Last week, I discussed the different programs that the government has implemented to assist folks experiencing financial challenges during the COVID-19 crisis. One of the programs is the Paycheck Protection Program or PPP. This program is designed to help small businesses that have been adversely affected by this pandemic. Small businesses aren’t just essential to the economy, they play a critical role in our local communities right here in the First District. Equipping these businesses to be able to open their doors once this crisis ends shouldn’t be a political issue. 

Unfortunately, these businesses became the victim in a political game as funding for PPP ran dry several weeks ago. To me and many of my colleagues, it was obvious that we needed to pass a clean bill that would replenish the funds as soon as possible. However, Speaker Pelosi dragged her feet on scheduling a vote for two weeks and saw it as an opportunity to score political points with her base. 

I’m happy to report that Congress finally reached an agreement this week and passed additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program. This means that more small businesses will finally have access to this critical program. If you are a small business who has additional questions about PPP, you can visit my FAQ page for additional information.

First District U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford said the spending package will give businesses access to capital and help them maintain liquidity.

The March aid was insufficient, the Republican from Jonesboro said Thursday evening.

"I think we underestimated the uptake, and we just needed to replenish that fund. That's the biggest thing," he said.

KMUW
Farmers Find Help Close To Home As COVID-19 Keeps Some Guest Workers Away

This makeshift employment arrangement is playing out in other states too. In Arkansas, Congressman Rick Crawford launched a program that connects farmers to those out of a job, citing the lack of H-2A workers in the state.

“These are people that didn’t have jobs, that now do. And these are farmers, who needed people on their farms, and now they have them,” Crawford says.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
State’s schools in line for $128.8M

Arkansas U.S. Sens. John Boozman and Tom Cotton -- along with U.S. Reps. Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman -- applauded the U.S. Department of Education for awarding emergency relief funds to support continued learning for Arkansas students.

"The closure of all public schools in Arkansas for the remainder of the school year is one of the biggest disruptions to everyday life the coronavirus crisis has brought upon families in our state," the Arkansas lawmakers said in a joint news release. "This funding ... will help the state overcome some of the challenges our educators, students and parents are facing as a result."

WV Public Broadcasting
U.S. Farmers Look To Locals Who’ve Lost Their Jobs For Help In The Fields

This makeshift employment arrangement is playing out in other states, too. In Arkansas, Congressman Rick Crawford launched a program connecting farmers to locals looking for work.

“We're not setting the world on fire. But these are people that didn't have jobs that now do. And these are farmers who needed people on their farms, and now they have them.”