Carolyn Bourdeaux: “I thank Chairwoman Velazquez, Ranking Member Luetkemeyer, and Representative Kim for joining me in introducing the…”

“I thank Chairwoman Velazquez, Ranking Member Luetkemeyer, and Representative Kim for joining me in introducing the bipartisan Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act. In 2 weeks, the Paycheck Protection Program, also known as PPP, application period will expire, taking away much-needed help from thousands of small businesses that are struggling to keep the doors open and employees on the payroll. The PPP Extension Act would extend the application period for another 2 months, ensuring that those small businesses can continue to apply for critical financial assistance until May 31. It also provides an additional 30 days for the Small Business Administration to process applications submitted by May 31. PPP loans have provided a lifeline to mom-and-pop businesses across the country, including those in my district, that are simply trying to survive an unprecedented health and economic crisis. In Georgia alone, the Paycheck Protection Program has provided more than 260,000 forgivable loans for nearly $19 billion since the program was created last year. Without that money, we would have lost thousands more of the small businesses that make up the foundation of our communities. I hear every day from small businesses in Gwinnett and Forsyth Counties who are simply struggling to survive. This bill has its origins in a conversation that I had with local business owners Tony Rodriguez and his wife, Ann-Carol Pence, who own Lawrenceville's Aurora Theatre.…”