Coronavirus / COVID-19
The rapid spread of COVID-19 has raised a number of serious legal and practical business concerns for our community. At Miller Johnson we believe we can best address those concerns and mitigate the fallout from this crisis by working together with clients, government, community organizations, and other professionals. We practice and live in a community that prizes collaboration, intellect, loyalty, candor, and ingenuity. These will be our daily guiding principles as we navigate these uncharted waters together.
Please use the jump links below for the latest updates from our Coronavirus/COVID-19 Response Team.
- COVID-19 Back to Work Guidance
- Upcoming Webinars: Daily Briefings on COVID-19
- Webinar Recordings & PPTs
- Client Updates – Business/Corporate
- Client Updates – Employment/Employee Benefits
- Client Updates – Education
- Relevant Blog Posts
- Relevant Links
- In the News
- Additional Resources
Upcoming Webinars: Briefings on COVID-19
Webinar Recordings and PowerPoints
Client Updates – Business/Corporate:
Information and guidance in client updates was up to date at time of publication. During the pandemic, information and guidance has been changing rapidly. If you have any questions about the information contained in a client update, please contact the author or your Miller Johnson attorney.
- March 26, 2021 – Senate Approves House Version of PPP Extension through May 31, Sending Bill to White House for Expected Signature
- March 18, 2021 – American Rescue Plan – (EPSL and EFML Tax Credits)
- March 18, 2021 – IRS Extends April 15th Tax Deadline for Individuals
- March 15, 2021 – Rescue Plan Enables State and Local Funding for Essential Worker Premium Pay
- March 5, 2021 – GYMS Act Pumping Resources Back into Local Gyms
- February 22, 2021 – Biden-Harris Administration Announces Imminent Two Week Pause on Larger Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans, Additional Program Reforms
- January 21, 2021 – Small Business Administration (SBA) Issues Consolidated Rule on Forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans and Updated PPP Loan Forgiveness Applications
- January 14, 2021 – Small Business Administration (SBA) to Re-Open Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to More Small Lenders on January 15 and to All Lenders on January 19
- January 8, 2021 – Small Business Administration (SBA) Announces Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to Reopen Week of January 11, Issues Updated Rules, Regulations and Guidance in Consultation with Treasury Department (Treasury)
- December 22, 2020 – Revisions to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Second Round of Loans and Clarity on Tax Deductions among PPP-Related Updates in Latest Federal Stimulus Bill
- November 9, 2020 – Unpublished Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Necessity Questionnaires Provide Insights, Raise Questions Regarding “Need Certification” Review for Larger Borrowers
- November 2, 2020 – Federal Reserve Modifies Terms of Main Street Lending Program (MSLP) to Increase Loan Availability for Smaller Businesses
- October 8, 2020 – Small Business Administration (SBA) Issues Procedural Notice regarding Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans and Changes of Ownership / M&A
- September 4, 2020 – IRS Confirms Payroll Tax Deferral Is Optional
- September 1, 2020 – Payroll Tax Deferral Guidance
- August 6, 2020 – Small Business Administration and Treasury Issue FAQs on Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Issues Four Days prior to Loan Application Deadline
- August 25, 2020 – Small Business Administration (SBA) Issues New Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Rulemaking regarding “Owner-Employee” Exemption, Forgiveness Limitations on Related-Party Lease Payments and More
- June 23, 2020 – Small Business Administration (SBA) and Treasury Department Release Updated Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Guidance
- June 17, 2020 – Small Business Administration (SBA) and Treasury Department Post Updated Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Applications and Instructions
- June 16, 2020 – Federal Reserve Seeks Feedback on Non-Profit Expansion of Main Street Lending Program
- June 16, 2020 – Small Business Administration (SBA) Reopens its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance Programs to All Eligible Applicants
- June 9, 2020 – Federal Reserve Announces Expansion to Main Street Lending Program (MSLP), Seeks to Facilitate More Lending to Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
- June 8, 2020 – Small Business Administration (SBA) and Treasury Announce Plans to Update Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Applications and Rules, State Deadline for PPP Loan Approvals Remains June 30, 2020
- June 5, 2020 – President Signs Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act into Law, Implementing Bipartisan PPP Amendments Broadly Supported by Congress
- June 5, 2020 – IRS Temporarily Drops “Physical Presence” Requirement for Spousal Consents
- June 1, 2020 – What should I Do If My Customer Isn’t Paying as Promised or Files Bankruptcy?
- May 26, 2020 – What Health Care Clients Need to Know about Executive Orders 2020-96 and 2020-97
- May 26, 2020 – Small Business Administration (SBA) Issues Additional Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Guidance, Supplementing Loan Forgiveness Application
- May 26, 2020 – My Supplier Filed Bankruptcy. What Steps Should I Take?
- May 18, 2020 – Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Audit and Compliance Preparedness Program
- May 18, 2020 – Small Business Administration (SBA) Releases Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application, Additional Forgiveness Guidance to Follow
- May 18, 2020 – Think You Might Need To Restructure? Here’s What To Gather For Your Advisors
- May 15, 2020 – Protecting Your Insurance Claim for Business Losses Related to COVID-19
- May 11, 2020 – The Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 – A Practical Restructuring Tool
- May 6, 2020 – Safe Harbor for PPP “Need” Certification Extended to May 14
- May 1, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Extends and Renews Declaration of Emergency Through May 28; Michigan Legislature Indicates That It May Challenge the Legality of the Extension
- May 1, 2020 – Does My Business Need to Repay its PPP Loan by May 7?
- May 1, 2020 – Main Street Lending Program: Federal Reserve Board Expanding Scope and Eligibility
- April 24, 2020 – Congress Passes the CARES Enhancement Act Targeting Small Businesses and Health Care Providers
- April 24, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Extends Stay Home, Stay Safe Order Through May 15, Permitting Some In-Person Business Operations to Resume
- April 16, 2020 – Paycheck Protection Program Hits $349 Billion CARES Act Limit; New Application Processing Suspended
- April 13, 2020 – Updated: Tax Return and Payment Relief Chart
- April 13, 2020 – Signing an Estate Plan from home During COVID-19: Governor Whitmer Executive Order Allows for Remote Witnessing and Notarization
- April 13, 2020 – Construction Has Stopped: What’s In My Contract?
- April 10, 2020 – Paycheck Protection Program: Update on FAQs from Small Business Administration
- April 10, 2020 – Federal Governments Distributes $30 Billion to Health Care Providers Under the CARES Act
- April 9, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Extends Stay Home, Stay Safe Order Through April 30, with New Requirement for COVID-19 Response Plan and New Restrictions on Retail Stores
- April 7, 2020 – Michigan Legislature Extends Emergency Declaration Through April 30 and Announces Bipartisan Task Force To Recommend Reopening Some Businesses
- April 7, 2020 – Impact of CARES ACT for Charitable Giving During COVID-19 Pandemic
- April 6, 2020 – New Exception for Faith-Based Organizations in SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) “Affiliation” Rules
- April 2, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Issues New Order Declaring State of Disaster and Asks Legislature to Extend the State of Emergency until June 3, 2020
- March 30, 2020 – Resources for Operations and Employees Outside Michigan
- March 27, 2020 – Apply now for Michigan Small Business Relief funds
- March 27, 2020 – IRS Announces Taxpayer-Friendly “People First Initiative”
- March 24, 2020 – Estate Planning Considerations During COVID-19
- March 24, 2020 – Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service Jointly Announce Guidance on Coronavirus-Related Paid Leave Tax Credits
- March 23, 2020 – Forced Shutdown of Businesses in Michigan By Executive Order
- March 23, 2020 – Treasury Issues Additional Guidance on Extension of Federal Income Tax Payment and Filing Deadlines
- March 20, 2020 – Executive Orders Enforcing Lock-Down and Closing All Non-Essential Businesses
- March 20, 2020 – Treasury Announces Extension of Federal Income Tax Filing Deadlines
- March 20, 2020 -Governor Whitmer Issues Executive Order To Allow For Remote Board Meetings
- March 20, 2020 – Steps to take when a tenant’s employee tests positive for Covid-19
- March 19, 2020 – Evaluating Whether COVID-19 Excuses Nonperformance Based on Impossibility, Frustration of Purpose, or Impracticability
- March 19, 2020 – Treasury Issues Official Guidance on Extension of Time to Pay Taxes
- March 18, 2020 – Treasury Announces Extension on Time to Pay Taxes
- March 17, 2020 – Temporary Ban on Large Gatherings Revised to Limit Gatherings to 50 People and Exclude Private Workspaces and Other Essential Public Spaces
- March 17, 2020 – General Business Considerations for Responding to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- March 16, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Issues Executive Order Restricting Access to and Use of Places of Public Accommodation
- March 14, 2020 – Assessing Business Interruption Insurance to Offset COVID-19 Related Loss
- March 14, 2020 – Assessing Force Majeure Clauses in Response to COVID-19
- March 13, 2020 – Executive Order Signed By Governor Whitmer to Mitigate Coronavirus Impacts Businesses
Client Updates – Employment/Employee Benefits:
Information and guidance in client updates was up to date at time of publication. During the pandemic, information and guidance has been changing rapidly. If you have any questions about the information contained in a client update, please contact the author or your Miller Johnson attorney.
- April 9, 2021 – DOL Releases Model Notices and FAQs Related to Full COBRA Premium Subsidies
- March 19,2021 – The Latest COVID-19 Vaccine News for the Week of March 19
- March 19, 2021 – MDHHS Rescinds March 2, 2021 Guidance on Visitation and Testing at Residential Care Facilities
- March 16, 2021 – American Rescue Plan Act of 2021: Full COBRA Premium Subsidies and More
- March 12, 2021 – The Latest COVID-19 Vaccine News for the Week of March 12
- March 11, 2021 – Multiemployer Pension Bailout – Great for Participants in Certain Plans – Not so Good for Taxpayers and Employers
- March 8, 2021 – Biden’s First 50 Days on Immigration
- March 5, 2021 – The Latest COVID-19 Vaccine News for the Week of March 5
- March 3, 2021 – MDHHS Issues New Emergency Order on Face Masks and Social Gatherings
- March 1, 2021 – Visiting a Family Member and Need a COVID-19 Test? Your Health Plan Must Pay for That
- March 1, 2021 – What’s My Deadline Again? DOL Clarifies Extension of COVID-19 Outbreak Period Deadlines
- February 26, 2021 – COVID-19 Vaccine News for the Week of February 26
- February 22, 2021 – Your Patience Paid Off: IRS Releases Guidance on FSA Flexibility under the CAA
- February 19, 2021 – The Latest COVID-19 Vaccine News for the Week of February 19
- February 8, 2021 – Early 2021 Grab Bag of Legal Updates for Retirement Plans
- February 5, 2021 – The Latest COVID-19 Vaccine News for the Week of February 5
- January 29,2021 – COVID-19 Vaccine News for the week of January 29
- January 22, 2021 – The Latest COVID-19 Vaccine News
- January 22, 2021 – Good Things Come to Those Who Wait, Potential New Guidance from the IRS on Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- January 5, 2021 – New Relief for Flexible Spending Accounts in Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021
- December 31, 2020 – New Amendments to Michigan Public Act 238, updating protections for workers who do not report to work when they or their close contacts have COVID-19
- December 22, 2020 – FFCRA Not Fully Extended into 2021 But Small Private Sector Employers Can Still Receive Tax Credit for Paid Sick/Family Care Leave
- October 29, 2020 – When Can Employers Terminate COBRA Coverage During the COVID-19 Outbreak Period?
- September 14, 2020 – DOL Revises FFCRA Regulations in Response to New York Federal Court’s Decision
- August 27, 2020 – Health Plans May Now Use PHI to Inform Certain Participants about Plasma Donation for Battling COVID-19
- August 7, 2020 – Changes to the FFCRA Regulations?
- June 24, 2020 – President Trump Issues New Presidential Proclamation Suspending Entry for Nonimmigrants Seeking to Enter the U.S. on H-1B, H-2B, L-1, and J-1 Visas and Continuing Proclamation 10014
- June 9, 2020 – MIOSHA Penalties and Enforcement Scheme in Governor’s Executive Orders Are Invalidated
- May 28, 2020 – COBRA, HIPAA, and Claim Deadline Extensions are Optional for State and Local Governmental Group Health Plans
- May 22, 2020 – OSHA 300 Log: OSHA Issues Updated Enforcement Policy Related To COVID-19 Work-Relatedness Determinations
- May 15, 2020 – IRS Allows Unprecedented Mid-Year Election Changes under Section 125 Cafeteria Plans
- May 11, 2020 – Disability Self-ID Form Updated for Federal Contractors/Subcontractors
- May 7, 2020 – EEO-1 Report Filing Delayed Until 2021 Due to COVID-19
- May 1, 2020 – New Relief for Employee Benefit Plans Includes Key Time Extensions for Individuals
- April 28, 2020 – EO 2020-59’s “Face Covering” Requirement and What That Means for Michigan Employers
- April 24, 2020 – Summary of Government Funding Targeting Health Care Providers
- April 23, 2020 – President Trump Issues Proclamation Suspending the Entry of Certain Immigrant Categories
- April 16, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Issues New Executive Order Requiring Enhanced Protections For Residents and Staff of Long-Term Care Facilities
- April 13, 2020 – FAQs Clarify FFCRA and CARES Act Health Plan Requirements
- April 7, 2020 – Payroll Tax Credits Under the FFCRA and the CARES Act: Determining Qualified Health Plan Expenses
- April 3, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Issues New Executive Order Requiring Workers to Stay Home If They Have COVID-19, Have COVID-19 Symptoms, or Have Been in Close Contact with Such a Person
- April 2, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Cancels Remainder of School Year
- April 2, 2020 – Department of Labor Issues Regulations Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
- April 1, 2020 – CARES Act Suspends Withholding Obligations for Employers on Some Defaulted Federal Student Loans
- April 1, 2020 – Participant Notice Requirements For CARES Act Health Plan Changes
- March 31, 2020 – NOT SO FAST! Why Trying to Solve the COVID-19 Crisis may Exacerbate the Future Retirement Crisis
- March 30, 2020 – IRS Extends Amendment Deadlines for 403(b) Plans and Pre-Approved Defined Benefit Plans
- March 30, 2020 – CARES Act – Enhanced Unemployment Benefits
- March 30, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Issues Executive Order Expanding the Scope of Practice for Health Care Professionals
- March 30, 2020 – Resources for Operations and Employees Outside Michigan
- March 30, 2020 – Health Benefit Plan Provisions in the CARES Act
- March 30 , 2020 – Is Michigan Executive Order 2020-21 a “Quarantine or Isolation Order” that Triggers Benefits Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act?
- March 26, 2020 – U.S. Department of Labor Issues Guidance Regarding Implementation of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
- March 25, 2020 – Insurer Offers Special Enrollment Period Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
- March 23, 2020 – No Cost-sharing for Coronavirus Testing
- March 23, 2020 – Forced Shutdown of Businesses in Michigan By Executive Order
- March 20, 2020 – Governer Whitmer Issues Executive Order Postponing Non-Essential Medical and Dental Procedures
- March 20, 2020 – Executive Orders Enforcing Lock-Down and Closing All Non-Essential Businesses
- March 20, 2020 – Cost Savings Examples of Supplemental Unemployment Benefit Plans
- March 19, 2020 – EEOC Okays Temperature Checks During COVID-19 Pandemic
- March 19, 2020 – President Trump Signs Law Providing Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Emergency FMLA Leave for Absences Related to COVID-19
- March 17, 2020 – Medicare and Medicaid Waivers
- March 16, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Issues Executive Order Temporarily Expanding Unemployment Eligibility and Benefits Relating to Coronavirus
- March 16, 2020 – Michigan Supreme Court Emphasizes Public Safety over Procedure, Allows Trial Courts To Implement Emergency Measures
- March 13, 2020 – COVID-19 and Employers: What you Need to Know
- March 12, 2020 – IRS Says COVID-19 Testing and Treatment May Be Covered by High Deductible Health Plans with No Participant Cost-Sharing
Client Updates – Education
- December 22, 2020 – No Mandatory Paid Sick Leave Extension in 2021
- August 27, 2020: MDE Memo: Addressing the Educator Shortage in Michigan
- August 27, 2020: EO 2020-172: Protecting workers who stay home, stay safe when they or their close contacts are sick (rescinding EO 2020-166)
- August 26, 2020: MDE Memo: Guidance to Address Return to Learn for Students with IEPs
- August 24, 2020: MDE Memo: Guidance for Implementation of Early On, Great Start Collaboratives, Great Start Parent Coalitions, and Home Visiting for MI Safe Schools: Michigan’s 2020-2021 Return to School Roadmap and Executive Order 2020-142
- August 24, 2020: MDE Memo: Michigan 2020-21 Return to School Roadmap – Career and Technical Education (CTE) Roadmap: Return to Learn Guidance
- August 21, 2020: MDE Memo: Return to Learn Law Details
- August 21, 2020: MDE Memo: Benchmark Assessments
- August 19, 2020: Video Explaining Contingency Learning Plan – password = x*9v!+i9
- August 19, 2020: Contingency Learning Plan for the Delivery of FAPE During the COVID-19 Pandemic – Template
- August 17, 2020: MDE Memo: Return to Learn Legislation
- August 13, 2020: MDE Memo: MI Safe Schools Roadmap – Best Practices for Quality Learning at a Distance
- August 12, 2020: MDE Memo: MI Safe Schools: Michigan’s 2020-21 Return to School Roadmap – Career and Technical Education (CTE) Instruction Delivery Guidance
- August 12, 2020: MDE Memo: Thoughts on Days, Hours, Attendance, and Enrollment for 2020-21
- August 7, 2020: MDE Memo: Health and Safety Protocol Training Options
- August 7, 2020: MDE Memo: MI Safe Schools: Michigan’s 2020-21 Return to School Roadmap – Technology Guidance
- August 4, 2020: MDE Memo: Summary of Available State and Federal Waivers
- August 4, 2020: MDE Memo: Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund – Education Equity Grant Application and Information
- July 24, 2020: FAQs: Guidelines for Wearing Masks in School
- July 17, 2020: Executive Order 2020-154: Alternative means to conduct government business during the COVID-19 pandemic (rescinds EO 2020-129)
- July 17, 2020: MDE Memo: Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education Waivers Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
- July 14, 2020: MDE Memo: Teacher Certification Renewal and Progression Without Educator Evaluation in Response to COVID-19
- July 10, 2020: MDE Memo: Guidance to Address Forgone Learning for Students with IEPs as a Result of the COVID-19 Pandemic
- July 10, 2020: MDE Memo: Preparedness Plan Template
- July 9, 2020: Executive Order 2020-145: Safeguard to protect Michigan workers from COVID-19
- June 12, 2020: MDE Memo: Summer Programming Guidance
- June 4, 2020: MDE FAQ re: EO 2020-65 Impact on Educator Evaluation
- May 29, 2020: MHSAA Guidance for Re-Opening School Sports
- May 22, 2020: MDE Memo: Financial Accounting Guidance During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- May 22, 2020: MDE Memo: Waiver of Permit Renewal Requirements
- May 20, 2020: MDE Memo: UPDATED Guidance for Compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE)
- May 20, 2020: MDE Memo: UPDATED Career and Technical Education Requirements FAQ During COVID-19 Closure
- May 20, 2020: MDE Memo: UPDATED Early Middle College (EMC) Requirements FAQ During COVID-19 Closure
- May 18, 2020: MDE: UPDATED Guidance for Compliance With the IDEA and the MARSE During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- May 11, 2020: Executive Order 2020-79: Temporary suspension of youth work permit application requirements
- May 11, 2020: MDE Memo: UPDATED Career and Technical Education Requirements FAQ During COVID-19 Closure
- May 7, 2020: MDE Memo: Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund – Formula Grant Application and Information
- May 6, 2020: Executive Order 2020-75: Temporary authorization of remote participation in public meetings and hearings and temporary relief from monthly meeting requirements for school boards (rescinds EO 2020-48, extending effective date through June 30, 2020)
- May 5, 2020: Executive Order 2020-74: Encouraging the use of electronic signatures and remote notarization, witnessing, and visitation during the COVID-19 pandemic (rescinds EO 2020-41, extending effective date through June 30, 2020)
- May 5, 2020: MDE Guidance: Distributing Paper-Based Packets and Other Materials During the COVID-19 Health Crisis
- May 4, 2020: MDE Memo: Implementation of Early On During Implementation of Continuity of Learning and COVID-19 Response Plan
- May 4, 2020: MDE Memo: COVID-19 and the Head Start Community
- May 4, 2020: MDE Memo: Inclusion of the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) in Continuity of Learning and COVID-19 Response Plans
- May 1, 2020: MDE Memo: Michigan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund Application Approval
- May 1, 2020: What You Need To Know: Executive Order 2020-65
- April 30, 2020: MDE Memo: School and District Improvement Plan Reporting Requirements Flexibility for the 2020-21 School Year
- April 29, 2020: MDE Memo: Read by Grade Three Law Update
- April 24, 2020: MDE Memo: Preliminary Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund Guidance and Allocations
- April 23, 2020: MDE Informational Sheet: Food Distribution and Response to COVID-19
- April 16, 2020: MDE Memo: UPDATED Career and Technical Education Requirements FAQ During COVID-19 Closure
- April 16, 2020: MDE Memo: Career and Technical Education (CTE) Virtual Delivery Guidance to Support Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-35
- April 15, 2020: Executive Order 2020-51: Expanding child care access during the COVID-19 pandemic (rescinding EO 2020-16)
- April 14, 2020: U.S. Dept. of Education Guidance: Donation or Loan of Personal Protective Equipment and Other Medical Supplies and Equipment Purchased with Federal Funds
- April 14, 2020: Executive Order 2020-48: Temporary authorization of remote participation in public meetings and hearings and temporary relief from monthly meeting requirements for school boards (rescinds EO 2020-15)
- April 13, 2020: U.S. Dept. of Education’s Website for the Education Stabilization Fund
- April 13, 2020: FAQ Regarding Executive Order 2020-35
- April 13, 2020: FAQ Guide: Addressing the Practical Challenges of Transitioning to Online-Only Classrooms (Compiled for MASSP)
- April 10, 2020: MDE: Guidance for Compliance With the IDEA and the MARSE During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- April 9, 2020: FTC Guidance: COPPA Guidance for Ed Tech Companies and Schools during the Coronavirus
- April 9, 2020: Executive Order 2020-41 Takes Notarization Digital
- April 9, 2020: FTC FAQ: Complying with COPPA
- April 9, 2020: MDE Memo: Waiver of Required District Professional Learning and Professional Learning Hours Required for Certificate Renewal and Progression in Response to Executive Order 2020-35
- April 9, 2020: MDE Memo: Waiver of School Counselor Professional Learning in Response to Executive Order 2020-35
- April 9, 2020: Executive Order 2020‑42: Temporary requirement to suspend activities that are not necessary to sustain or protect life (rescinds EO 2020‑21)
- April 8, 2020: Learning at a Distance Guidance [issued by MDE]
- April 6, 2020: EO 2020-38: FOIA Flexibility During COVID-19
- April 5, 2020: Executive Order 2020-38: Temporary extensions of certain FOIA deadlines to facilitate COVID-19 emergency response efforts
- April 4, 2020: Executive Order 2020-35: Provision of K-12 education during the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year
- March 31, 2020: MDE Guidance on Compensatory Education
- March 30, 2020: MDE Memo: CTE Requirements During COVID-19 Closure
- March 27, 2020: MDE Memo: Flexibility in Title Funds for Technology
- March 27, 2020: “Essential” Worker Designation: What It Means for School Districts
- March 25,2020: Dept. of Ed. Guidance Regarding Student Loans and Wage Garnishment
- March 23, 2020: Executive Order 2020‑21: Temporary requirement to suspend activities that are not necessary to sustain or protect life
- March 23, 2020: MDE Memo: Clarification on Distance Learning for Special Education Students
- March 23, 2020: MDE Memo: Free and Low-Cost Resources for Districts
- March 21, 2020: Executive Order 2020‑20: Temporary restrictions on the use of places of public accommodation
- March 21, 2020: U.S. Department of Education Supplemental Fact Sheet: Addressing the Risk of COVID‑19 While Serving Children with Disabilities
- March 20, 2020: Executive Order 2020‑16: Expanding child care access during the COVID-19 emergency
- March 20, 2020: Executive Order 2020‑15: Temporary authorization of remote participation in public meetings and hearings and temporary relief from monthly meeting requirements for school boards
- March 20, 2020: Executive Order 2020‑11: Temporary prohibition on large assemblages and events, temporary school closures
- March 20, 2020: MDE Memo: Instructional Time During School Closure
- March 18, 2020: MDE Memo: Guidance on Transition to Online Learning: Considerations and Technical Readiness
- March 18, 2020: MDE Memo: Use of Federal Title Funds During Mandated COVID‑19 Closure
- March 18, 2020: Governor’s Executive Order Allows Virtual Meetings … For Now
- March 16, 2020: U.S. Department of Education Fact Sheet: Addressing the Risk of COVID‑19 in Schools While Protecting the Civil Rights of Students
- March 16, 2020: MDE Memo: CTE Requirements During COVID‑19 Closure
- March 13, 2020: IDEA Compliance During School Closure
- March 13, 2020: MDE Memo: Feeding Children During School Closures
- March 12, 22020: U.S. Department of Education FAQ: FERPA & COVID‑19
- March 12, 22020: CDC: Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K‑12 Schools and Childcare Programs
Relevant Blog Posts
- March 19, 2020 – Emerging Employee Benefit Issues during the C-19 Pandemic
- March 11, 2020 – Help! My Employees Need To Work From Home Because of the Coronavirus!
- March 5, 2020 – Coronavirus: Key Legal Employment Issues
- January 30, 2020 – Cold, Flu, Coronavirus: Likely Covered Under State Paid Sick Laws, Including Michigan’s PMLA
Relevant Links
- April 23, 2020 – Governor Whitmer and Michigan’s Financial Institutions Agree to Partnership for Providing Borrowers 90-day Mortgage-Payment Forbearance
- April 22, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Extending Case-Initiation Deadlines in Civil and Probate Matters
- April 17, 2020 – Treasury Issues Guidance About New Tax Deadlines for Individuals, Businesses
- April 17, 2020 – Emergency Relief Funds Now Available to Nonprofit Arts and Cultural Organizations through Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs
- April 17, 2020 – Governor Whitmer and Headspace Launch ‘Stay Home, Stay MIndful’ website to Offer Free Mental Health Resources During COVID-19 Pandemic
- April 14, 2020 – Michigan Treasury: Business Taxpayers Can Pay Monthly, Quarterly Sales, Use and Withholding Tax in May
- April 10, 2020 – Self-Employed, Other Newly Eligible Workers Can Apply for Unemployment on Monday, $600 Federal Payments Also Begin
- April 8, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Temporary Suspending Requirements Regarding Licensing and Regulations of Emergency Medical Services
- April 5, 2020 – Governor Whitmer signs Executive Order extending temporary restrictions on entry into health care facilities, residential care facilities, congregate care facilities, and juvenile justice facilities
- April 2, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Suspending Face-to-Face Learning at K-12 Schools for Remainder of School Year
- April 1, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Expanding COVID-19 Emergency Declaration and Declaring State of Disaster
- March 30, 2020 – Governor Announces New Programs to Increase and Expand Unemployment Benefits for Workers Affected by COVID-19; Benefits increased for all unemployed workers, expanded to self-employed and low-wage workers
- March 29, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order for Temporary relief from certain restrictions and requirements
governing the provision of medical services - March 27, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Changing City, State Income Tax Filing Deadlines to July 2020
- March 27, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Expanding Absentee Voting in May 5 Elections
- March 25, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Temporarily Allowing Employment, Other Administrative Hearings by Video Conference
- March 25, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Easing Restrictions on Pharmacists, Increasing Access to Prescriptions
- March 20 2020 – Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Temporarily Suspending Evictions
- March 18, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Expanding Capacity for Disaster Relief Child Care Services for Essential Workforce
- March 18, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Extending Tax Foreclosure Deadline
- Proposed Employment Law Changes in House Bill Providing Emergency Paid Leave Hits Snag, Final Law Expected this Week after Senate Negotiations
- March 16, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Expands Unemployment Benefits for Michigan Workers
- March 16, 2020 – Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Temporarily Closing Bars, Theaters, Casinos, and Other Public Spaces; Limiting Restaurants to Delivery and Carry-Out Orders
- March 14, 2020 – The US House passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
- March 13, 2020 – Statement by the Department of Defense on Domestic Travel Restrictions
- March 10, 2020 – Michigan Governor Whitmer issued Temporary Restrictions on Entry into Health Care Facilities, Residential Care Facilities, Congregate Care Facilities, and Juvenile Justice Facilities
In the News
Additional Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- World Health Organization
- Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center
- Department of Labor
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- U.S. Small Business Administration
- Internal Revenue Service
- State of Michigan
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Epidemic Orders page
- Kent County
- Kalamazoo County
- Spectrum Health
- Bronson Health
- Michigan Chamber of Commerce Personal Protection Equipment – list of manufacturers and vendors