U.S. Supreme Court puts vaccine mandate on hold
On Jan. 13, the U.S. Supreme Court announced a decision to temporarily block the Occupational Safety and Health Administration from implementing its Emergency Temporary Standard that would require employers with 100 or more employees to ensure their workers get vaccinated or undergo weekly testing for COVID-19.
Essentially, the decision, which was made with six justices in the majority and three dissenting, reimposes the temporary stay issued by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals shortly after the ETS was originally issued in November 2021. This temporary stay was lifted by a three-judge panel of the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals Dec. 17, 2021, which then allowed OSHA to resume implementation of the ETS with delayed enforcement deadlines. This decision to reimpose the stay indicates the court believes the plaintiffs challenging the ETS are likely to prevail on any final court decision on the case. View a copy of the decision.
Given the reimposition of the temporary stay, Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh issued a statement on OSHA’s ETS website.
It is NRCA’s understanding the litigation will go back to the full 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, which will proceed with further consideration of the lawsuit and provide a ruling regarding whether the ETS will be allowed to proceed or be struck down permanently. Timing on when such a decision might happen is unclear. In addition, on Jan. 19, NRCA submitted comments on the ETS, which also serves as a proposed rule for a potential permanent vaccine and testing standard. View NRCA’s comments.
Support ROOFPAC at NRCA’s 135th Annual Convention and the 2022 International Roofing Expo®
NRCA will partner with National Women in Roofing to host “Salute to the Big Easy,” a cocktail reception and live auction Jan. 31. Held at The American Sector Restaurant and Bar at The National WWII Museum from 4-7 p.m., guests can bid on vacations, artwork and more. There still is time to register for this fun-filled event.
NRCA also will host its popular silent auction benefiting ROOFPAC. A variety of jewelry, trips, electronics and more will be available for bidding. Participants can view and place bids on silent auction items electronically by visiting www.roofpac22.givesmart.com. Attendance at the convention and trade show is not required to place bids.
NRCA is grateful for many generous sponsors who help underwrite the costs of these events so all proceeds may directly benefit ROOFPAC. Thank you!
U.S. political party identification sees historic shift
To monitor national trends, Gallup takes a frequent poll asking: “In politics, as of today, do you consider yourself a Republican, Democrat or Independent. If Independent, do you lean more to the Republican Party or Democratic Party?”
On average, Americans’ political party preferences typically lean toward Democrats or leaning Democratic (46%) versus those who identified as Republicans or leaned Republican (43%). Much of 2021, on average only, looked about the same. However, there was a dramatic shift from a nine-percentage-point Democratic advantage in the first quarter to a rare five-point Republican lean in the fourth quarter.
The nine-point Democratic advantage in the first quarter and five-point Republican edge in the fourth quarter are among the largest Gallup has measured for each party in any quarter since it began regularly measuring in 1991. There are many conclusions one can draw from these numbers, but it is safe to say this next year will be a rocky one with independents swinging this way and that.
Reminder: Roofing Day in D.C. 2022 returns in person April 5-6
Registration for one of the largest advocacy events in Washington, D.C., now is open at www.nrca.net/roofingday. Join fellow roofing professionals on Capitol Hill as we advocate for our industry! Congress must see and hear from you to understand the critical issues we face. Together, we can make a difference.
View a tentative itinerary to learn more about Roofing Day in D.C. 2022.
