Legislative Positions
There are always issues that are very important to our industries, where we must be proactive in our approach. We have developed the following position statements to educate lawmakers, which concisely explain our views on these issues.
Safety & Environment
Our industry’s main focus is on safety as well as the environment.
Highway Funding
While it is critical to appropriately fund our highway system, WVTA believes we need to analyze where the dollars are going and determine how they can be spent more efficiently.
Economic and Jobs Development
Build and sustain a business competitive environment.
Fiscal Responsibility
State government maintain prudent budgeting.
Responsible Government
We would like to see prudence, integrity and transparency in government.
Education
Have a responsible and work-ready workforce.
Legal Reform
Continued legal reform in needed in WV.
National Cyber Awareness System: AA20-099A: COVID-19 Exploited by Malicious Cyber Actors
AA20-099A: COVID-19 Exploited by Malicious Cyber Actors
This is a joint alert from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
This alert provides information on exploitation by cybercriminal and advanced persistent threat (APT) groups of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic. It includes a non-exhaustive list of indicators of compromise (IOCs) for detection as well as mitigation advice. Click here to read the full article.
Coronavirus Update - 04/03/2020
Zoom-Bombing Defense
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released an article on defending against video-teleconferencing (VTC) hijacking (referred to as “Zoom-bombing” when attacks are to the Zoom VTC platform). Many organizations and individuals are increasingly dependent on VTC platforms, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, to stay connected during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The FBI has released this guidance in response to an increase in reports of VTC hijacking.
IRS Offers Employee Retention Tax Credit to Qualifying Businesses
The United States Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service launched the Employee Retention Credit, designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll. The refundable tax credit is 50% of up to $10,000 in wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19. The credit is available to marketers who continued to pay employees during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Coronavirus Update - 03/31/2020
White House Extends Social Distancing Guidelines Until End of April
President Trump this week extended social distancing guidelines through April 30th. Additionally, governors and mayors nationwide continue to issue their own restrictions, shutting schools and many retail businesses. Public-health experts have said extended social distancing is needed until the U.S. develops a vigorous testing regime to identify and isolate cases. President Trump said he didn’t anticipate relaxing the guidelines before April 30 even for regions less affected by the virus.
Lawmakers Eye Infrastructure in Next Relief Bill
As lawmakers lay the groundwork for a Phase IV stimulus relief package, they are targeting major investments in infrastructure. While the Phase III relief package was meant to stem immediate losses, the next bill will be a large economic recovery package. NATSO will push for the inclusion of reauthorization of the FAST Act, which is set to expire Sept. 30, 2020.
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
The newly enacted Paycheck Protection Program (Small Business Loan Program) will officially go live today. A new application was posted online last night. Note, a few lenders will be ready to go today, but most next week.
ATA has been told to advise members to go to their own bank and those banks that are already lenders will likely be ready faster, but all FDIC institutions will be brought on board in the coming days.
If you are interested in applying for such a loan, do not be surprised if the process is a bit chaotic. Presumably your best bet is to apply as early as possible.
Click here to read the article "Banks Warn of Chaotic Launch of Small Business Lending Program"
Click here to read Paycheck Protection Program - Interim Final Rule
Coronavirus Updates - 03/30/2020
Safe Harbor Provision of the West Virginia Wage Payment and Collection Act
On March 25, 2020, Governor Jim Justice signed into law an amendment to the West Virginia Wage Payment and Collection Act (“WPCA”) that provides a “safe harbor” to employers, allowing them an opportunity to correct underpayment or nonpayment of wages and fringe benefits due to separated employees prior to the start of lengthy - and costly - litigation.PennDOT Reopens Five Additional Rest Areas
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reopening indoor facilities at five additional rest areas statewide.PennDOT’s 30 rest areas were temporarily closed statewide on March 17 in response to Governor Tom Wolf’s mitigation guidance regarding COVID-19 to ensure that proper safety and sanitation protocols were in place. On March 24, 23 select rest areas across Pennsylvania were reopened to all motorists, including the 13 facilities in critical locations that were reopened March 18 with portable restrooms and handwashing facilities.
