This petition is to identify the inequities Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), & Unemployment Insurance has for small-business emergency lending program, and to request regulatory changes.  The next wave of money which is expected to be released needs to be reassured that the $250 billion will reach all small businesses.  We want proper improvements with the infrastructure of the PPP, to ensure small businesses seeking loans are not rejected by banks and other lenders.

The funding hasn't reached most of the small businesses like ours that keeps the economy thriving.  There are specific guidelines and prerequisites that inadequately allows us to access these loans and grants. Ten percent of these banks that provide the loans have already allocated funding which we have not been able to receive.  For example, lets examine the 75% loan forgiveness rule. The Small Business Administration (SBA) implementation of sections 1102 and 1106 of the Act  states that, "borrowers must spend at least 75% of their loans on payroll costs. Whichever average the employer chooses, it must maintain that number for at least the eight weeks after receiving a loan.  If headcount falls below that number (less than 2 employees), the Act reduces loan forgiveness by a proportional amount."  Therefore, this loan although we are entitled, the fine line is that the 75% forgiveness only applies if it is used towards payroll.  Under many of our working circumstances, as "sole proprietors, independent contractors and self-employed persons," we do not have employees that makes us eligible to receive the full benefits of this loan.  This is just one of the propose areas that needs modification.

 In addition, the MD Unemployment Insurance,  "Individuals who are not usually eligible for regular Unemployed Insurance (UI) and who cannot work due to COVID-19 are eligible for a maximum of 39 weeks of benefits, which includes $600 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), effective January 27, 2020 through Dec. 31, 2020." However, one is not allowed to submit an application if you are self-employed, an independent contractor, and/or believe you may be eligible.  The UI system is currently not set up to process these types of applicants, as they are formerly considered ineligible.  If one submits an application, it will be denied.

The necessity of the aforementioned benefits, UI and PPP, should be available fully and completely without prejudice to small business owners, self employed, independent contractors and gig workers. Our livelihood, families and our industry depend on your action and signatures. Please sign and forward this petition so that everyone that falls under these categories can receive adequate compensation during this pandemic- For your livelihood now and any in the future. 1099-Misc (if applicable): If you have filed form 1099-Misc and are counting contractor compensation as part of your average payroll,  Help by signing here.

-BARBERSHOPS AND SALONS- Simple ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in workplaces.  The World of Health (WOH) recommendation, occupational health and safety promotes prevention of the spread of this virus.   Each barber and stylist can where masks and gloves to prevent the spread of the disease.  Any individual who practicing a health occupation is authorized under the laws of the State to practice sterilization, sanitation, and disinfection techniques.  This is the best way to mitigate the risks, and are vital to preventing the spread of all diseases. Safely advise at least beauticians and barbers to return to work with safe guidelines and without further spreading the coronavirus, if there isn’t any funding available for beauticians and barbers.  Share your story here.  #moneyforthepeople #covid19

Sincerely,

Nonessential workers