To: Board of Supervisors
From: Human Resources
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Extension of Leave Benefits Provided by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Adopt a Resolution Approving a voluntary extension and continuation of the leave benefits that were initially provided by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act from January 1, 2021 to extend through March 31, 2021.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Various Funds
DISCUSSION:
On March 30, 2020, the Humboldt County Health Officer issued a revised shelter-in-place order, which is now effective until rescinded. On the same day, Sheriff Honsal proclaimed a local emergency, which was ratified by your Board on April 6, 2020. Since then, major federal legislative changes have occurred that required action from your Board, as well as local issues for your Board to consider.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was originally enacted April 1, 2020, and to expire on December 31, 2020. There were two significant employer/employee leave benefits in the Act. FFCRA included the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSL), which provided 80 hours of paid sick leave for employees illness, quarantine, or to care for dependents affected by the virus. It also included the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFLMEA), which provides 2/3 of an employee's wage for up to 12 weeks for the care of children due to school closures. These two Acts provided forms of wage continuation when there were COVID specific impacts that affected one's ability to work.
Congress and President Trump have enacted another COVID relief bill. Although the FFCRA was addressed in the overall relief plan, the way it was addressed presents an issue for public employers. Congress extended the tax credits through March 31, 2021, for any covered employer who voluntarily provides paid leave under the FFCRA, and the leave itself is ...
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