The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently held a listening session to hear the public’s thoughts on whether additional H-2B visas should be made available to employers.  GCSAA has consistently argued that superintendents need access to these additional visas, approved by Congress last year, as golf plays a greater role during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Rounds are up and superintendents are working longer hours to ensure the best playing conditions.

Congress has approved an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), making it available for small businesses for a greater period of time.  The PPP’s application deadline was originally set to expire March 31.  Under the “PPP Extension Act of 2021”, small businesses can now apply for these loans for two additional months, through May 31.   The Act passed both houses of Congress by wide, bipartisan margins and is expected to be signed by the President before the current deadline expires.

I recently presented on advocacy topics to an audience of the Connecticut Environmental Council (CTEC). Topics covered were policy issues at the state level impacting golf course superintendents and how to communicate with legislators and staff regarding those issues.

On March 10, the United States Senate voted to confirm Michael Regan as President Joe Biden's pick to lead the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The vote was 66 to 34.