Friend,

Not long before I ran for Congress, I co-founded a small chain of coffee shops in the Twin Cities. Establishing a new business, creating jobs and opportunity, and providing inspiring space for communities to gather and have conversations is a joyful pursuit. But as any entrepreneur will tell you, running a small business also involves a lot of risk, challenges and uncertainty -- even in good times.

As our economy has ground to a halt over the past few weeks, small business owners across the country are facing financial uncertainty and possible ruin like never before -- but there are ways we can help -- from ordering takeout from local restaurants to advocating for support to help them through this pandemic.

That's why I'm asking you to join in signing this petition to call for expanded protections for small businesses and the millions of people they employ.

The Paycheck Protection Program -- part of the CARES Act we recently passed in Congress -- has provided a lifeline for many small businesses by providing forgivable loans that can be used to cover payroll and other expenses for up to eight weeks. It's a program designed to keep millions of Americans employed and millions of small businesses open.

But the PPP funds are not endless, and that's why I believe they should go to the small businesses that need it most -- the ones whose very existence is most threatened by this pandemic. While allowed, our business will not be applying for loans from the program as I want to ensure the businesses most in need have access to the money. But many restaurants and retailers are not so lucky, and this unprecedented crisis calls for unprecedented support.

I want every locally owned business to have a shot at pulling through this pandemic -- and I hope you'll sign my petition to make your voice heard on this, too.

Friend, we're all hoping to be able to leave our houses soon without fear, see children play with one another and hug their grandparents, and go to work without face masks and gloves. If we stand strong for our local businesses now, we'll be able to once again enjoy the shops, restaurants, and gathering places that make our communities special.

Many thanks and keep the faith!

Dean