• COVID-19 Recovery Updates
• HR Advantage Celebrates 16 Years
• HR Coffee Talks (Video): Recruitment
• DOL Withdraws Final Rule - Independent Contractor vs. Employee
• Career Opportunities: Junior Account Manager, Payroll and Benefits Manager, Nurse Case Manager, Program Manager, Video Designer

• Springfield City Council removed its mask mandate effective May 27th. Mandated mask wearing, remaining occupancy restrictions and rules on mass gatherings will be removed completely, moving Springfield into the green phase on the Road to Recovery initiative.
• The CDC updated its masking recommendations, stating that fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.

• ARPA extends refundable payroll tax credits for emergency paid sick leave (EPSL) and extended family and medical leave (E-FMLA) through September 30, 2021.
• Compliance with the EPSL or E-FMLA requirements continues to be voluntary for employers after December 31, 2020. 
• For those voluntarily offering EPSL or EMFLA, changes such as reset of the 10 day limit for sick leave as of April 1st, and new qualifying reasons for EPSL or EMFLA including seeking COVID-19 related testing or diagnosis, seeking vaccination and recovery from vaccination related illness.
• COBRA Subsidies - ARPA makes subsidies available to employees and their families who are eligible for COBRA (or state mini-COBRA) due to an involuntary termination of employment or reduction in hours. The law provides a 100% subsidy for COBRA premiums beginning April 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. The subsidy applies to group health plans other than health FSAs.

1. The employer’s versus the individual’s degree of control over the work;
2. The individual’s opportunity for profit or loss;
3. The individual’s investment in facilities and equipment;
4. The permanency of the relationship between the parties;
5. The skill or expertise required by the individual; and
6. Whether the work is “part of an integrated unit of production.”