Both are in favor of expanding the program, which was originally approved by Congress as part a larger federal rescue package that was passed in March. Espy stated that it was a “no-brainer” to replenish the program which has run out of funds. Hyde-Smith has praised the expansion of the program but criticised the congressional Democratic leadership for insisting on other items being included in the legislation. Tuesday’s $484 billion Senate bill includes $310 billion more for the Payroll Protection Program and additional funds for hospitals affected by the pandemic. It also provides funds for coronavirus testing and funds for hospitals. The original small-business loan program, which ran out of money earlier in the month, contained $350 billion and was distributed to over 1.6 million companies nationwide. The Payroll Protection Program bill, which is expected to be passed in the House on Thursday will be the third to provide funds for fighting the pandemic as well as to assist citizens and businesses to alleviate the economic hardships caused by COVID-19. The fourth bill will likely be taken up. It is likely that the package will include funds to offset revenue lost at both the local and state levels. Democrats failed to include funds to offset state and local revenue losses in the current bill that is currently moving through Congress. Justin Brasell, a spokesperson from Hyde-Smith, stated that “Aid to state and local governments could be negotiated in future legislation.” Espy stated that funds to support state and local governments affected by the decline in tax collection will occur. According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities’ study, states, which must balance their budgets each year even in recessions and depressions, will almost certainly layoff teachers and cut education and health care. This will make the economic slowdown more severe. President Trump also tweeted that he supports state governments receiving help in legislation. It is likely that this legislation will be adopted by Congress. Officials hope the Paycheck Protection Program can help stop the current economic slowdown. Mississippi’s previous funding round saw 20,748 small business receive $2.48 billion in loans. These loans can be used to pay payroll for up eight weeks or for other expenses like rent, mortgage, and utilities. Bloomberg reports that 67 percent of Mississippi’s eligible payrolls were supported by the loan program. According to the study, so-called Red states (or Republican states) fared better in the loan program than so-called Blue and Democratic states. In Nebraska, loans were approved for 81 per cent of eligible payroll, compared to 38 per cent in California and 40 in New York, which are two blue states. The cumulative amount of loans it received and the total number of recipients was 33rd for Mississippi. California and Texas were top two states for receiving loans, and the highest number of recipients. Espy stated that he supports the Payroll Protection Program. However, he expressed his hope that loopholes in legislation will be closed to expand the program so that loans are not granted to large companies such as big restaurant chains. Espy said that there are federal programs available to assist larger companies. Although the program is generally popular, some complain that small businesses, especially those owned by minority or rural businesses, have a harder time getting loans. He stated that it was important that Community-based Financial Institutions (or Community-based Financial Institutions) that are able to assist companies who might not be able to get traditional loans, be permitted to participate in this program. The program allows small businesses to apply for loans from lending institutions. If the loans are used for continuing to pay employees’ salaries, federal funds will be used to repay them.