will help you start to think about whether this program is right for your business.
The Main Street Lending Program was created to help businesses with up to 10,000 employees or up to $2.5 billion in revenue. Up to $600 billion has been allocated to the program. Some important information about the program is below.
Paycheck Protection Program Loans Update
Posted April 14, 2020
PPP & EIDL Loan Programs Set to Run Out of Money
Update from NPMA
Two key small business funding programs are rapidly paying out funds and will soon bump up against their limit.
Based on the rate of payout, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan program is expected to run out of funding approximately April 17th. It could be earlier or could last until early next week, but as of 4/14 no additional Congressional funding appears forthcoming. If you or your businesses are interested in taking advantage of this program, please note that once funding runs out, PPP loans cannot be processed. Lending institutions can and have set standards above what the SBA requires, so please speak with your lending institution on the particulars of the application.
The Economic Injury Development Loan (EIDL) program through the Small Business Administration is also reportedly running low due to the high volume of applications. No numbers have been circulated yet, but there have also been reports that funds have been slow to reach businesses.
For information on these program and how to apply, you can visit NPMA's Small Business FAQs here.
Posted: April 3, 2020
Paycheck Protection Loans Update
Applications Open April 3
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans open for application today. NPMA has prepared resources for businesses choosing to take advantage of these loans below.
How do I get a Paycheck Protection Program loan?
The Department of the Treasury has released information on how to apply for the $349 billion pool of money dedicated to the Paycheck Protection Program. The Treasury has information on the program here. Information for borrowers can be found here and the application is here.
When can I apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan?
The PPP loans through Department of Treasury are available for small businesses and sole proprietorships on April 3rd and for independent contractors and self-employed individuals on April 10th. The funds available are on a first-come, first-serve basis so applying early will be key.
For more information on small business support programs and regulations under COVID-19 legislation, you can view the full NPMA FAQs here.
Posted: April 2, 2020
Update from NCDA&CS Structural Pest Control
As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 outbreak as an industry, we realize that our members are being impacted in many ways.
NCPMA spoke with Victor Lennon of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Structural Pest Control & Pesticides Division about potential impacts to structural pest control testing and licensing.
His responses are below.
NCPMA: Does the state have a plan to address testing opportunities for new employees (if required) and licensing / certification testing during COVID-19? If so, what is the plan?
Lennon: N.C. does not require testing of new employees that are going to be Registered Technicians (RT)-they have to complete the RT program, and we've indicated in our COVID-19 guidance document that we are not currently enforcing the employer having to obtain a RT card within 75 days of employment. Some companies have Approved Equivalent RT Training and can continue to train as normal and apply for RT cards. Other companies can still perform the required on-the-job training and have employees complete the RT workbook. These employees will need to eventually attend the RT school before being issued a credential. No decision has been made about future license/CA exams at this time.
NCPMA: Has the state considered issuing temporary licensing, or waiving testing requirements for new employees as states such as Georgia and Indiana have done?
Lennon: The requirements for testing are contained in the Structural Pest Control Law. Neither the Committee nor the Division has authority to waive requirements in the Law. We are currently working to determine whether we would need to extend the certification expiration date of June 30th and we will ask the Committee for a proclamation to that effect, if necessary. N.C. has not considered temporary licensing at this time, and we don't require testing for new employees. Please see above information about RT's. If a company loses a license then a CA can be designated in charge for 90 days per the SPC Law and the Division can also review this scenario on a case by case basis.
NCPMA: If licensing is required for antimicrobial applications, has the state considered adjusting licensing requirements for antimicrobials to allow certified applicators in other categories to use these products without additional testing?
Lennon: Licensing is not required for antimicrobial applications as long as a RUP is not applied and the application is not for Forestry, Horticultural or Agricultural purposes.
Posted: April 1, 2020
Here is an updated list of "Stay at Home" and "Shelter in Place" orders statewide.
North Carolina Statewide:
On March 27, Gov. Roy Cooper announced a statewide "Stay at Home" order beginning Monday, March 30 at 5 p.m. This order is in effect for at least 30 days. In areas where a local "Stay at Home" order is in place, the more restrictive of the two orders will be followed.
For more information, check the state's FAQ document.
Note: Pest management is considered an essential service under this statewide order.
Counties:
Municipalities:
Our Board of Directors is available to answer any questions you may have. Contact us at the numbers below for questions.
Board Member | Phone Number |
John Adkins Vice President |
434-251-6100 |
Marty Roberts Secretary Treasurer |
704-363-4710 |
Bruce Roberts Past President |
828-302-5591 |
Marie Horner Board Member |
336-209-1858 |
NPMA Answers Your Frequently Asked Questions on COVID-19 and the Industry Information provided by NPMA The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has received many questions from members about small business loans, essential services designations and how to offer disinfection services. To help the industry cope with these constantly changing circumstances, NPMA has created an FAQ page on the www.pestcontrolcoronavirus.com covering the most frequent questions we receive. We've also added documents from other groups to help guide you: Are you a small (under 500 employee) business? Check out the Chamber of Commerce guide to SBA loans here. Are you a non-profit? Check out the American Society for Association Executives (ASAE) CARES Act breakdown here. Want to apply for the Payroll Protection Program loans? You can find all the information here. You can read all of NPMA's FAQs here. Have a question not answered?
NPMA Updates Be sure to check the NPMA website regularly for the latest industry updates about COVID-19. NPMA is updating its site regularly. |
President Trump Signs the CARES Act Into Law President Trump has signed The CARES Act into law, bringing an end to over a week of frenetic legislative activity in DC. This $2.2. trillion dollar package will provide direct financial support to many Americans as well as loans (some of which are forgivable) to small businesses. NPMA will continue to update the membership on implementation of The CARES Act and HR 6201, as well as the status of the rumored one or two additional packages beyond this. If you have questions about federal affairs contact Ashley Amidon, VP of Public Policy at aamidon@pestworld.org.
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Essential Worker Documentation NPMA provides a template form that you can use for your employees to go to and from work in areas that have executive orders to shelter in place or stay at home and deem pest control essential click here. NPMA recommends that you:
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TELL YOUR LAWMAKERS THAT PEST MANAGEMENT IS ESSENTIAL Our state's leaders need to hear directly from business owners about the importance that the pest management industry has for our state. You can easily contact our state's leaders using the methods below. N.C. Department of Public Safety Email the Business Emergency Operations Center for the N.C. Department of Public Safety at beoc@ncdps.gov. In your email, include:
Voter Voice Continue to tell your story to your lawmakers by following this Voter Voice link to email NC's lawmakers directly. The link allows you to contact multiple lawmakers at once by filling out a simple form. It takes only minutes to complete, but can make a big impact! |
Posted: March 24, 2020
Dear NCPMA Members,
The NCPMA Board of Directors has been working diligently to convey to our state's leaders that the pest management industry is an essential business in our state, and we will continue this work in the days and weeks to come.
Our state's leaders need to hear directly from business owners about the importance that the pest management industry has for our state. You can easily contact our state's leaders using the methods below.
N.C. Department of Public Safety
Email the Business Emergency Operations Center for the N.C. Department of Public Safety at beoc@ncdps.gov.
In your email, include:
Voter Voice
Continue to tell your story to your lawmakers by following this Voter Voice link to email NC's lawmakers directly.
The link allows you to contact multiple lawmakers at once by filling out a simple form. It takes only minutes to complete, but can make a big impact!
Sincerely,
Clint Miller
NCPMA President
Posted: March 23, 2020
Dear NCPMA Members,
Today, March 23, Gov. Cooper announced new restrictions for businesses in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Although these restrictions include closing some businesses in the state, the current Executive Order does not affect the pest management industry.
Our members are able to continue their work of providing an essential service for our state.
Please continue to visit the CDC’s website for the most up-to-date information on workplace guidance for COVID-19.
Throughout this situation, the NCPMA Board of Directors has been working diligently to convey to our state's leaders that the pest management industry is an essential business in our state, and we will continue this work in the days and weeks to come.
Please continue to tell your story to your lawmakers by following this Voter Voice link to email NC's lawmakers directly!
Sincerely,
Clint Miller
NCPMA President
Posted: March 18, 2020
Dear Members:
The North Carolina Pest Management Association is monitoring the coronavirus situation very closely and making the necessary decisions to ensure the health and safety of each of our members.
NC Response
We realize that this situation may impact our members in many ways, and we want to assure you that we are here to help. We have been working diligently to convey to our state's leaders that the pest management industry is an essential business in our state, and we delivered the following letter explaining this point to our state's leaders earlier this week.
Follow this Voter Voice link to email NC's lawmakers directly!
Webinar
Register to join the NPMA's webinar on March 20 addressing coronavirus issues in the pest management industry. REGISTRATION: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/9009478947974019853
National Response
Our national association is working round the clock to provide information to our industry. For the most updated information on the how this is impacting the pest management industry, please visit NPMA: Coronavirus Member Update which is updated regularly.
NPMA firmly believes that structural pest control is an essential industry that must continue to provide the valuable services we offer during this pandemic. To that end, we are communicating with CDC, Homeland Security, state Governors, EPA, ASPCRO, AAPCO and the League of Cities, urging these entities to identify pest control as an essential industry. Each company must make a decision about what works best for your business, your employees, and your customers but NPMA wants to ensure that we have the ability to continue protecting the public from pests and their associated threats to public health, food and property.
In the coming days, we will be pointing members to a new NPMA microsite that will go live. The new site will be dedicated to providing information and useful resources for pest professionals regarding the coronavirus’ impact on pest management operations. More details coming soon.
Below are some resources for businesses that may be impacted by COVID-19.
If you have any questions, please contact our headquarters at 800-235-2516 or ncinfo@pestworld.org.
Sincerely,
Clint Miller
NCPMA President