Boise, ID - “The Boise Metro Chamber applauds our Congressional delegation and the President for passing a new relief bill containing many of the provisions the Boise Metro Chamber has been lobbying for. Namely, expanded and extended Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans and other aide for small businesses, restaurants, live venue operators, airline workers, and a host of other programs to jumpstart our economic recovery” said Bill Connors, President and CEO of the Boise Metro Chamber.

Included are a few bill highlights of particular importance to the Chamber and our members:
-Expansion of the PPP program to new and current small and medium business recipients as well as additional non-profit entities ineligible under the original program

• A more generous extension and expansion of the Employee Retention Tax Credit
• Extension of benefits for small businesses who have SBA 7A and micro-loans
• Additional economic support for airlines, airports, concessions and other travel and tourism                      entities
• A new grant program for live venue operators that should include places such as museums, live music locations, and independent theaters
  
• Tax deductibility for business meals at restaurants in 2021 to help stimulate the restaurant sector
• Additional investment for K-12 education, child care providers, broadband expansion, vaccine distribution & contact tracing, highway & transit projects, and rental assistance

The Boise Metro Chamber will be releasing additional resources and details about how to access these programs to our members through our partners at the U.S. Chamber. Links to these informational sessions for businesses are available on the Boise Metro Chamber Website at www.boisechamber.org. 

“Our Chamber has been working for months with our partners at the U.S. Chamber, and the U.S. Travel Association in Washington D.C.  We thank our Congressional delegation: Senator Crapo, Senator Risch, Representative Simpson and Representative Fulcher for their support in helping our most vulnerable workers and businesses,” added Connors.

About the Boise Metro Chamber: Established in 1883, the Boise Metro Chamber is Idaho’s only U.S. Chamber of Commerce five-star accredited member that strives to be the leading business advocacy organization in the Boise Valley. As the region's business advocate for a vibrant, prosperous economy and outstanding quality of life, it serves 1,850 member businesses representing 120,000+ employees. Its mission is to provide leadership that will help create regional economic prosperity and success for its members.

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