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Senators Tell Alaskans "Be Patient" With Bailout Programs

Alaska’s US senators are encouraging Alaskans to be patient with federal coronavirus pandemic economic assistance programs. Speaking during a statewide teleconferenceMonday, A pril 28, Senator Dan Sullivan noted that

the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has already paid out nearly 5,000 loans and a total of one billion dollars to Alaska businesses, and that with an additional 310 billion dollars added to the nationwide program, more Alaskan businesses can get help. Sullivan says a new regulation will allow seasonal businesses’ loan amounts to be based on the number of people they have working at peak season.

Fed PPP: Q:”…September 15th, 2019.” :14

Senators Sullivan and Murkowski acknowledge that there are problems with the PPP application system, and say they are working with banks and credit unions to try to fix them. Murkowski says another business assistance loan program the Economic Injury Disaster Loan or EIDL program, has been replenished with 60 billion dollars ($60,000,000,000.)

Fed EIDL: Q:”…submit your application.” :24

Senator Murkowski says the EIDL program website had to be reworked but should be back online. She noted public frustration with applying for both programs nationwide and urged Alaskans not to give up.

 

Dan has been in public radio news in Alaska since 1993. He’s worked as a reporter, newscaster and talk show host at stations in McGrath, Valdez and Fairbanks. Dan’s experience includes coverage of a wide range of topics, from wolf control to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and dog mushing.