Bret Schanzenbach
President & CEO
Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
Some of the best laws passed by Congress in the past decades, on issues like Social Security, taxes and welfare, were the result of input from and compromise between the two parties. Now is time to put partisan politics aside and find compromise once again to help our small businesses.
The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, as a member of the Save Small Business Coalition, has been feverishly working behind the scenes to align our objectives to truly have an impact in what happens in Congress to support our business community. Let’s get you caught up….
We are in contact with the US Chamber of Commerce and Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, joining their coalition of over 100 CEOs across the country calling on Congress to do more to help small business.
It is increasingly likely that none of the many bills that have recently been introduced by either the House or Senate are going to survive as written. Discussions now center around broad topics that are needed to be agreed upon by both sides. We are working to align with the most attainable and effective items to help small businesses.
We have identified four areas that resonate within the various legislation. Our primary focus and goal remains to push for legislation that quickly and effectively provides the assistance needed for our small businesses. The following are the four key areas that we are working to champion:
- Payroll Protection Program (PPP) Reform
PPP reform is needed to include allowance for a larger percentage of operating expenses (like PPE equipment and employee protection costs) to be included in the forgivable expenses or extend the forgivable 24-week period to 11 months.
We believe in good-faith certification for forgiveness of loans under $150k. A second round of PPP loans with authorization for an additional $190 billion would benefit our business community.
- Workforce Development
Provide a total of $1.3 billion through a combination of new and existing programs including $500 million for new State formula (60/40 Local/State) and $150 million Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) for adults, $150 million WIOA funding for dislocated workers, $150 million WIOA funding for youth, and $350 million for employment services.
- Business Liability Protection
Congress must act to protect businesses from COVID-19 related exposure liability. If a business follows applicable federal, state and/or local government guidelines related to COVID-19, they should not be able to held liable for COVID related illnesses in their workforce.
- Local Aid (State & Local Municipalities financial support)
Aid should be provided on a quarterly basis based on actual costs and revenue shortfall with an overall cap on funding. Many localities require additional funding beyond what was provided in the CARES act to address increased costs and losses in revenue. The funding to local communities needs to be direct and flexible.
Business support does not need to be – and should not be – a partisan issue. It’s time to get things done. This is not a comprehensive list but rather these are primary focus areas that both parties should be agreeable to and that will help accomplish our goal to provide meaningful support to small businesses across the country and here in Carlsbad and North San Diego County.
It is incumbent upon both parties to work together to fund meaningful support to our businesses, our communities, and our people.