Creates the federal contract workers assistance program to permit the state to provide loans to certain small businesses affected by the federal government shutdown.
Summary
This bill would add a new article to the Economic Development Law to create a “Federal Contract Workers Assistance Program” administered by the Department of Economic Development. The program is aimed at small businesses that hold federal contracts and can show they have been financially harmed by a federal government shutdown. Eligible businesses would apply to the commissioner and provide documentation showing eligibility, consent to certain tax and labor information sharing, access to records for compliance monitoring, and a certification that they are substantially compliant with environmental, worker protection, and tax laws.
If approved, the state could provide loans to these businesses to help cover payroll costs. The loans would be limited to the amount appropriated for the program, set by the commissioner, and must be repaid within 12 months of disbursement. The bill also directs the commissioner to adopt rules and regulations to implement the program, and it would take effect immediately upon enactment.
Impact
The bill would amend the Economic Development Law by creating a new state loan program for small businesses with federal contracts that suffer losses from a federal government shutdown. It would authorize the Department of Economic Development to administer payroll-only loans, establish eligibility and application requirements, and coordinate with the Department of Taxation and Finance and the Department of Labor for information sharing. The bill also adds confidentiality protections for shared tax and labor information and requires participating businesses to certify compliance with environmental, worker protection, and tax laws.
Sentiment
The available bill materials suggest generally supportive intent, focused on helping small businesses maintain payroll during federal shutdown disruptions. The caption frames the measure as a targeted assistance program, and the bill’s structure emphasizes temporary, repayable aid rather than a grant or long-term subsidy. No committee transcript or vote record is available here, so there is no direct evidence of formal support or opposition in debate or voting.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are the use of state funds to support businesses affected by a federal shutdown, the requirement that applicants disclose tax and labor information to state agencies, and the condition that businesses certify compliance with environmental, worker protection, and tax laws. Some may also question whether the program should be limited to small businesses with federal contracts and whether payroll-only loans are the best mechanism for relief. Because no transcripts or votes are provided, specific objections or sponsors’ responses are not documented in the available record.
Creates the federal contract workers assistance program to permit the state to provide loans to certain small businesses affected by the federal government shutdown.
An Act To Amend Title 2, Title 9, Title 19, And Title 30 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Support For Federal Workers Affected By A Government Shutdown.
Catastrophic Event Account and Federal Government Shutdown Employee Assistance Loan Fund, Protection of Federal Benefits, and Powers of the Attorney General - Alterations (Protect Our Federal Workers Act)
Enacts the "shutdown impact mitigation act" relating to providing emergency financial assistance and consumer protections to federal employees and contractors residing in New York state who experience loss of income due to a federal shutdown.