Ciresi offers amendment, continues to push for COVID-19 small business support

HARRISBURG, APRIL 21 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced that although amendments to H.B. 2369 were not approved by the House Commerce Committee, he will continue to push for legislation that would benefit those who have been adversely affected by COVID-19.

“I’ve been working diligently with members to create a package of bills that can deal with the crisis at hand and allow us to make a speedy recovery,” Ciresi said. “We have heard from constituents and are pushing to re-open the COVID-19 Working Capital Access loan program, add more non-profits to the eligibility list, and enable more life sciences and research to help develop methods to stifle this pandemic. We need to come together to make sure everyone has their needs met during this time. I look forward to continuing my work with my colleagues and calling for more action to serve our working families who are struggling most.”

Ciresi’s amendment would have re-opened the COVID-19 Working Capital Access loan program with a $100 million transfer from the Rainy Day Fund and added non-profits and the life sciences industry to the list of eligible businesses for the program. Ciresi plans to introduce standalone legislation that would accomplish the same goals as the defeated amendment.

Ciresi is also in the process of introducing a previously announced bill to create a $50 million grant program for ultra-small businesses, along with Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Fayette/Greene/Washington.

For more information, contact Ciresi’s office at (484) 200-8265.

###