Dear Neighbor,

In turbulent times like these, it's essential that we support our small businesses. Small businesses account for 93.4 percent of firms in Virginia's 11th District, employing 191,000 people -- nearly half of all workers in the district. And right now, they are being hit hard by the economic fallout from COVID-19.

In Congress, we recently passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which: 
  • Creates emergency paid sick leave and paid family leave in the case of school closures for working families impacted by COVID-19,
  • Requires employers with up to 500 employees provide two weeks (10 days) of paid sick leave and twelve weeks of paid family leave, and
  • Provides a refundable payroll tax credit to employers to cover 100 percent of the cost of wages, and a refundable income tax credit for self-employed individuals.

In addition, I was also proud to support passage of the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, which:
  • Included funding for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide approximately $7 billion in disaster loans for small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19,
  • Streamlined the application process for SBA disaster loans, and
  • Accelerated disaster declarations.

This week's disaster declaration for Virginia enables small businesses to receive assistance through SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. These loans will be available for up to $2 million and are low interest -- 3.75 percent for small businesses without credit available elsewhere, and 2.75 percent for non-profits.

While that's a start, I know we can do more. I am helping to lead an effort in Congress to provide these emergency small business loans with 0 percent interest during this pandemic. There is also consideration being given to providing loan forgiveness to employers who continue to pay employees. During times of economic crisis, there is precedent for the federal government paying all obligations owed to small business contractors within 60 days. Such action would help 200,000 small businesses across the country, including many in Northern Virginia.

SBA has established an online resource for small businesses interested in applying for these loans. I encourage you to reference this site for vital information regarding the resources available to you. Additionally, you can find a list of frequently asked questions about SBA loans here. 

You may also contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center by calling 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Workers harmed by the impact of COVID-19 may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits with the Virginia Employment Commission. For more information about these benefits, and to file a claim, I encourage you to visit the Virginia Employment Commission website. You may also find this list of Frequently Asked Questions from workers helpful.

Please know that our work in Congress is not done, and efforts are already underway to provide further economic assistance for small businesses and workers. I will fight as hard as I can to ensure Virginia's small businesses receive the resources they desperately need and deserve. 

Take care of yourselves and each other. And be sure to keep up with the latest information and resources on my website's Coronavirus Information page. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you need assistance, please do not hesitate to call my office at (703) 256-3071.

Sincerely,
Gerald E. Connolly
Member of Congress 
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Washington, DC Office
2238 Rayburn HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-1492

Annandale Office
4115 Annandale Road, Ste. 103
Annandale, VA 22003
Phone: (703) 256-3071
Fax: (703) 354-1284

Prince William Office
2241-D Tacketts Mill Drive
Woodbridge, VA 22192
Phone: (571) 408-4407
Fax: (571) 408-4708


 
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