— Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) voted for the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, while also calling for much-needed reforms and improvements. The legislation provides $484 billion in additional COVID-19 relief, including funding to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program for small businesses; important financial aid for hospitals; and investment in COVID-19 testing capacity - a necessary step before re-opening our economy. The Congressman provided the following statement:

“Minnesota’s small businesses are the backbone of our community and our economy, and they need our immediate help during these unprecedented times. The bill on which I voted today will save jobs and the small businesses that create them, and enhance our public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic – but our work is far from over.  

We must overhaul the mechanisms through which aid reaches small businesses and ensure American taxpayers know where their money is going. I have spent countless hours speaking with small business owners who have been shut out of the process and have nowhere to turn, and I fear that without intentional oversight, controls, and transparency, relief will continue to flow into the hands of those who need it least at the expense of those who need it the most. 

Our small businesses are not the only ones suffering. While I’m proud of the relative cooperation between Republicans and Democrats during this crisis, we have much more work to do. Aid to state and local governments must be a priority in our next relief package to ensure they have the resources necessary to protect and serve our constituents back home. We must continue to support our health care professionals, hospitals, and first responders. And we MUST take action now to protect every eligible voter’s right to participate in November’s elections without compromising their health or safety.

We are not done yet. Onward with optimism, integrity, and courage.”

Phillips reiterated his concerns about how the PPP and EIDL programs have been administered in a speech before the House Committee on Small Business today: 

Click here to watch on YouTube

###