This is an incredibly stressful time for individuals, families, workers, and small business owners due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Congress, on a bipartisan basis, has proceeded with an initial three-phase response to this public health and economic crisis:
Phase I, signed into law on March 6, allocated $8.3 billion in federal
funding to help address the immediate needs of public health agencies to fight the virus.
Phase II, signed into law on March 18, provided more than $100 billion to improve access to COVID-19 testing, bolster unemployment and food assistance, expand paid sick leave, and assist states as they respond to the public health crisis.
Phase III, signed into law on March 27, provided $2 trillion in emergency assistance to further protect the health of the American people and support our economy. Included in the new law is a $377 billion economic relief program for small businesses that I co-authored, which aims to keep workers paid and employed. The law also allocates much-needed funds to support our hospitals and health providers; purchase personal protective equipment for doctors, nurses, and first responders; and promote vaccine development.
To help Mainers understand how these new laws will impact you and your families, and to share resources that are available to help Mainers stay safe and secure during this crisis, I have put together a Resource Guide. This site provides information on the new loan forgiveness program for small businesses, rebate checks for individuals, unemployment insurance enhancements, and key investments to support our frontline response to meet the health and safety needs
of Mainers during this crisis.
All across the country, Americans are stepping up in response to the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping our nation. Doctors and nurses are working endless hours and putting themselves at risk to care for the surge in patients. Manufacturers, including many in Maine, are working overtime and retooling their product lines to make medical testing swabs, ventilators, and personal protective equipment. Truckers are going above and beyond, missing time with their families, so that they can deliver goods needed to restock depleted grocery store shelves. People are looking out for their neighbors and making personal sacrifices to help reduce the virus’ spread.
Every day, more small businesses are forced to close their doors. Every day, Americans are losing their jobs and their
income. Every day, medical professionals are increasingly overwhelmed by the exponential rise in cases.
My top priority remains to help keep Mainers as safe and as healthy as possible, and I remain committed to providing Maine with the resources it needs to keep up the fight.
Please visit the Resource Guide to learn more about the assistance available to individuals, families, employees, and small businesses.
As always, my staff stands ready to help Mainers as they deal with federal agencies. To speak with a member of my staff during this crisis, please contact any of my Maine Constituent Service Centers listed below, or click HERE to submit a request.
