Legislative
Airborne Infectious Disease Standard Becomes Law
May 10, 2021 Legislative
On May 5, Governor Cuomo signed the “HERO Act” into law. This act requires the Commissioner of Labor, in consultation with the Department of Health, to develop model airborne infectious d Read MoreCoalition Asks for Scaffold Law Moratorium
June 18, 2020 Legislative
The Construction Exchange joined other organizations across the state in calling on Governor Cuomo to use his Executive Order powers to issue a one year moratorium on the use of New York’s Scaffol Read MoreCongressman Jacobs Testifies on Scaffold Law
April 16, 2021 Legislative
Congressman Jacobs testified at a recent House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee meeting on the need for Scaffold Law reform in the coming infrastructure package. You can view his testimo Read MoreConstruction Exchange Joins Coalition Calling on Governor to Reform Scaffold Law to Help Close Budget Deficit
September 29, 2020 Legislative
Following the introduction of federal legislation aimed at fixing New York’s notorious Scaffold Law by Rep. Chris Jacobs (R-Buffalo), the Buffalo Niagara Partnership and Construction Exchange o Read MoreConstruction Exchange Opposes Wage Theft Bill
February 16, 2021 Legislative
The Construction Exchange recently wrote a memo in opposition to bill S2766/A3350 related to Construction Industry Wage Theft. If passed into law, this bill would single out the construction indu Read MoreExchange Supports $3 Billion Environmental Bond Act
March 30, 2021 Legislative
The Construction Exchange recently sent a memo to the WNY delegation of senators and assembly expressing support for the $3 Billion Environmental Bond Act. This Bond would result in additional constr Read MoreFAQ Released on COVID Vaccination Paid Leave
March 25, 2021 Legislative
The NYS Department of Labor has released answers to Frequently Asked Questions related to the March 12, 2021 law requiring employers to provide up to four hours of paid leave per shot for employees t Read MoreGovernor Cuomo Announces $3.5 Billion in Assistance for Renters and Small Businesses
May 25, 2021 Legislative
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced $3.5 billion in assistance for renters and small businesses experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.The rental assistance pro Read MoreGovernor Cuomo Signs Substantial Completion Bill
December 23, 2020 Legislative
On December 15, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed S.7664/A.9117, the Empire State Subcontractors Association’s “Substantial Completion” bill, into law. This legislation will require public works Read MoreGovernor Signs Construction Wage Theft Bill
September 14, 2021 Legislative
On Labor Day, Governor Hochul signed the Construction Industry Wage Theft bill making contractors liable for wage claims made against subcontractors. The Construction Exchange and others in the indus Read MoreHERO Act Model Disease Prevention Plans Released
July 7, 2021 Legislative
In accordance with the New York HERO Act signed into law this past May, the NYS Department of Labor has released Model Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Plans that employers must now ad Read MoreJacobs Introduces Scaffold Law Reform Legislation
September 16, 2020 Legislative
On September 11, 2020, Congressman Chris Jacobs introduced a bill that would exempt any project with federal funding from the Scaffold Law. This is happening at the federal level because New York sta Read MoreMarijuana Legalization and Scaffold Law
March 18, 2021 Legislative
The Construction Exchange joined a statewide coalition in a letter to the Governor and senior leadership advocating for Scaffold Law reform as part of the push to legalize recreational marijuana. Imp Read MoreNew Law Requires More Information on Check Stubs for Prevailing Rate
June 29, 2020 Legislative
A New York state law took effect on June 23, 2020 that requires contractors and subcontractors to provide written notice to all laborers, workers or mechanics of the prevailing wage an Read MoreNew York Issues Guidance on Paid Sick Leave Law
October 20, 2020 Legislative
New York state has just released detailed guidance and answers to frequently asked questions for the new Paid Sick Leave law. The law, which was passed as part of this year’s state budget proce Read MoreNYS DOL Issues Marijuana FAQ’s
October 14, 2021 Legislative
The New York State Department of Labor has issued a document titled “Adult Use Cannabis and the Workplace” to answer frequently asked questions employers may have complying with the legal Read MorePaying Quarantined Workers
November 30, 2020 Legislative
COVID LEAVE AND TAX CREDITSDaniel E. Sarzynski, Esq.James R. O’Connor, Esq.With the increasing COVID-positivity rates and related school closures, employers should expect to see an uptick i Read MoreScaffold Law Moratorium Would Boost Economy
November 3, 2020 Legislative
Over the summer, construction and insurance related organizations began advocating for reform of Scaffold Law as a way to help our economy recover from the pandemic. Scaffold Law adds close to $1 bil Read MoreSubcontractors Get Substantial Completion Bill Passed in Both Houses
August 2, 2020 Legislative
The Empire State Subcontractors Association, the statewide affiliate of the Subcontractors Association of WNY, was instrumental in getting a bill passed in the state assembly and senate that would de Read MoreTax Credit for Vaccination Pay
April 26, 2021 Legislative
On April 21, 2021, the IRS announced COVID paid leave tax credit changes made by the American Rescue Plan (ARP). One of the changes allows employers to claim federal employment tax credits for paid l Read MoreUpdated Guidance on NYS Covid Sick Leave
January 25, 2021 Legislative
The NYS Department of Labor recently released updated guidance on New York’s Covid Sick Leave law. The guidance clarifies that (1) a quarantined/isolated employee does not need to be tested bef Read More