1. Senators Release Water Infrastructure Legislation

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, chaired by Senator John Barrasso (R-Wy.) and Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), released two NECA-supported water infrastructure bills, the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2020 (AWIA 2020) and Drinking Water Infrastructure Act of 2020.

NECA’s Look Ahead: These bipartisan bills address the critical need to secure water infrastructure. The are successor bills to the NECA-supported America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 that easily passed through Congress and was signed into law in 2018. NECA will continue to monitor this important legislation as it moves through Congress.

• Read the section-by-section of the draft AWIA 2020 here.
• Read the section-by-section of the Drinking Water Infrastructure Act here.

2. Senate Returns to Washington Next Week

The Senate is scheduled to return to D.C. on Monday, May 4, 2020, to begin filling judicial vacancies and continue work on new coronavirus legislation. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), released the following statement on this decision. The House has decided to postpone returning until further notice. Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) is expected to release an anticipated return date soon.  

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA looks forward to the Senate being in session to work on additional coronavirus legislation. The government affairs team continues to advocate on behalf of our contractors during this period.

3. Register Today for the Upcoming Government Affairs Webinar

On May 5, 2020 at 2 p.m. EDT, NECA’s Government Affairs team will brief participants on NECA’s requests for Congress in the Phase IV coronavirus response legislation. During this webinar, participants can take action and send a letter to their Member of Congress requesting help for the electrical construction industry to remain viable during this crisis. Participants will also hear messages from key Members of Congress on the current legislative response to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Register Today!

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA is committed to ensuring the voices of our industry are heard during this time. We continue to advocate for the needs our contractors daily and remain devoted to keeping our members well informed on the policies impacting them.  

Special thanks to Mark Huston of Lone Star Electric for renewing his PLC membership!

Personal Contributions = 147
Corporate Contributions = 361

NECAPAC Fund to 5-8-20 = $134,517
ADMIN Fund to 5-8-20 = $50,535

Total Contributions to Date = 508
Total Dollars to Date = $185,052

1. PPP Safe Harbor Deadline Extended

On May 5, 2020, the U.S. Treasury Department extended the safe harbor date for those that applied for a PPP loan prior to April 24, 2020. The original date, May 7, 2020, has been pushed back to May 14, 2020. Borrowers will not need to apply for the extension and additional guidance on how the SBA will review the certification will be provided shortly. NECA released the following alert pertaining to the extension and forthcoming guidance.

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA is pleased by this extension after sending a letter to the Treasury department last week. We continue to advocate for NECA contractors as we move forward during this time.

2. Bill Introduced to Make 501(c)(6) organizations Eligible for PPP Loans

On May 5, 2020, Representatives Chris Papas (D-NH), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Greg Steube (R-FL) introduced H.R.6697 – “Local Chamber, Tourism, and 501(c)(6) Protection Act of 2020”. This NECA supported legislation would expand the Paycheck Protection Program by allowing 501(c)(6) organizations, such as NECA Chapters, to access the Paycheck Protection Program to meet payroll and other necessary expenses during this crisis. 

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA will encourage the inclusion of this bill in any future COVID-19 relief package along with additional PPP reforms such as:

• Extending the PPP to more than eight weeks or allow companies to apply again after the first eight-week period ends.

• Increasing the qualified expenses covered under the Paycheck Protection Program to include nonpayroll expenses.

3. NECA Requests Infrastructure Support in Next COVID-19 Bill

NECA joined 71 trade associations and labor unions in a coalition letter to President Trump to encourage continued support for infrastructure in the next Phase of COVID-19 legislation.

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA continues to advocate before the Administration and Congressional leaders for the inclusions of major infrastructure investment as a corner stone for the next phase of COVID-19 legislation, often referred to as Phase IV.

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The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) plans to set up an investment clearance cell for applying for licences and incentives given by both central and state governments. Separately, it is also looking at developing a single application form for all kinds of clearances and deemed approvals.

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Xiaomi India head Manu Jain has said that there may be an anti-China sentiment among people at play, but expects things to normalise over time and doesn’t see any meaningful impact on its business, with smartphone demand expected to pick up only in the second half of 2020.

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A2 Holywood Bypass  Eastbound

• A2 from Holywood Exchange Eastbound On-Slip to Sullivan Place (heading to Holywood / Bangor)

Lane 1 closure with Lane 2 remaining open.

Tuesday 5th May - Friday 15th May 2020 - Off Peak 9.30 - 16.00

A2 Holywood Bypass  Westbound

• A2 from Sullivan Place to holywood Exchange Westbound Off-Slip.

Lane 1 closure with Lane 2 remaining open.

Monday 18th May - Friday 29th May 2020 - Off Peak 9.30 - 16.00