Greg Pence Urges Support for Co-Ops in Rural Indiana
Columbus, IN – U.S. Congressman Greg Pence (IN-06) today urged the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to support rural electric cooperatives by providing additional clarification regarding the eligibility requirements for the newly implemented Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Congressman Pence has made rural communities a priority amid COVID-19 legislation negotiations. Highlights from the letter are below:
"Indiana is home to 38 not-for-profit electric cooperatives that provide reliable, affordable telecommunications, telephony, and electricity distribution services to power Hoosier communities. During this pandemic, communities in southeastern Indiana rely on these cooperatives to keep their lights on, to telework and attend distance learning classes, and access telehealth services," said Congressman Pence. "While Hoosiers in rural areas are in constant need of these services, present circumstances are putting economic stress on cooperatives' business operations. These organizations should be able to access to PPP loans in their time of need so they can continue operating."
Read the full letter here.