U.S. Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) introduced legislation today to support the safety of consumers and employees during the reopening of the American economy. Her bill would aid small businesses with necessary safety improvements and short-term purchases of personal protection equipment (PPE).
The Main Street Enhancement and Safety Act would extend loan forgiveness under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to small businesses for the purchase of PPE for employees or necessary improvements to the business to create a safer environment for consumers. Currently, PPP loans are only forgivable if funds are used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.
“As millions of small businesses across America reopen, it is imperative that employees have the proper equipment to protect themselves and consumers from the coronavirus,” McSally said. “Expanding loan forgiveness under the Paycheck Protection Program to cover PPE and other safety expenses will give our small businesses the support they need for these new unforeseen costs.”
Background:
-On April 24, Sen. McSally secured the inclusion of tribal gaming enterprises under 500 employees in the Paycheck Protection Program.
-On April 21, Sen. McSally secured additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, Arizona hospitals, and COVID-19 testing.
-On April 8, Sen. McSally called for the immediate passage of additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program.
-On March 26, Sen. McSally voted to provide swift aid to Arizona families, small businesses, hospitals, and tribal communities facing financial insecurity due to the coronavirus pandemic through the CARES Act.
