Farmer’s Guide to Trucking Regulations available to Ohio Farm Bureau members
The guide includes a farm driver checklist, overview of state and federal regulations and exemptions, CDL qualifications and more.
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On March 19, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, an economic stimulus plan aimed at addressing the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on Americans. The Act goes into effect April 2, 2020. Employers will be looking for implementation guidance from the Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service.
The new law requires 80 hours of paid sick leave for full-time government workers and employees of companies with fewer than 500 employees. Part-time employees must receive a proportionately similar amount. Covered employers must give emergency paid sick leave to any employee, regardless of the length of employment, for a qualifying emergency related to COVID-19. To qualify for emergency paid sick leave, the employee must be unable to work (or telework) because:
The Department of Labor is expected to issue regulations allowing employers of health care providers and emergency responders to opt-out of the benefit and exempt small businesses with fewer than 50 employees from the requirement of providing emergency paid sick leave if it would jeopardize the viability of the business.
The new law also creates a new category under the Family Medical Leave Act for a “qualifying need related to a public health emergency” with respect to COVID-19. Employers with fewer than 500 employees must provide up to 12 weeks of partial paid leave when an employee is unable to work (or telework) due to school or child care closures related to COVID-19. The first 10 days of leave are unpaid (unless an employee voluntarily elects to use existing accrued paid vacation leave, personal leave, or medical or sick leave to cover the unpaid leave), and the remainder of the leave must be paid at least two-thirds of the employee’s regular rate of pay. This expanded leave must be made available to any employee who has been employed for 30 calendar days. The law exempts employers that are health care providers or emergency responders, and public agencies. Exemptions may also be sought by employers with fewer than 50 employees whose economic viability would be jeopardized. This expanded leave is only available until Dec. 31, 2020.
The new law requires health plans to cover COVID-19 testing at no charge. A refundable tax credit for employers that provide paid leave benefits as required by the new law is also included. The U.S. Treasury is expected to use its regulatory authority to advance funds to some small businesses to cover the cost of providing paid sick leave.
The guide includes a farm driver checklist, overview of state and federal regulations and exemptions, CDL qualifications and more.
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The emergency fuel waiver to allow the sale of summer gasoline blends containing 15% ethanol will lengthen the period during which Americans can continue buying E15 from June 1 to Sept. 15.
Read MoreThe Small-Scale Food Business Guide covers federal and state regulations for selling food products such as raw meat, dairy, eggs, baked goods, cottage foods, fruits and vegetables, honey and more.
Read MoreNew resources and technology are broadening the different types of sales tools and strategies available to farmers.
Read MoreODA will enroll 500,000 acres into the program for a two-week sign-up period, beginning April 22, 2024, through May 6, 2024. Contact local SWCD offices to apply.
Read MoreKatie Share of Columbus has been named ExploreAg and Youth Development Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read MoreMary Klopfenstein of Delphos has been named Young Ag Professional and Ag Literacy Program Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read MoreThe plan has been updated to give sole proprietors access to more rate stability and a smart solution that offers potential savings on health care.
Read MoreThe American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is seeking entrepreneurs to apply online by June 15 for the 2025 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge.
Read MoreAdele Flynn of Wellington has been elected treasurer of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and now holds the third highest elected office in Ohio’s largest and most influential farm organization.
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