51�Թ���

Washington, D.C. – Following the momentous decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons made this statement:

“This ruling, one of the most consequential since Obergefell, not only sends a powerful message of inclusion and equality to millions of Americans but also affirms that LGBT Americans cannot be fired just for being their authentic selves at work.

“Too many LGBT Americans go to work every day hiding who they are or whom they love because they believe that simply living authentically would mean losing their jobs and livelihoods. The Supreme Court has begun to lift that heavy emotional burden and made history by affirming that LGBT workers are entitled to federal protections, too.

“For our part, manufacturers are committed to building diverse and inclusive workplaces, a mission that has taken on renewed importance in recent weeks. We will continue to be advocates for equal opportunity and champions for justice—because ultimately, we know that diversity and inclusion makes our workplaces stronger, just as it makes our country stronger.”

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 11.7 million men and women, contributes $2.37 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit

Des Moines, IA / Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, June 9, Iowa Association of Business and Industry President Mike Ralston and 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons called for thoughtful liability protections to ensure the manufacturing industry can continue to drive the renewal of America’s economy. The organizations support policymakers’ efforts in Des Moines and Washington, D.C., to protect manufacturers from baseless bad-faith COVID-19 lawsuits.

In April, the 51�Թ��� released its “American Renewal Action Plan,” which provides a comprehensive list of policy recommendations to guide the country through the stages of response, recovery and renewal. This plan includes a comprehensive set of pandemic liability policy recommendations.

“Everyone wants to get the economy open in a way that protects Americans’ health and well-being, which is why manufacturers have been leading the way to protect their workplaces and safeguard employees. Throughout this crisis, manufacturers have been working to do the right thing, providing vital supplies and essential products. Letting manufacturers now become the target of inappropriate lawsuits will stall our economic recovery,” said Timmons. “Iowa leaders can prevent this. Smart liability protections will ensure manufacturers can continue leading—and get more Iowans back to work.”

“Iowa manufacturers and their employees have been hard at work throughout this pandemic, doing all they can to keep themselves and Iowans healthy and to keep the economy moving.�� To now have them be the victims of improper legal action is simply wrong. ABI calls on Iowa legislators to act on this issue important to manufacturers and all Iowa businesses,” said Ralston.

More information can be found at /liability.

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 11.7 million men and women, contributes $2.38 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

-ABI-

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) has been the voice of Iowa business since 1903. Its mission is to provide a strong, unified voice to business and industry on issues affecting Iowa employers. ABI is comprised of 1,500 member companies of all types and sizes in all 99 counties employing more than 330,000 Iowans.

Manufacturing leaders across the country are responding to the nationwide protests spurred by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

“We absolutely stand hand in hand with all those who seek respect, fairness and the right to equality of opportunity that America has promised for centuries and that, even now, has not been delivered to all her citizens,” 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons said in a statement.

Together, we stand against injustice and strive for unity and equality.

Read a message from our CEO at .

— Trane Technologies (@Trane_Tech)

Our CEO Ken Frazier calls for unity on :

— Merck (@Merck)

Building a better future means joining together as we move forward. We are donating to as a part of the effort to end systemic racism and bring true equality to all. This is just a first step.

— Coca-Cola (@CocaCola)

Manufacturers across industries and regions are joining in the call for justice—and demanding respect and equality for all people.

Over the last few months, which were arguably some of the toughest in our company’s 120+ year history, I’ve seen ‘find a way’ to join together and help overcome great challenges.

Our response to issues of racism, inequities and injustice should be no different.

— Jim Fitterling (@JimFitterling)

In our country, our community, and our company, we have work to do – together. One conversation at a time. One action at a time.

Here’s what CEO David Taylor shared with the P&G Family:

— Procter & Gamble (@ProcterGamble)

In an email shared with all bp employees, our CEO Bernard Looney addressed racial injustice & reinforced bp’s commitment to being a diverse, inclusive & respectful workplace

— bp (@bp_plc)

Companies are also making financial commitments to support inclusivity efforts, as well as supporting businesses that were damaged or looted during the unrest.

Standing on the sidelines is not an option. Today we are pledging $1 million in support of efforts to address social injustice and anti-racism.

— Intel (@intel)

At J&J, we believe racism in any form is unacceptable. Black Lives Matter.

Johnson & Johnson is committing $10 million to fight racism & injustice in America—a pledge that will span the next three years. Learn more from Alex Gorsky, Chairman & CEO, :

— Johnson & Johnson (@JNJNews)

UnitedHealth Group said it would donate $10 million to help businesses in the Twin Cities rebuild and create an educational trust fund for Floyd’s children.

Our hearts are heavy with the tragic death of George Floyd. We’re doing our part to help create a more equitable society by establishing an educational trust for his children, donating $10M to help Twin Cities businesses rebuild and advance equity & inclusivity efforts.

— UnitedHealth Group (@UnitedHealthGrp)

“This is not a time to sit back and wait for action from others,” Timmons said. “The manufacturing community, and the larger business community—made up of people from every background, every race, every state and every neighborhood in the country—has a responsibility that is as urgent now as at any time when our nation seemed on the edge of destruction. We must be part of the solution—to end the polarization and division that routinely manifests in our country.”

Washington, D.C. – 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on the tragic events in Minnesota:

“At the 51�Թ���, we share the concerns of many Americans about the unfolding events in Minneapolis and in cities and communities nationwide. But even more tragic than these events is the knowledge that, at their root, they are not new. We have spent the last few months talking about a ‘return to normal.’ For too many people across the country, images of oppression and loss is what ‘normal’ looks like.

“We cannot, and we must not, accept that. It is not acceptable for a young black man who has watched images of the enfolding horror of George Floyd’s last gasps for breath while pinned under the knee of a white police officer, to think, ‘could this be me, or my brother, or my father?’ We cannot stand idly by when a young black girl is traumatized into thinking that she will never get a fair chance in life as she bears witness to that gut-wrenching image of a white man expressing self-righteous dominion over someone like her.

“There are too many among us who believe there are those who are ‘less than’ or not worthy of humanity, dignity and equal justice. To turn a blind eye to this blatant bigotry and to not do all we can to eradicate it, makes us less than human. It undermines all that America stands for.

“To be very clear, manufacturers in America do not condone violence or destruction of any kind. But we absolutely stand hand in hand with all those who seek respect, fairness and the right to equality of opportunity that America has promised for centuries and that, even now, has not been delivered to all her citizens.

“This is not a time to sit back and wait for action from others. It’s not enough to say ‘this doesn’t concern me,’ or ‘this isn’t my job, my cause, my fight.’ The manufacturing community, and the larger business community—made up of people from every background, every race, every state and every neighborhood in the country—has a responsibility that is as urgent now as at any time when our nation seemed on the edge of destruction. We must be part of the solution—to end the polarization and division that routinely manifests in our country. We must bring our people together in common purpose, to strengthen the values that bind us together, to rebuild our communities, to reinstill faith in ourselves and to ensure that all of our citizens have a right to live safely and securely.

“If we fail, America will not endure. If we are to succeed, it must be together.”

–51�Թ���–

The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 11.5 million men and women, contributes $2.38 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – The 51�Թ��� has released a detailed agenda of to help policymakers as Congress and the administration look at ways to boost long-term economic growth. Manufacturers are also launching a seven-figure national advertising campaign on the importance of U.S. supply chains in the wake of COVID-19. The national television and digital advertising campaign urges leaders to make smart policy decisions that incentivize job creation and investment in America, without closing off critical global supply chains. Such a constructive approach will enable manufacturers to lead America’s recovery and renewal while continuing to produce the vital supplies, medicines and essential products on which Americans’ health and safety depends.

The policies that we are proposing will allow manufacturers to lead our economic recovery by strengthening supply chains and accelerating onshoring, through incentives for creating the next job or investing the next dollar right here in America. We also cannot close off access to critical components or resources that our lifesaving and life-changing products require, said 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons. Manufacturers are working around the clock to create the protective equipment, cleaning supplies, medicines and other essential products in the wake of COVID-19, and we need the right policies so we can make even more here at home and lead a truly historic American renewal.

In April, the 51�Թ��� released its “American Renewal Action Plan,” which provides a comprehensive list of policy recommendations to guide the country through the stages of response, recovery and renewal.

More information on the campaign can be found at www.nam.org/recovery.

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 11.5 million men and women, contributes $2.38 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org

As COVID-19 affects communities nationwide, manufacturers are taking extraordinary steps to supply the products, including daily essentials and medical supplies, that Americans need. Unfortunately, outdated liability rules might expose these same manufacturers to litigation, creating added risk as they go above and beyond for the COVID-19 response. 51�Թ��� General Counsel Linda Kelly explains.

What’s the problem manufacturers face?

Our country needs manufacturers to produce food and critical goods so that most of us can shelter in place and slow the virus’ spread. Our sector has also stepped up in an unprecedented way. For example, 51�Թ��� members have started to produce masks, gowns and other equipment for use on the front lines, and they didn’t wait around until they had perfect legal certainty before they acted to do the right thing. Some of our members have donated the equipment that they would use to local hospitals.

Unfortunately, even as manufacturers are making sacrifices and performing essential services, unprecedented regulatory uncertainty and rapid changes in the rules make it hard to know what actions could expose manufacturers to unfair litigation. Manufacturers always put the health and wellbeing of employees and families first. So manufacturers are stuck: they’re committed to doing the right thing, but they could also face lawsuits as a result.

What do manufacturers need to solve this problem?��

America’s manufacturers need sensible liability protections for the workplace so our essential workers can continue to combat COVID-19 and help the nation move toward recovery.��In an unprecedented time of national need, America’s manufacturers have stepped up to aid those on the front lines with essential equipment and materials and to maintain our way of life. And our elected officials should protect those who, without being asked, did the right thing.

What should those protections look like?

The 51�Թ��� has developed a list of proposed reforms: commonsense adjustments to help ensure we have enough food on the table, equipment for our hospitals and eventually vaccines and life-saving drugs for our world.

We need protections for the workplace so critical manufacturers can continue to operate. We need to extend Good Samaritan protections to cover those who donate equipment, or who may be producing protective gear or even ventilators and more complicated medical equipment for the first time. We need to bar suits for public nuisance against critical manufacturers, as well as shareholder suits that try to “Monday-morning quarterback” decisions manufacturers have to make every day in the face of tremendous regulatory uncertainty.

Who should these reforms apply to?

These are specific, narrow reforms. They should be limited to critical businesses that operate to serve our country during the crisis, and they should apply only during the emergency and for a “wind-down” period after the declared emergency ends. We need reforms that prevent abuse of our legal system, while at the same time holding any actual bad actors accountable.

This is an unprecedented situation—and we need regulatory certainty that meets the moment.

See the 51�Թ���’s pandemic liability policy recommendations.

Washington, D.C. –��To strengthen the nation’s response to COVID-19 and ensure manufacturers are poised to lead the recovery and renewal of the American economy, the 51�Թ��� released the “.”

“Our industry has been on the front lines throughout this crisis, providing the equipment and products to keep our country safe, healthy and fed. The nation is counting on us to continue to play a leading role in this effort, and lawmakers must equip us with the tools we need,” said 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons. Timmons, a member of the White House’s COVID-19 Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups, added, “The 51�Թ���’s ‘American Renewal Action Plan’ is the path forward.”

The recommendations are outlined in three phases—response, recovery and renewal. Some of the key provisions include the following:

• Response:
  • Congressional and administrative actions to allow manufacturers to further ramp up production and enhance distribution of personal protective equipment to support not only our hospitals, but all sectors of the economy.
• Recovery:
  • Congressional and administrative actions to ensure that employees are able to go into work confident that proper health precautions are being implemented.
  • Strong and clear legal reforms that protect the essential manufacturers that must remain open to provide vital goods and those that retool their factories to make urgently needed equipment and supplies.
• Renewal:
  • Significant investment in workforce training programs to aid dislocated workers.
  • Historic investment in our nation’s infrastructure to boost the economy.
  • Key reforms to boost economic and national security by growing the U.S. manufacturing industry.
  • Congressional and administrative actions to expand U.S. exports and strengthen the manufacturing supply chain.
  • The Treasury Department, Small Business Administration and Federal Reserve should speed the delivery of aid to small businesses by addressing key issues related to their new lending facilities.

The 51�Թ��� released its “COVID-19 Policy Action Plan Recommendations” on March 9 to guide the government’s initial response to the pandemic. The association released an on March 18. Congress and the administration have already adopted many of the proposals.

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ�����is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than��12.8��million men and women, contributes $2.37��trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic��multiplier��of any major sector and accounts for��63%��of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit .

Washington, D.C. – 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on the 51�Թ��� being included in President Trump’s Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups.

“Throughout this crisis, manufacturers have been leading the way. Much of the sector has been fully operational, making critical personal protective equipment, medical supplies and ventilators, in addition to producing food and household essentials. Manufacturers have many examples of safe and healthy practices to share.

“Throughout the past month, the 51�Թ��� has provided the White House, FEMA, the Coronavirus Task Force, DHS and other agencies with our legislative solutions for economic stabilization and future growth, as well as a database of available PPE supply and connecting the supply chain with OEMs.

“Over the past three years, manufacturers have produced impressive gains in investment, job creation and wage growth here in the United States. As the nation prepares to move from relief to recovery and bringing our $22 trillion economy out of its ‘induced coma,’ I look forward to working with the Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups, including the 44��51�Թ��� member companies that were also named, to drive this next phase of American renewal,��while putting the health and well-being of the American people first. Ultimately, manufacturers, the backbone of this economy, want to be able to invest, grow and hire—right where we left off.”

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.37 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit .

On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act. 51�Թ��� Director of Tax and Domestic Economic Policy Charles Crain explains its significance.

What is the CARES Act?��

The CARES Act is essentially a rescue vehicle for the economy. It’s not a long-term stimulus package, but rather a short-term emergency spending package to provide a specific injection of funds right now.

We’re facing a dramatic economic slowdown. Businesses don’t have the capital they need to operate because there’s not a lot of commerce going on. People are staying safe, staying inside and spending less money than they ordinarily would, and that has an impact on the economy generally and businesses specifically. The CARES Act is designed to provide capital for businesses and capital for families to weather the crisis.

How does the CARES Act help?

It does a number of different things. Because of the 51�Թ���’s leadership and advocacy, the CARES Act includes many of manufacturers’ priorities—priorities we first outlined in the 51�Թ���’s “COVID-19 Policy Action Plan Recommendations.”

First, the CARES Act offers almost $350 billion in loans to small businesses. The Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program provides loans up to $10 million, and as long as the loans are used to keep employees on payroll or on certain overhead costs like rent, mortgage interest or utilities, that loan will be forgiven.

Second, the CARES Act helps companies keep their employees, both through the PPP and through the Employee Retention Tax Credit, which allows eligible businesses that don’t use the PPP for payroll to claim a tax credit.

Third, the CARES Act allows for businesses to defer employer payroll taxes from March 27 until the end of this year, with half of it due at the end of 2021 and the other half at the end of 2022.

Fourth, it temporarily increases allowable interest deductions from 30% to 50% for 2019 and 2020, helping to provide critical liquidity for businesses.

Fifth, it sends money directly to American families in the form of relief checks up to $1,200 per qualifying individual and up to $500 per child, which helps employees and business owners alike.

How can manufacturers access the programs they need?

There’s a wide range of agencies involved in this effort and many are operating on different timelines. The Paycheck Protection Program, for example, has already begun—eligible businesses can now apply for loans directly with their local lender. For our members, the 51�Թ��� provides important deadlines and points of access, as we have done with about loans and tax provisions so far.

Where can manufacturers get more information?

The 51�Թ��� regularly updates COVID-19 resources for manufacturers. Helpful links for small businesses are also available.

Vice President Mike Pence recently joined 3,000 manufacturing leaders on a call hosted by the 51�Թ��� and the 51�Թ���’s Manufacturing Leadership Council regarding the COVID-19 response. He provided an update on the administration’s efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19, detailed the 51�Թ���’s work with the administration to coordinate the industry’s response and thanked manufacturers for the work they have done across the country to provide and produce vital supplies.

“The efforts of so many of you have truly been inspiring, and at times, at great cost,” said Pence. “It is clear to the president, it is clear to his vice president, and clear, I know, to the American people that American business is putting America’s health first.”

Pence specifically mentioned ASO LLC, a consumer medical supplies manufacturer in Sarasota, Florida, that stepped forward to produce 1.2 million medical gloves for health care workers. He also mentioned other ways manufacturers are stepping up, including by donating millions of N95 masks to health care workers in impacted areas.

Pence urged manufacturers to examine their inventories for equipment that could be donated to local hospitals, to communicate the White House’s health and safety guidelines to employees and to continue working with the 51�Թ��� as it helps mobilize the industry to deliver and produce urgently needed supplies. The 51�Թ��� has been in close contact with the White House’s Office of Emergency Supply Production, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Federal Emergency Management Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services and other key federal agencies.

“So many of you play a critical role in the life of this nation and critical infrastructure industry,” said Vice President Pence. “We want to work with you to find a way to continue to move forward, to continue to produce and continue to operate.”

In addition to the vice president’s remarks, Todd Niemeier of the CDC’s COVID-19 Response-Health Systems and Worker Safety Task Force provided manufacturing-focused guidance, and The Hershey Company’s Vice President of Engineering Will Bonifant and Senior Director of Manufacturing, Global Supply Chain Tim Hinegardner shared steps the manufacturer is taking to protect their employees and the public.

“As manufacturers have throughout our history, we are going to be part of the solution,” said 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons. “We are responding, we are mobilizing and we are leading the country.”

The 51�Թ��� is continuing to provide coronavirus resources for manufacturers, connecting businesses with guidance from appropriate government officials and agencies and providing updates on the state of the manufacturing industry.

For more information, including best practices, CDC resources and more, go to .