Senate Vote to Advance Infrastructure Bill is Welcomed by Small Businesses

“Today’s action in the U.S. Senate to move forward with debate on the bipartisan infrastructure plan is welcome news for small businesses. Each day that negotiations stalled is another day that small businesses are waiting for critical investments that could support our economic recovery. We are particularly happy to see that the plan includes a $65 billion investment in broadband access to help small businesses reach the customers and suppliers they need to sell their goods and services. Seventy-six percent of small businesses support this provision, which will help improve business operations and promote access to a growing number of online customers and suppliers they built during the pandemic. 

However, with the news that the plan will be paid for in part by unused emergency relief funds, we are concerned this could impact small business programs that still have funds left in the pot. Hard-hit small businesses still need education and guidance in accessing the relief funds that have previously been allocated to help them on their road to recovery. In fact, struggling small businesses need even more direct grant assistance to ensure they’re successful as they emerge from the pandemic. Instead, we should fund infrastructure reform through commonsense tax fairness measures that would close corporate loopholes and level the playing field for small businesses. 

Today’s vote is an important first step, and we urge Congress to keep the ongoing needs of small businesses front and center as they advance this legislation.”