Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) met virtually with the US Chamber of Commerce and local Chambers to discuss the effectiveness of COVID-19 relief programs and receive the Spirit of Enterprise Award for her bipartisan leadership and efforts to support small businesses. Kuster co-sponsored the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, which became law in June and provides flexibility to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to make critical funds more accessible to small businesses that are facing economic challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She also voted in favor of the HEROES Act – legislation that includes additional flexibility for PPP and more funding for Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Kuster has held calls with businesses from across the state, as well as business relief program administrators to hear direct feedback about the effectiveness of relief programs.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with unique challenges, we know that by working together to safely restore our economy and help those who are impacted most, we can reestablish New Hampshire’s thriving business community,” said Kuster. “I’ve heard from many businesses, particularly early on in the pandemic, that were having issues applying for PPP and EIDL loans, and I was proud to work with a number of them to resolve these difficulties. Today’s discussion has given me important insight into the challenges businesses continue to face during this crisis. I look forward to sharing these insights with my colleagues as we continue working to help business weather the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

“In these uncertain times with daunting economic and social challenges facing our nation, it is imperative that leaders in Washington are focused on propelling American businesses forward to create jobs and economic growth from California to Maine,” said Thomas J. Donohue, CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “As we rebuild our economy, legislators must lead by pursuing bipartisan solutions that create jobs and promote a free enterprise system. I’m proud to recognize these 259 Members of Congress for their commitment to driving opportunity and prosperity in America’s workforce and on Main Streets across the nation.”

Kuster was joined by:             

-Steve McAllister, US Chamber of Commerce

-Kate Luczko, Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce

-Tracy Hutchins, Upper Valley Business Alliance

-Phil Suter, Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce

-Paul Kinney, Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce

Today’s virtual roundtable can be viewed here. 

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