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Dear Friend,
I hope you, family, and friends are staying healthy during this time, both physically and financially. This is a stressful time for many in our community and I want to assure you that Congress is working hard to make sure the country is protected.
Just last week, we passed the fourth round of coronavirus legislation. It includes more funding for the successful Payment Protection Program (PPP), modifies some of the requirements for the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Emergency Injury Disaster Loan program to allow certain agriculture producers to apply, sends funding to hospitals to assist with their lost revenue, and provides funding for testing.
While I was pleased that this fourth round included three of my top priorities, I was disappointed that we could not liberate state governments from not being able to distribute money intended for local governments that has already been appropriated.
The current problem is that the present guidance prohibits the use of relief funds to help offset lost revenues – which is what is hurting our cities during this crisis. I’m working to introduce legislation to provide additional flexibility to use existing COVID relief funds to help local governments impacted by the crisis through the end of the year.
This is money that has already been appropriated but needs to be redirected to keep our first responders and firefighters from being laid off; the very people who protect our communities. I would also like to see inclusion for more non-profits in SBA aid programs because they also are fighting the pandemic head-on to protect Nebraskans by providing vital services to our communities, citizens, and businesses.
I hear from many people about how and when we are going to reopen our country for business. Our state and local leaders, along with public health officials, have been hard at work leading Nebraska during this time. In addition, the White House has issued opening guidelines for the country. That information can be found here.
Robust testing plans and rapid response programs are described in those opening guidelines, and the President unveiled the Testing Overview and Testing Blueprint, designed to facilitate state development of those.
Another program that has been helping some businesses keep afloat during this pandemic is the PPP. Here’s a local non-profit in Omaha that received a loan:
Scatter Joy Acres Gets PPP Loan
For more stories, visit here. Is your business utilizing a PPP loan? You can share your story here.
If you have any questions or are not sure where to go for you help, you can visit my page dedicated to resources during this time. You can also contact my office at 402-938-0300.
Sincerely,
Don Bacon, Member of Congress
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