Write a commentU.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today voted in favor of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, and issued the following statement highlighting the impact of the measure for Central New York.
He reiterated the need for Congress to continue to act in a bipartisan manner to support the needs of working families, as well as state and local governments:
“Today, I cast my vote in support of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, bipartisan legislation that will deliver additional relief to Central New York small businesses, support for local hospitals and frontline healthcare providers, and take important steps to improve our community’s and nation’s COVID-19 testing capabilities.
“Central New York small business owners are relying on loans from the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to maintain their payrolls and keep their doors open. After the PPP exhausted its funds last week, I called on Congress to act quickly to replenish it, and I am glad the bill before the House today allocates an additional $310 billion for the PPP, while also directing $60 billion in funds for the SBA’s economic injury disaster grant and loan program and $2.1 billion to support the SBA’s administration of these programs.
“Additionally, with hospitals in Central New York being forced to make tough financial decisions, I have worked to highlight the needs of our community by strongly urging Congressional Leaders to provide direct relief to our region's frontline providers. I am pleased The Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act addresses this request by directing $75 billion in funds to reimburse medical facilities in Central New York and across the country for COVID-19 related expenses, and directs an additional $25 billion to be used for expanding capacity for COVID-19 tests.
“This bill represents another important step towards providing our communities, hospitals, and businesses with the relief they need during these challenging times, but our work is not done. Additional measures are needed to end the current public health pandemic and help our economy recover. Local governments across Central New York are experiencing significant budget deficits due to their COVID-19 response efforts. It is critical that Congress provide direct relief to state and local governments to ensure they are able to maintain public services as well as provide relief for ratepayers and water utilities, improved mental health resources, and support for domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centers. As discussions regarding future COVID-19 packages evolve in Congress, I will continue my work to amplify the voices of Central New York and ensure the needs of our community are addressed in the coming days.”
