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Senate advances $30M small-business relief program to help COVID‑impacted employers
Summary
Senate Bill 202 would create a GOED-administered grant program to give short-term fixed-cost grants (e.g., rent) to small businesses harmed by COVID; sponsors said windows will prioritize businesses with the greatest revenue loss and the fiscal note is about $30 million.
Senate Bill 202, described on the floor as a GRAMA program for small businesses, advanced toward final consideration after sponsor remarks and questioning about its fiscal impact and eligibility criteria.
Senator Colomor (sponsor) said the program would administer three months of fixed-cost grants (primarily rent) to businesses most affected by COVID. The program will open in windows: initial windows for businesses that can demonstrate at least a 90% year‑over‑year revenue loss, then successively relaxed thresholds (80%, etc.) until funds are expended. Sponsors said GOED will administer the grants and that eligibility will require documentation such as profit-and-loss statements or gross-receipts filings.
Senators asked about the $30 million fiscal note and how many businesses and employees the program could reach. The sponsor said exact counts are not available and depend on appropriation levels; eligibility will be limited to smaller employers (e.g., 250 employees or fewer) and program rules and audits will govern disbursement and verification. Senators also raised using CARES Act or federal funds first, and the sponsor acknowledged that rulemaking and a pending substitute could incorporate language to prioritize federal relief if available.
On the floor, the Senate read the bill for a third time (roll call recorded), advancing it for further consideration. The sponsor said a minor substitute was being prepared to address technical points and CARES‑fund prioritization.
