NEWSLETTER: Providing Additional Resources for Small Businesses and Health Care Workers

A MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN STENY H. HOYER

Yesterday I brought to the House Floor bipartisan legislation to provide additional relief to small businesses and their employees as we continue to confront the coronavirus pandemic. I am glad the President signed this bill into law today so that it can provide relief to Marylanders as quickly as possible. The Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act provides additional funding to loan and grant programs that aim to keep small businesses in Maryland afloat and able to keep their employees on their payroll. Additionally, the legislation provides more funding to expand testing capabilities across the nation, and it provides additional resources to hospitals and health care workers as they fight the coronavirus. These were all necessary actions to take; however, I am disappointed that this legislation does not include a number of other important provisions, including a fix to ensure that the District of Columbia receives fair funding so that it is equipped to address this public health crisis in our region.

The Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act is an important step in fighting this pandemic, but more is needed to help families and businesses facing severe financial hardships. As Congress begins work on the next coronavirus legislative package, I will continue to advocate for additional funding for state and local governments so that they can keep teachers and first responders on their payrolls, and work to strengthen our public health system to address racial disparities. Additionally, I will also work to ensure the District of Columbia receives the funding it needs to fight this pandemic.

As always, I encourage all Fifth District residents to continue to share their concerns and insights with me by contacting my office or connecting with me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Sincerely Yours,

Steny H. Hoyer