Department of Labor announces plan for new classification of independent contractors
On June 3, the U.S. Department of Labor announced it plans to move forward on a rulemaking regarding the classification of workers as either employees or independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The action comes after the Biden administration was blocked in district court to rescind a Trump-era regulation that established a new structure for employers to use to determine employee or independent contractor status.
Before issuing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, DOL will hold public forums to receive input from stakeholders regarding the independent contractor classification issue.
- Employer Forum will be held June 24 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. EDT.
- Worker Forum will be held June 29 from 5-7 p.m. EDT.
Biden-Harris administration announced National Initiative to Advance Building Codes
On June 1, the Biden-Harris administration launched a national initiative to modernize building codes, improve climate resilience and reduce energy costs. Through this initiative, the Biden-Harris Administration will:
- Review federal funding and financing of building construction to ensure federally supported building projects follow modern building codes and standards
- Direct $225 million in infrastructure funding for the Department of Energy to support implementation of updated building energy codes and create quality jobs, including through workforce training partnerships and direct support to state and local agencies
- Provide incentives and support for communities to adopt current building codes and standards by providing technical assistance across the federal government
- Lead by example across the federal building portfolio by seizing opportunities to advance “above-code” resilience and energy-efficiency standards in new projects, as well as developing the first Federal Building Performance Standards to help achieve net-zero emissions across new and existing federal buildings by 2045
President Biden announces executive action to spur domestic clean energy manufacturing
On June 6, President Biden announced executive action to spur domestic clean energy manufacturing. The administration plans to:
- Use the Defense Production Act to boost domestic production of clean energy technologies, including solar panel parts and building insulation
- Use federal procurement to spur additional domestic solar manufacturing capacity by directing the development of master supply agreements, including “super preference” status
- Waive solar import tariffs for two years as domestic manufacturing increases enough to provide a reliable supply of components U.S. solar deployers need
David McCormick concedes to Mehmet Oz in Pennsylvania GOP primary recount
On June 4, David McCormick acknowledged he did not have the votes to beat Mehmet Oz in the Pennsylvania GOP primary recount, conceding the race. Oz now will face off against Lt. Gov. John Fetterman in November’s general election.
Primary results in California, Iowa, New Mexico and others, key battleground districts
During this round of redistricting, most congressional districts were shored up for incumbents in both parties. However, June 7 elections highlight key battleground districts in California and New Mexico.
In California, incumbents Reps. David Valadao, Mike Garcia, Michelle Steel and Young Kim all won by close margins, and Reps. Katie Porter and Mike Levin also are seeing tough races. California operates under an open primary system where every candidate is on one ballot and the two candidates who receive the most votes, regardless of party, move on to the general election. Each incumbent received enough votes to move on to the general election.
New Mexico also is interesting as Democrats took a chance during redistricting, making a safe seat in the north less safe by extending its boundaries south in an attempt to take the only Republican seat, which currently is held by Yvette Herrell. However, it appears—based on total votes cast—it is unlikely these congressional seats will flip.
Some other interesting races to note from the June 7 primary include a successful recall of San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin, one of the U.S.’ most progressive top prosecutors. Also, in the race for Los Angeles mayor, current Rep. Karen Bass and her opponent, billionaire Rick Caruso, each received 38% of the vote with Caruso unexpectedly running ahead of Bass by roughly 15,000 votes; Democrats Bass and Caruso now advance to the general election in November.
Upcoming Special Election
June 14: Emergency special election date to fill the 34th Congressional District seat recently vacated by Congressman Filemon B. Vela
Upcoming Primary Elections
June 14: Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, South Carolina (June 28 runoff)
June 21: Virginia, Washington D.C., and runoffs in Alabama, Arkansas and Georgia
June 28: Colorado, Illinois, New York, Oklahoma, Utah
Do you have political insight we have missed or thoughts regarding an upcoming race? We would love to hear from you. Please email dmazol@nrca.net to share your thoughts.
