WASHIINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) reconnected with members of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce in a virtual Q&A to discuss the challenges that Maine small businesses are facing during the coronavirus pandemic, and his work with fellow Senators to provide additional support and certainty for these community businesses. Today’s Zoom comes one day after Senator King joined a bipartisan, bicameral group in sharing additional details regarding two COVID-19 emergency relief bills. The legislation includes $300 billion to support small businesses across the nation; King originally briefed the Chamber on his efforts at the outset of the pandemic in March.

“Maine’s small business community is essential to our state, and it is vital that we all work to support them amidst these ongoing challenges,” said Senator King. “Over the last nine months, our small businesses have been through the wringer, adjusting on the fly to keep customers and employees safe during this pandemic while also changing their business strategies to reflect shifting consumer demands. Their work has been impressive, but these community cornerstones need more help to survive through the long winter ahead. The bipartisan coronavirus package that we negotiated for weeks and unveiled yesterday will provide that assistance, by renewing the Paycheck Protection Program and casting another lifeline to businesses in need. I’m grateful for the time of these business leaders today, and for all they do to make our state so special – and I urge Maine people to shop local this holiday season.”

Even as the pandemic changes the way we connect, Senator King has made it a priority to engage with Maine people from all walks of life and helpful organizations to address questions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic and identify remaining work to be done. In May, he held a tele-town hall, inviting all Maine people to call in toll-free, to listen and respond to questions about coronavirus response efforts. Since the Senate passed the CARES Act, he has participated in teleconferences and phone calls with:

·       Maine healthcare providers and advocates, such as the Maine Dental Association and Protect our Care.

·       Maine students and educators, including the 16 Maine 2020 County Teachers of the Year, Maine Jump$tart Coalition’s two Finance Educators of the Year, school psychologists, MLTI Virtual Student Conference, University of Maine System Student Veterans, and civics and history teachers from schools across Maine.

·       Maine business and community leaders, including members of the Houlton Rotary Club, Maine Arts Commission, Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce, the New England Council, 120 of Portland’s small business owners and 500 Maine employees of Sun Life.

·       Maine nonprofits including the Maine Association of Nonprofits (MANP), United Way and YMCA Youth Advocates from Maine.

·       Maine seniors in a call hosted by AARP Maine.

·       Maine democracy-focused organizations, such as the Maine League of Women Voters.