Provides Updates on COVID-19 Resources for NJ Families, Businesses, Frontline Workers

Thousands of Fifth District Constituents Tune In

This past week, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted a Telephone Town Hall with the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, North Jersey health officials, and local leaders to update thousands of Fifth District residents on steps being taken to fight the coronavirus pandemic and its impacts on North Jersey — including new federal action and resources, important fixes to help local businesses, support for nursing homes, and additional relief to our state, counties, and towns, including first responders, so that local communities can fully fight the virus.

NJ Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Bracken provided updates on how federal resources and economic relief are helping North Jersey’s businesses and workers, on New Jersey’s economic outlook, and the pandemic’s impacts on the business community.

“We’re making progress in our fight against the virus, but we still have work to do to combat the outbreak’s impact on our families, local businesses, workforce, hospitals and nursing homes,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Many small businesses have been able to take advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program and are still doing so. I’m continuing to press for PPP improvements, including increased flexibility, expanding the timeframe businesses have to spend the funds to have it forgiven from 8-weeks to 24-weeks, and expanded access to help more North Jersey businesses, employees, and families.”

“The Congressman is well aware of the distress within the New Jersey business community and has worked very hard to bring federal relief to the many companies impacted by the pandemic. I have every confidence that his continuing efforts will lead to more support for our state and our thousands of businesses that are fighting to survive the economic crisis they face,” said NJ Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Bracken.

More than 128,000 New Jersey businesses have been approved for the low-interest forgivable federal loans — totaling $16.96 billion — according to recent data from the U.S. Small Business Administration, which includes applications received through May 16th. More loans are being approved every day.

Gottheimer was also joined on this week’s Telephone Town Hall by Dr. Jason Kessler, Chief of Infectious Disease for Atlantic Health Systems; Knowlton Mayor Adele Starrs; and Dumont Mayor Andrew LaBruno.

Father Robert Griner of Christ Church in Newton gave the opening prayer.

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