Inflation concerns continue as just 1 in 5 small businesses believe the U.S. economy is in good health. The MetLife and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index, released today, dropped slightly this quarter to 60 from 62.1 as small business owners’ outlook on the national economy weakened. One in five (20%) small business owners […]
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Donohue Family Foundation Partner Fund $100,000 in Skills Training Scholarships
New program in partnership with SkillPointe Foundation will help Americans pursue careers that don’t require a four-year degree including auto body. To honor recently retired longtime CEO Tom Donohue and his commitment to workforce development, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced a $50,000 scholarship fund to support skills training that will empower more Americans […]
Business Groups Applaud Senate Passage of the PPP Extension
Business groups are applauding the U.S. Senate’s passage yesterday of H.R. 1799, the PPP Extension Act of 2021 that extends the deadline to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan beyond its March 31 deadline. Kevin Kuhlman, Vice President of Federal Government Relations for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) said, “Small business […]
Automotive Repair and Business Groups Call on States for Consistency on Essential Business Designations
Business groups ask states to follow federal guidance on essential business and critical infrastructure to eliminate confusion and supply chain disruptions. Separately, a national group of business associations and a group of automotive repair and supplier associations sent letters to state leaders calling for consistent application of essential business designations based upon guidance provided by […]
Business Groups Applaud Senate Passage of USMCA
Automotive and general business groups are applauding the passage of the the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) that was negotiated in 2018 to replace the existing North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In a rare display of bi-partisanship in the face of the impeachment trial of President Trump, the Senate voted 89-10 yesterday in support of the […]
MEMA and U.S. Chamber Oppose Additional Tariffs on Goods from China
In a statement, the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) announced its opposition to the latest round of tariffs announced by the Trump Administration on July 31 on products imported from China. “MEMA has repeatedly called for China and the United States to work together to reach a trade agreement that works for both countries. […]
Business Groups Support Legislation Limiting Presidential Tariff Powers
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) has joined 29 other business organizations calling for Congress to support legislation that would place new limits on presidential authority to impose tariffs for national security reasons. In a letter addressed to Congress, MEMA and the other groups supported the Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019 (BCTAA), […]
Perkins Bill That Supports Collision Repair Schools Heads to President’s Desk
Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. Following a successful vote on the measure in the Senate on Monday, the bill will now head to the president’s desk where he has indicated he will sign it into law. “The Perkins reauthorization provides critical […]