US Senator Jerry Moran got an in-person status report on Emporia’s small business community with a visit to town Monday.
Moran chatted with Emporia Main Street leaders as well as Trox Gallery and Gifts owner Kaila Mock, Haag Properties owner Cory Haag and Sweet Granada owner Kim Redeker, seeking feedback on what federal programs have work and what policies need to be adjusted. He says it was a positive set of meetings.
With more stimulus dollars being discussed, Moran says this would be a good time to help the entertainment industry if a new package is approved.
Moran tells KVOE News the Paycheck Protection Program did well to help business owners at the start of the pandemic. Loans are coming due in some cases by the end of the year, and Moran says the onus is now on Congress to simplify the loan forgiveness process.
Moran also says it’s important to have a healthy workforce, which means continuing the emphasis on testing availability — demonstrated most recently by the federal government’s decision to ship 100 million rapid tests across the country, including 870,000 to Kansas. It also means keeping personal protective equipment heading to businesses, local governments and medical facilities.
