Bill Herrle, the National Federation of Independent Business’s executive director for Florida, today thanked Sen. Marco Rubio for offering legislation that would let small businesses impacted by COVID-19 apply for a second round of Paycheck Protection Program financial assistance. On Tuesday, NFIB announced that it was key voting the Continuing the Paycheck Protection Program Act, critical legislation offered by Rubio and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine.
“Our members appreciate Senator Rubio’s leadership throughout the pandemic,” Herrle said. “It’s been a difficult year for small businesses, especially those that depend on out-of-state visitors. Our members are doing everything they can to keep the doors open, but 22% small businesses surveyed this month by the NFIB Research Center warned they might have to let people go within the next six months.
“The same survey showed that about half of small businesses anticipate needing additional financial assistance over the next 12 months,” Herrle said. “Forty-four percent say they would apply if second PPP loan if Congress lets them, while 30% say they might.
“We hope the rest of Congress will follow Senator Rubio’s example and support legislation that will allow Florida’s and America’s small businesses to get through this economic crisis and keep people working.”