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AMSTERDAM, NY—U.S. Representatives Paul Tonko and Antonio Delgado joined the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce today for an online forum with the upstate business community. Today’s conversation focused on ensuring small businesses can access federal programs including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), access rural broadband, and building out a fact and science-based response to increasing testing capacity as New York State reopens. 

“Achieving a strong, sustainable economic recovery starts with getting our small businesses the help they need to weather this crisis,” said Congressman Tonko, Chair of the Energy & Commerce Subcommittee said. “My friend Congressman Delgado and I have stood shoulder to shoulder in the House to make sure our region’s entrepreneurs and small business owners can get that critical support, most recently by passing the Heroes Act that would deliver billions to our region, boost support for small businesses, expand broadband, fund our local hospitals, put more resources in the hands of struggling Americans, and maintain the most basic services our communities rely on. I urge folks to speak up and demand the Senate take up this legislation without further delay,”

“Our small businesses and family farmers have been facing a deeply challenging economy throughout this public health crisis. I was glad to join my friend Representative Paul Tonko to speak with the small business community in Rensselaer about how our businesses are adjusting during this challenging time. We are working at the federal level to make sure our essential employees are supported through my bipartisan Direct Support For Communities Act and keep our regional economies competitive,” said Congressman Antonio Delgado. “Supporting our communities means making sure our small businesses can access rural broadband and ensuring federal small business programs are working for mom and pop shops across our region. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and we will continue working together to give them the tools needed to remain competitive and adapt in the months ahead.”

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