HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – U.S. Senator Steve Daines held a Statewide Townhall meeting Wednesday, April 1 to answer questions Montanans have about COVID-19.
Many of the questions were regarding how to obtain aid during the COVID-19 crisis.
Clyde of Missoula asked how nonessential businesses can get help as they are required to close their doors.
“We are owners of a small business that’d considered nonessential and we’re closing. So, I guess what we’re trying figure out is what to do about the continual rent?
Here was Senator Daines response.
“So there are these SBA called 7A loans that will actually be grants and those will be forgivable loans as long as you meet some criteria, just keeping people on the payroll. And if you’ve already laid them off, this is retroactive to February 15. We can put them back on the payroll and then it gives you a two and a half times your payroll number which will give you the additional dollars eligible to pay the rent, to pay the mortgage to pay the utilities.”
At the meeting, Daines urged the public to stay strong and to remember that we will get through this difficult time.
“As we work to overcome this difficult chapter in our nation’s history. We must continue to stay strong, we must continue working together. Every single one of us has to do our part to help stop the spread of this virus. When times are tough, like they are right now, it’s important to remember that we will get through this and there will be better days coming ahead.”
For more information concerning Montana and COVID-19 visit Montana.gov.
