DNC Chair Tom Perez and DNC Small Business Council Chair Andrew Lachman issued the following statement on what was supposed to be National Small Business Week:

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and our communities. They create good-paying jobs, expand opportunity, fuel prosperity, and foster innovation across the country. And they deserve a government that has their back, especially right now, when small businesses are bearing the brunt of the economic havoc caused by this pandemic. COVID-19 has turned life upside down for so many small business owners. That’s why it’s critical that our leaders give small businesses the help they need and deserve. But instead of supporting them, Donald Trump has turned his back on small business owners. He’s putting wealthy corporations ahead of the well-being of small businesses that power our economy each and every day.

“As many as 90% of women and minority owned small businesses haven’t been able to receive a Paycheck Protection Act loan, and thousands of business owners are still awaiting promised aid – with thousands more shut out from aid completely. Meanwhile, Trump’s big donors are getting millions. It’s clear where this administration’s priorities lie – and it’s not with small businesses.

“Small businesses deserve better, and Democrats are fighting tirelessly to get them the aid they need to weather this storm. To small business owners across the country: Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all you are doing to keep your communities, and yourselves, afloat. Please, stay safe and stay healthy, and we hope to be back in your shops, restaurants, salons, and theaters as soon as we can.”