Jobs and Economic Growth

When COVID-19 hit the U.S. early this year, about one-third of Americans began working from home to limit contact with others and slow the spread of the virus. However, many people still had to keep their businesses operating in order to keep essential infrastructure in place. Because of their work, we could consistently rely on stocked grocery store shelves and a functioning supply chain.

Many businesses are still operating at limited capacity, with fewer staff or entirely remote work. In my offices, we've taken every precaution to ensure staff members' safety, but we are all still ready and able to help you with any issues you may be having with the federal government.

Regulations and safety precautions surrounding COVID-19 had a dramatic impact on the U.S. economy. Millions of Americans lost their jobs, and Arkansan small businesses had to quickly adjust to reduced hours, curbside pickup or delivery services and a smaller workforce. Now, as states reopen, we are all watching to see what happens next.

Millions of small businesses across America have been impacted by COVID-19, and Congress created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to assist them through the crisis. As of May 23, 40,329 Arkansas businesses had received a total of $3,286,789,662 in PPP funds. These businesses have been able to use the forgivable loans to maintain payroll, cover operating expenses and more.

When COVID-19 first began to spread, I don't think any of us could have predicted just how catastrophic it would become. After more than two months of shelter in place protocols, almost 40 million Americans have lost their jobs and don't know what the future holds.

These days, reading the news is sobering at best. News of COVID-19 spreading across the world, infecting friends and loved ones, and causing economic instability is all over the headlines. However, even in these uncertain times, I've also heard so many stories about Arkansan communities coming together to support and care for each other.