CHARLESTON, WV (WOAY) – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) running out of funding for loans to American businesses and the need for Congress to approve additional funding.
“West Virginia small businesses are hurting. It’s time to stop the partisan bickering and come together to fix this. Congress must act in a bipartisan way to quickly invest more funding into the PPP and we need to do so in a way that protects small businesses and healthcare providers like those across rural West Virginia. In an analysis of PPP funds approved for distribution, West Virginia ranked 45th out of 50 states. We know our small businesses have as much need as businesses in larger, more populated states and we must ensure there is dedicated funding for small businesses in rural communities like ours,” Senator Manchin said. “Finally, many of our rural hospitals are struggling to stay afloat and we need to allow them to be eligible to apply for SBA loans. We cannot afford to lose a single rural hospital, especially during this healthcare crisis. As a country we have always come together during a crisis and I believe we will do so again and get this funding out the door as quickly as possible.”
Senator Manchin launched an information resources page where West Virginians can learn more about the coronavirus pandemic and how to protect themselves and their families. To learn more please click here.
Senator Capito released the following statement: Last week, Republican Senators requested unanimous consent on standalone emergency funding for the PPP. No policy changes, just an increase in funding for a program that was providing small businesses the relief they need. ICYMI, here’s Senator Capito’s statement on Democrats objection to this request: https://bit.ly/2RKj9Ym
And here’s what she posted on social media just now:
“This situation could have been completely avoided. Small businesses in America are in desperate need. We should not be playing politics and denying small businesses the help they need. Congress MUST fund #PPP.”
