On March 30, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs updated its Annual Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act Benchmark Database to reflect a new hiring benchmark of 5.6%, which is effective March 31.
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On March 31, the Biden administration released a more than $2 trillion infrastructure outline titled the “American Jobs Plan.” While the plan calls for federal spending over the next eight years to improve the nation’s infrastructure, including for transportation, broadband, energy, and drinking water, it also includes funding for schools and child-care facilities, affordable housing, workforce development and manufacturing.
On March 23, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh was sworn in as secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor by Vice President Kamala Harris, becoming the first union member to serve in the role of secretary in nearly half a century. The Senate confirmed Walsh to serve as secretary in a 68-29 vote on March 22.
On March 16, the Michigan State Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 8, which opposes the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, federal legislation that would strengthen union organizing rights and restrict the autonomy of workers and employers.
On March 12, the U.S. Small Business Administration released new guidance that clarifies the Lobbying Disclosure Act definition of “lobbying” expenses and will be used to calculate the 15% thresholds for 501(c)(6) organizations receiving Paycheck Protection Program loans. Since December, ABC has advocated for the SBA to use the LDA in calculating lobbying activity and has continued to push the administration to release clear guidance on this critical issue for ABC and its chapters.