Paycheck Protection Program - April 27, 2020

REPORTER 1: Hope is on the horizon for small business owners to help huge financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

REPORTER 2: Susan Collins says she's working to keep Mainers paid and employed.

REPORTER 3: Senator Susan Collins coauthored the $350 billion Paycheck Protection Program as part of the Coronavirus economic recovery bill.

REPORTER 4: Senator Collins says the money would provide federally guaranteed emergency loans...

REPORTER 5: ...that would eventually be forgiven as long as those funds are used to pay workers and operating expenses.

MIKE TAMMARO: Only a leader like Susan Collins could get this done.

JEAN GINN MARVIN: Our workers are getting through this because we have a senator who's fighting for us.

MIKE TAMMARO: This has certainly given us a fighting chance – for both us and our employees.

REPORTER 6: Close to 17,000 small businesses in Maine have received federal funding.

JEAN GINN MARVIN: This program is providing the stability that Maine families need.

JOE GUERIN: Susan Collins, you are Maine's small business superhero.

MIKE TAMMARO: Thank you, Susan. You never stop working for Maine.

COLLINS: I'm Susan Collins, and I've approved this message.