Hi all,
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the United States and several regions are pausing or rolling back their plans for reopening, Congress is considering a new multi-billion dollar stimulus package to help Americans weather the crisis.
Unfortunately, initial government support for small businesses outlined in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act programs has not reached many who need it most. That’s why this week, Etsy CEO Josh Silverman sent a letter to Congress asking lawmakers to include key provisions for entrepreneurs in any new stimulus programs. These provisions would not only help underserved businesses today, but also give them the tools, resources, and protections needed to thrive in tomorrow’s economy.
Our requests include:
- emergency relief funding and loan forgiveness for microbusinesses and an extension of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance through January 31, 2021.
- business infrastructure and support including funding for USPS, support for women-owned, Black-owned, and Latinx-owned businesses, and expansion of high-speed broadband in rural and underserved communities.
- social protections for the self-employed, including child care support, access to social safety net benefits, and an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit.
We’re committed to urging Congress to include our community, but lawmakers need to hear from you, too. Join us in advocating for a more equitable stimulus package that helps the entrepreneurs who need it most.
Contact your representative.
You can also learn more about the comprehensive support requested for the seller community on the Seller Handbook.
