Keeping staff healthy

Recent changes to federal law have significantly altered medical leave benefits for many employees. It's important that land trusts are aware of and are prepared to act on changes that apply to them and their employees.

The Families First Coronavirus Relief Act, among other things, requires paid sick leave for employees and expands the Family and Medical Leave Act. Additionally, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, provides for other employee benefits than may affect land trusts.

Now, all employers of 500 people or fewer must provide paid sick leave and family health leave to workers and families directly impacted by coronavirus. Additionally, the bills require employers to provide paid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act to employees who fit specific definitions for sick leave. More information is available here.

There are limits to these benefits, of course, but the costs will be covered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury through refundable tax credits that can be used against employment taxes (Social Security and Medicare taxes). It's worth noting that if an employer continues an employee's health insurance coverage while the employee is on paid sick leave, the credit will also include the employer's expense for this.

Some employers can seek exemption — and the Labor secretary has the power to exempt certain smaller businesses if complying would force them out of business. But that's the exception, not the rule.

The Land Trust Alliance is here to help land trusts as we all navigate the many challenges we collectively face. Further resources are available on our COVID-19 page. If your land trust needs a helping hand, please email me — or any of my Alliance colleagues.

In the meantime, stay safe and healthy.

Lori Faeth is government relations director for the Land Trust Alliance.