Situational Awareness
The House and Senate are both in session this week—the final week of the 117th Congress, or what was scheduled to be, anyway. Congress has yet to work out an omnibus spending bill to fund the federal government beyond the current continuing resolution deadline of Dec. 16.
Spending Deal Elusive
Democratic and Republican appropriators are separated by about $25-26 billion in reaching a deal on the topline spending figures for an omnibus appropriations measure to close out the 117th Congress. The current continuing resolution preventing a government shutdown expires on Friday, Dec. 16. Unless significant progress is made early in the week, it’s very likely Congress will have to pass another continuing resolution to keep government funded while negotiators keep working to reach a deal. Democrats were expected to release a funding package today, but Republicans made clear there will would be little, if any, support to pass the measure.
Independent Contractor Comments Filed
NCA and CMAA filed joint comments to the Department of Labor last week objecting to the proposed rule altering the test to determine whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In part, the comments read, “We recognize the significant role independent contractors have in the delivery of goods and services in all sectors of the economy. We believe federal and state labor laws and regulations should provide a more stable and predictable standard by which to determine employment status and worker classification.” The comments were signed by NCA President and CEO Joe Trauger, and CMAA President and CEO Jeff Morgan.
West Coast Port Labor Negotiations
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union, which represents 22,000 workers, and the Pacific Maritime Association have yet to reach an agreement on a new contract raising the possibility of another labor dispute disrupting supply chains across the country. Dockworkers have worked without a contract since July 1 and anticipation of disruptions have reduced cargo by 25% at west coast ports. The National Association of Manufacturers estimates that a shutdown of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach alone could cost the economy $500 million a day. While Congress held the authority to intervene in the railroad to avert a strike, President Biden has the sole authority to invoke the Taft-Hartley Act to institute an 80-day cooling off period. The White House has indicated it is monitoring negotiations and believes an agreement will be reached, most likely in January or February.
New Webcast: Casting a Wider Net with Kid’s Programming
Join us Thurs., Jan 12, at 2 pm ET to expand your youth programming. Club membership is skewing younger and it’s a great time to attract new families—and keep them engaged and involved for a long time. Dan Schmitz, owner, KE Camps, will explain how focusing only on programming profits and loss can lead to missing out on some great options that offer long-term wins. Register here.