Announcement comes as Senator Padilla approaches one-year anniversary serving in the U.S. Senate

LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced that his office has successfully assisted small businesses across California in securing over $12 million in federal assistance since being sworn into office on January 20, 2021 to aid in recovery efforts from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My priority from the start has always been focused on helping California families and small businesses get ahead of this pandemic, and our constituent casework is a big part of that process,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “I’m proud that one of my first votes in the Senate was for the American Rescue Plan, which continues to deliver billions in federal aid to California. I’ll keep working in Congress to ensure that we continue to respond with the urgency that the crisis demands to help small businesses keep their doors open and our workers safe.”

Since being appointed to the U.S. Senate, Senator Padilla has advocated for funding for federal economic recovery programs like the Paycheck Protection Program, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance, and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program to ensure California’s small businesses have the resources they need. After the American Rescue Plan was signed into law, Padilla hosted a townhall with the SBA and Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce to discuss how small businesses could access recovery programs.

Through his casework team, Senator Padilla’s office has helped constituents navigate federal agencies and streamline the process to access Economic Injury Disaster Loans and federal grants from the Small Business Administration.

California constituents encountering difficulties with federal government agencies or who otherwise need assistance from the Senator’s staff, can contact the office at (619) 239-3884 or visit https://www.padilla.senate.gov/services/agency-assistance.

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