On Wednesday, March 18, 2020, President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”), effective April 1 through December 31, 2020. The FFCRA seeks to assist employees impacted by COVID-19 and covers employers with less than 500 employees and certain public agencies. This summary is focused on the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Read More »
With the current physical distancing measures and widespread business closures throughout New York State due to the continuing health crisis with the spread of COVID-19, the legal and business industry faced a serious impediment to business. Many legal documents requiring notarization services for signatures were threatened due to the inability or fear of individuals meeting Read More »
In response to the mandatory non-essential business closures throughout New York State due to the continuing health crisis presented by COVID-19, the Governor issued Executive Order 202.11 ("EO 202.11") on March 27, 2020. EO 202.11 provides, in part, for the Authorities Budget Office ("ABO") to disregard certain reporting and other deadlines under the New York Read More »
Non-Essential Travel is Suspended On March 20, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security announced agreements with Canada and Mexico to restrict unnecessary travel across the borders shared with each country. Each agreement became effective on March 21, 2020 and remains in effect for 30 days (and may be extended). Unnecessary travel includes tourism or recreation, but the agreements do Read More »
On Wednesday, March 18, 2020, President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the "FFCRA"), effective April 1 through December 31, 2020. The FFCRA seeks to assist employees impacted by COVID-19 and applies to employers with less than 500 employees and any covered public agencies. This summary is focused on the Emergency Paid Sick Read More »
On March 19, 2020, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced the creation of a $500,000 fund to provide interest-free emergency loans to small businesses in the City of Syracuse that have been adversely impacted by the novel coronavirus. The COVID-19 Emergency Relief Program will be administered by the Syracuse Economic Development Corporation ("SEDCO") and is intended Read More »
On March 17, 2020, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Attorney General Letitia James announced that effective immediately, the State will temporarily halt the collection of medical and student debt owed to the State and referred to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for collection from March 16, 2020 through April 15, 2020. No application is necessary Read More »
New York State is acting swiftly to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 18, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed a bill into law that provides paid sick leave to employees directly impacted by COVID-19. The law, which takes effect immediately, requires employers to provide paid sick leave to employees when they are subject to an Read More »
In the wake of COVID-19 closures, the NY State Liquor Authority (the "SLA") issued guidance this week permitting on-premises establishments to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption. The change was effective March 16, 2020 and continues until the SLA issues further guidance. Licensees do not need to notify the SLA or seek a waiver to begin Read More »
Bousquet Holstein PLLC is pleased to announce that Christy Vouri-Misso has joined the Tax Practice Group at the firm. As a former Attorney Advisor to Judge Robert A. Wherry, of the United States Tax Court, Christy focuses her practice on all aspects of federal and state tax controversies and planning. This background gives her the unique ability Read More »