Over the past six months, Main Street America has been advocating to Congress for federal funding for Main Street coordinating and local programs. The work of Main Street programs in supporting small businesses throughout the pandemic has been unprecedented, and persistent outreach across the network has elevated our message to key Senate offices. Local economic recovery from this pandemic will be prolonged, and Main Street America will continue to push for federal support for our programs and to advocate for Main Street programs.
Unfortunately, since the CARES Act was passed in March, there has been no substantial federal COVID response legislation. Several relief packages have been proposed – most of which include significant relief for small businesses in the form of additional Payroll Protection Program support and long-term lending vehicles to for small businesses. While there is broad bipartisan support for small business relief, unrelated political disagreements have stymied discussions. Unfortunately, we know all too well that businesses are suffering.
While our push for specific relief for Main Street programs is at the core of our advocacy efforts, there is an urgent need for federal support for the small businesses within our communities. As winter takes hold, we know that the situation for small businesses – particularly restaurants and entertainment venues – is increasingly bleak. Many businesses that have been “hanging on by a thread” are now facing difficult decisions to close their doors.
Today, we are asking our network to engage in a national campaign for bipartisan, immediate relief for small businesses. Lift your voice by signing a petition to call on Congress to support our small businesses NOW. Share these messages and videos through your social media pages. Let’s urge Congress to take action to support our small businesses.
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