The impending release of a proposed COVID-19 vaccine mandate, uncertainty on a major domestic policy bill, a surge in venture capital for women-owned businesses, and no blanket amnesty for unemployment overpayments in Connecticut are among the top business news items this morning.
National
The White House’s Office of Management and Budget has completed a review of the Biden administration’s proposed COVID-19 vaccine mandate for businesses employing 100 or more people. The mandate would be implemented through an emergency temporary standard from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and details on this standard are expected “in coming days.”
Senator Joe Manchin said he may or may not vote against $1.75 trillion legislation that advances many of the Biden administration’s social policy and environmental goals, though he also called for a vote on a $1 billion bipartisan infrastructure measure. Manchin, a key vote in the evenly divided Senate, says he needs to assess the potential economic benefits and impact on the nation’s debt before he makes his decision.
Business trends
Venture capital raised by women-owned companies has seen steady growth in recent years and a major increase this year. Through September, startups owned by women have raised $40 billion – more than twice the amount raised in 2020 or 2019.
Connecticut
The head of the Connecticut Department of Labor told legislators that she is barred by state and federal law from giving a blanket waiver to residents who are being billed for the overpayment of unemployment benefits. About 13,000 people have been ordered to repay some of the funds they received, and Dante Bartolomeo says waivers must be requested and reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
