The American Foundry Society, along with a coalition of more than 130 small business organizations, is calling on Congress to make critical changes to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) so small manufacturers, including foundries, have more flexibility and the opportunity to remain operational throughout COVID-19.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced this week a new guidance for enforcing its COVID-19 recordkeeping requirements, soon requiring employers, including metalcasters, to make an increased effort to determine whether they need to record and report coronavirus cases in the workplace.

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.

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.

In the global fight against COVID-19, metalcasters and their suppliers have proved essential. AFS Corporate Members are providing crucial services to support coronavirus relief, from manufacturing components for medical equipment and other essential products, to making donations and providing much-needed expertise.