Congressman Keller digs in on small business recovery

Press Release

In preparation for this week's negotiations on additional COVID-19 economic relief legislation, Congressman Fred Keller spent last week meeting with small businesses and employees across central and northeast Pennsylvania.

During the final July district work period, Congressman Keller met with the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County, the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce to discuss the economic recovery with local business leaders.

Topics discussed included the effectiveness of the Paycheck Protection Program for keeping employees on payroll and the need for additional, targeted PPP funds aimed at the hardest hit industries, especially the hospitality industry. Congressman Keller also discussed the need for liability protections so businesses, schools, hospitals, and other entities can safely re-open and heard from businesses concerned with Governor Wolf's recent statewide mandate further restricting the operations of bars and restaurants.

Additionally, Congressman Keller held a roundtable at Priority Bicycles in Montgomery, met with employees at Pine Ridge Construction in Williamsport, and toured Linde Corporation's facility.

On the week, Congressman Keller made the follow statement:

"During the COVID-19 pandemic and amid historic challenges, businesses across central and northeast Pennsylvania have shown ingenuity, resourcefulness, and resilience. After talking with our small businesses and workers, it is clear that to return to widespread economic prosperity, we must continue to safely reopen our economy. Congress needs to do its part and pass liability protections, reduce unnecessary regulations and restrictions on our small businesses, and continue successful, targeted relief measures like the Paycheck Protection Program for the hardest-hit industries."

Source