Employers with fewer than 500 employees may opt into participation in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which provides paid family leave and paid sick leave related to COVID-19. Those employers may continue the program through September 30, 2021. The benefit to employers could be matching tax credits for sick leave dollars paid.

The FFCRA was extended through March 31 this year with President Biden’s signing of The American Rescue Act Plan. Beyond that expiration date, participation is voluntary. Additional provisions of the act were added to cover sick leave in the event that an employee is getting a COVID vaccine or recovering from side effects. Employers that opt in must cover all provisions in the act, but they may take a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for leave paid.

This article does not constitute legal advice or an interpretation of current law and should not be taken as such. To be sure that your business is in compliance with current employment laws, it is always recommended that you consult with a lawyer specializing in employment and related issues.

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:
Northern Water opens new grant cycle for water-wise landscapes
Is sick leave for COVID-19 still required in Colorado?
2021 Colorado legislative session summary for the green industry
ProGreen EXPO 2022 invites speaker suggestions and proposals