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Small Business Virtual Town Hall with Rep. Rhetta Andrews Bowers
Last week, I was happy to host a town hall featuring community business leaders from HD-113:
Paul Mayer, CEO-Garland Chamber of Commerce
Alvester Gibson, CEO-Balch Springs Chamber of Commerce
Michael Gallops, CEO-Rowlett Chamber of Commerce
Harrison Blair, President-Black Chamber of Commerce
Terrance Sauls, Business Development Officer-First United Bank
Our discussion centered on applying for SBA Coronavirus Relief loans including the Paycheck Protection Program. We also discussed some of the other challenges that small businesses are facing during this unprecedented time in our society.
You can see a recording of the town hall via my Facebook Page, State Representative Rhetta Andrews Bowers. If you have any questions or inquiries, please email our office at [email protected].
$50 Million in Loans For Texas Small Businesses
Governor Abbott has announced that Goldman Sachs and the LiftFund, along with other community development financial institutions (CDFIs), are partnering to provide $50 million in loans to small businesses in Texas that have been affected by COVID-19 as part of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. The loans, made through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), will primarily be used for payroll so that employees can continue to receive paychecks and small businesses can retain their employees and will be partially or wholly forgiven.
Business owners can apply for a PPP loan and find more information about the program on the LiftFund website. Qualified businesses will receive funding, and if all stipulations are met, may be eligible to have their loans forgiven in full by the SBA.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
The effects of sheltering in place and social distancing.have shown some success at reducing the rate of infection in a several “hot spot” cities. As both our federal government and state officials across the nation contemplate scenarios for reopening of businesses and relaxing social distancing restrictions, infections and deaths continue to rise. As of this writing, the numbers of coronavirus infection are*:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]
- 610,774 total cases in the U.S.
- 15,492 confirmed in Texas
- 3,751 confirmed in North Texas
- 1,877 confirmed in Dallas Co.
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- 47,707 total cases in the U.S.
- 3,150 in Texas
- 564 in North Texas
- 2 in Dallas County
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- U.S -26,119
- Texas -364
- Dallas County -42
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]*Due to COVID-19 rapidly changing developments, these numbers may not reflect the most up-to-date totals.
I will continue to advocate for keeping public health and access to healthcare a priority in the midst of this pandemic, and encourage the governor to base decisions on lifting the restrictions on sound scientific and medical advice to avoid a resurgence of the disease in our state. Please continue to follow social distancing and disease spread prevention guidelines suggested by the CDC, State and local officials, and unless you have an essential service or business, please Stay Home and Stay Safe!
Show Support for Those on the Frontline of the Coronavirus Fight
The White Ribbon project started in Michigan as a way for local communities to show support for all frontline workers and first responders by displaying a white ribbon in their window, tied around a tree in front of their house or from a flagpole. The only rule is that you must use whatever you already have in your home, rather than going out to buy something. As a result, people are using creative ways to show their support, even cutting up white plastic garbage bags and tying them into bows and ribbons.
This small gesture intended for all the members of the medical field on the front lines of fighting COVID-19 and those working at essential businesses providing goods and services to those of us staying home can have a great impact on them – letting them know that their community appreciates and supports them.
Please join me in showing support and appreciation by displaying a white ribbon at your home. Let’s show our family, friends, and neighbors on the frontline of this coronavirus fight that we have their back.
Join Team Bowers for a Virtual Phone Bank
Are you bored in the house? Come together online with friends, family, and fellow Team Bowers volunteers as we call and check-in on our fellow neighbors in HD-113.
In addition to a cell phone, please have a laptop or tablet to help make calls. Campaign staff will be ready and available to assist and train those who are first time phone bankers. Click here to sign up via Facebook.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
