Resources regarding loans available during the COVID-19 pandemic

Congressman Roger Williams and State Representative Dr. Brad Buckley both hosted town-hall-style teleconferences recently to provide citizens and business owners in their districts with information regarding loan programs and economic assistance during the COVID-19 outbreak and its related economic impact.

In Williams' Telephone Town Hall on April 6, audience questions ranged from initial steps on applying for Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs to inquiries about loan eligibility and loan forgiveness.

Congressman Williams released the following statement:

"Today's small business Telephone Town Hall was an invaluable opportunity to hear directly from 25th District businesses owners and speak about federal resources available to help them survive this pandemic. As a Main Street business owner for over 50 years, I know all too well the tough decisions that employers are forced to make right now.

"I encourage small business owners to contact their private lenders for more information or reach out to my office so we can assist in any way possible. Small businesses are the heartbeat of the American economy, and I will continue fighting for Main Street America throughout this crisis."

Buckley said he hopes to see a "V-shaped recovery", in which the business rebound is quick and at least equally strong as the sudden downturn that has occurred in recent weeks.

"Business was good," the state rep said. "Folks were really stimulating the economy."

The current downturn is an "economic disruption due to an unprecedented health crisis," he added.

One-page summaries of the loan programs and the Coronavirus Aid Releif and Economic Security Act are provided by Williams' and Buckley's office are attached.