In this issue
- Support Home Builder Advocacy
- Gov. Lee Pushes Return to Work Policy
- TN Dept. of Labor Cracking Down on False Unemployment Claims
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Help Us Stay Active and Engaged
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In order to advocate for our industry, we must maintain engagement with our state legislators all year long. Our political activity when elected officials are away from their official duties is just as important as when we are arguing for or against legislation. We encourage all Builders to participate in our Housing Industry Political Action Committee.
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HBAT’s legislative efforts help protect the business interests of the men and women who provide housing for Tennesseans. We closely monitor the issues affecting Tennessee’s home building industry, urging lawmakers to take action. When the legislature is not in session, these goals are carried out through the effort of our Housing Industry PAC activities.
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Keep up to date on breaking news items and announcements.
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Home Builders & TN Business Groups Praise Gov. Lee’s Action to Get People Back to Work
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“We thank Governor Lee for his prompt action to address an unprecedented labor shortage. Tennessee is open for business, but ‘Help Wanted’ signs are posted across our state.
We understood the need for the initial enhancement of unemployment benefits last year when jobs were scarce and many businesses were closed; however, with continued economic recovery and many available jobs, it’s critical that national and state leaders remove any and all barriers to help achieve full recovery and keep more Tennessee businesses from closing. Despite increasing wages and offering ‘show-up’ bonuses, Tennessee business owners are frustrated in being unable to fill hundreds of thousands of open positions.”
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Gov. Lee Pushes Return to Work, Economic Recovery
Alabama and Mississippi take similar steps
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Tuesday, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the end of all federally funded pandemic unemployment compensation programs in Tennessee, effective July 3.
“We will no longer participate in federal pandemic unemployment programs because Tennesseans have access to more than 250,000 jobs in our state,” said Gov. Lee. “Families, businesses and our economy thrive when we focus on meaningful employment and move on from short-term, federal fixes.” Gov. Lee’s letter to the U.S. Department of Labor can be viewed here.
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Federal pandemic unemployment programs set to end on July 3 include the following:
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Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), which provides for an additional $300 weekly payment to recipients of unemployment compensation
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Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which provides benefits for those who would not usually qualify, such as the self-employed, gig workers and part-time workers
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Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which provides for an extension of benefits once regular benefits have been exhausted
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·Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC), which provides an additional $100 benefit to certain people with mixed earnings
Any weeks filed before July 3 that are eligible under federal program requirements will continue to be processed. Unemployment claimants in Tennessee have been required to complete three weekly job searches in order to remain eligible for benefits since Oct. 4, 2020.
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TN Dept. of Labor Cracking Down on Fraudulent UI Claims
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Out-of-work Tennesseans who are milking the unemployment insurance system may soon find their benefits cut off, and even be asked to repay the funds they have received.
The TN Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development is indicating a willingness to investigate claims of unemployment fraud more closely, and this week will begin sending letters to Tennessee’s unemployment claimants and employers to better educate them on the state’s jobless claim laws. Read more.
The Tennessee Workforce Development System stands ready to help Tennesseans return to the workforce. Career specialists are available to help job seekers match with new employment opportunities at more than 80 American Job Centers across the state. They can work to identify possible training programs that can help an individual change their career pathway or enter an apprenticeship program so they can earn a competitive wage, while they learn a new trade.
The Tennessee Virtual American Job Center, www.TNVirtualAJC.com, allows Tennesseans to research different programs that can help remove barriers to employment so they can more easily reenter Tennessee’s workforce.
As federal pandemic unemployment compensation ends in Tennessee, the state encourages claimants to search for work at www.Jobs4TN.gov, which currently has over 250,000 active job postings of all skill levels.
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Healthcare Notice for HBAT Members
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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal Health Insurance Marketplace is being reopened thru May 15th.
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The HBATBT Health Plan is open for quoting and enrollment, as well.
The HBATBT Health Plan team would like to help you select a policy that meets your needs and budget. Take a look at all your available options before making a decision.
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Builders Make Plans to Get Together
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Spend a few days at the beach networking with other HBA members!
We’ve all been cooped up for too long, let’s reconnect with fellow Builders and HBA members.
Attending the Summer Meeting is a great opportunity to build relationships with members from across Tennessee, learn the latest association and industry developments, and get more involved at the state level. It’s also a chance for some much needed relaxation and fun at the beach.
Registration & Hotel
We are excited to return to Destin’s 5-star luxury resort. The Henderson is Florida’s finest beach resort on the Northwest Gulf Coast. HBAT has a room block reserved at a discounted rate of $265 per night. The room block deadline is May 12, 2021.
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Participate in Member Savings Programs
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Home Builders preach the benefits of doing business with a member. We want you to do business with like-minded people who support our industry. We also encourage you to take advantage of savings by participating in Rebate Programs.
Builders and Remodelers, if you’re not participating in this rebate program, you’re leaving money on the table. Register and claim your rebates www.HBATrebates.com
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NAHB has Additional Savings Programs for Business Savvy Members
Whether it’s a discount on a product or service or a more efficient way to operate, the smart business person is always looking at ways to cut costs and maximize returns.
Through agreements with more than 20 national companies, NAHB offers exclusive discounts on a variety of products and services that can benefit your business, employees and family.
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