Browse Advocacy

AFS Unveils Reports Showing U.S. Metalcasters Account for $44.3 Billion in Direct Economic Benefit

The U.S. metalcasting industry accounts for $44.3 billion in direct economic benefit and a total national economic impact for the U.S. of $110.52 billion, according to a new study released today by the American Foundry Society.

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IRS Revises Guidance on Employee Retention Credit in PPP Loans

Following outcry from the business community and Congress, the IRS reversed course on May 8, saying businesses can get the new employee retention tax credit even if they are paying health benefits but not wages for workers.

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AFS Urges FERC to Delay Comment Deadline on Rulemaking to Hike Electricity Transmission Rates

AFS is calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the comment period on a proposed rulemaking that would raise electricity bills for all consumers, including U.S. metalcasters, until the COVID-19 pandemic ends. 

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AFS Calls on Congress to Pass Legislation for Increased Funding for the Paycheck Protection Program

AFS joined more than 200 national and state-based trade groups in a letter to congressional leadership today calling on Congress to increase funding for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.

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AFS Advocacy Summit to Feature Labor Sec. Scalia

AFS today announced its annual flagship advocacy event, the Government Affairs Fly-In, has been replaced this year with a three-hour virtual Advocacy Summit, to be held on May 19 at 9 a.m. (CT). The Summit will have an extremely powerful and substantial policy agenda, featuring Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia and other can’t-miss experts.

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New Small Business Loans Under the CARES Act Open April 3: Eligibility, Application, and Key Terms/Benefits

The CARES Act includes the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for small businesses. The PPP provides short-term cash flow assistance to small businesses, including foundries, and their employees deal with the immediate economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Loans are made by lenders certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and guaranteed by the federal government. The SBA will administer the PPP.

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Congress Approves Historic Coronavirus Relief Package with Loans for Small Businesses

The massive aid package contains a combination of funding for tax benefits for businesses and individuals, appropriations for government programs supporting coronavirus relief efforts public health programs, and other items to help stabilize the economy amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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States Must Designate Metalcasting as Critical Manufacturing Sector

As states initiate work restrictions on business, AFS urges governors to ensure the metalcasting industry is designated as a critical manufacturing sector vital to critical infrastructure.

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AFS Urges Administration to Classify Metalcasting as Essential Industry

AFS continues to advocate for metalcasting during the COVID-19 crisis facing the U.S. and the metalcasting supply chain. On Friday, March 20, AFS sent a letter to Vice President Mike Pence in his role leading the COVID-19 task force, asking the administration to identify foundries, their supply chains, and workers as essential when drafting and enforcing shelter-in-place rules during the pandemic.

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AFS Urges Senate Passage of Energy Innovation Bill

The American Foundry Society said today it supports the energy package under consideration in the U.S. Senate, the bipartisan American Energy Innovation Act (S. 2657). A vote in the Senate could come the week of March 9.

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