Doug Jones proposes ‘Small Business Lifeline Fund’
Small businesses everywhere have been hit particularly hard by mandatory closures and safety measures required to help slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). On Friday, Alabama U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, a member of the Senate Banking Committee, proposed a new model to direct money to small businesses by funding payroll service companies. The “Small Business Lifeline Fund” would establish a new fund that would offer short-term, no-interest “bridge” loans to employers that would be directed through their payroll processing company. “While we’re all taking drastic steps to help stop the spread of the virus, we have to do the things necessary to help keep our small businesses afloat and keep our workers paid during this time,” said Jones. “By providing a new fund for loans that small businesses can process directly through their payroll companies, we can cut the red tape that would otherwise slow down money getting into the hands of the workers who need it most. The Small Business Lifeline Fund is a creative solution that we could implement quickly and on a short-term basis to help fill this gap.” The Small Business Lifeline Fund would: Offer loans to fund up to 75-percent of a business’ last three months of payroll; Provide money directly to businesses and workers without the bureaucratic obstacles they would otherwise face in getting loans from a bank at this time; Help alleviate pressure on the unemployment insurance program by keeping workers paid; Ensure payroll taxes continue to be paid in order to protect important programs like Medicare and Social Security.
Martha Roby: COVID-19 update
In this week’s column, Martha Roby outlines resources to assist with hardship and questions related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Companies hoard cash, Walmart hiring 150K, Mercedes-Benz to idle Tuscaloosa facility
Mercedes-Benz announced it will idle its facility in Tuscaloosa starting Monday.
Democrats fret as virus halts in-person voter registration
It’s a quiet change with potentially big consequences for Democrats up and down the ballot in the November general election.
Selma Online offers free civil rights lessons amid virus
The project attempts to show students how events in 1965 shaped voting rights.
Doug Jones, Terri Sewell call on Kay Ivey to extend unemployment amid coronavirus pandemic
As thousands of employees across Alabama are impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19), U.S. Senator Doug Jones and his House colleague, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell on Thursday urged Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and her administration to extend unemployment benefits for Alabamians impacted by the spread of the novel COVID-19. As a result of the economic and public health crisis caused by the pandemic, workers across the Yellowhammer State have had their hours cut or lost their jobs completely as businesses struggle to meet payroll. In a letter to Ivey, the lawmakers wrote: “We urge you to work with the State Legislature to make available twenty-six weeks of unemployment benefits for all eligible individuals for the duration of this public health and economic crisis. This action would be an impactful step to maintaining economic stability during this challenging time.” “Alabama’s economy relies on workers across a variety of sectors and industries who will be impacted by the spread of COVID-19. We are facing unprecedented economic upheaval, and families will increasingly rely on these funds to afford basic necessities, including food, housing, and medication. One of our top priorities must be to support workers and families facing difficult financial circumstances due to the pandemic,” they continued. Read the full letter here.
Donald Trump’s team, senators to negotiate $1T economic rescue deal
The effort builds on Trump’s request for Congress to “go big.”
2020 campaigns go digital amid fears of coronavirus spread
Gone are the rope lines, selfies with supporters and entourages of traveling press.
US, Mexico discuss halting much of cross-border travel
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials briefed business leaders Thursday on plans to prohibit non-essential travel.
Joe Biden, nominee-in-waiting. And waiting. And waiting.
Joe Biden holds an essentially insurmountable delegate lead over Bernie Sanders.
