Congresswoman Elise Stefanik voted recently to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program, provide additional funding for hospitals, fund EIDL small business disaster loans and grants, and fund expanded COVID-19 testing.

Stefanik represents the 21st Congressional District which includes St. Lawrence County.

Additionally, following Congresswoman Stefanik’s advocacy, this legislation gives agriculture businesses eligibility for EIDL assistance. This is phase four of Congress’ response to the COVID-19 crisis.

“The Paycheck Protection Program provided critical relief to many small businesses in the North Country, but many more are still in need of loans,” said Congresswoman Stefanik.

“Today, the House once again came together to provide much-needed relief for the American people – small businesses, hardworking families, farmers, hospitals, and healthcare workers. This legislative package replenishes the PPP, provides additional funding for hospitals and further testing for COVID-19, and makes agriculture businesses eligible for EIDL assistance – a provision I called for weeks ago that is critical to the North Country. As always, I encourage constituents with questions and concerns to reach out to my office. Together, we will combat and ultimately beat COVID-19.”

The Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act:

• Provides an additional $310 billion in PPP loans;

• Provides an additional $10 billion for Emergency Economic Injury Disaster (EIDL) grants;

• Appropriates an additional $50 billion for the Disaster Loans Program Account;

• Allows agricultural enterprises with less than 500 employees to receive EIDL grants and loans;

• Provides an additional $75 billion for reimbursement to hospitals and healthcare providers to support the need for COVID-19 related expenses and lost revenue;

• Provides $25 billion for necessary expenses to research, develop, validate, manufacture, purchase, administer, and expand capacity for COVID-19 tests.