Senator assures them she is working hard to get them additional relief
NFIB held its annual Fly-In virtually in August, connecting small business owners with their federal elected officials. Senator Susan Collins met online with Maine small business owners on Monday, August 24, to hear their concerns and to bring them up to speed on negotiations over another COVID-19 relief bill. She also responded to the small business owner’s questions.
Several business owners explained that they have used up Paycheck Protection Program loans and need additional assistance to stay afloat. Some are in hard-hit industries that have been particularly impacted by pandemic-related restrictions. The problem of small businesses needing additional funds is reflected nationally in NFIB’s latest survey.
In Maine, the tourism industry has suffered, and the owners of several youth camps were on the call. Sen. Collins explained that she is fighting for additional relief and supports allowing those who are hard hit to take a second PPP loan. The Senator explained she is on a call each day with Senate leadership and administration representatives currently negotiating the ways to provide for additional relief but there is still no consensus. She is hopeful the Senators will return to Washington in the next week or two.
Senator Susan Collins also explained she supports protecting small businesses from COVID-19 liability. NFIB is advocating for legislation that would create that type of immunity if the business acted in good faith and followed all government’s requirements to keep employees and customers safe. Collins added she knows many small businesses cannot afford a lawsuit even if they would ultimately win in court, simply due to the cost of mounting a defense.
