The Rural Equal Aid Act has been introduced in both Houses of Congress. Under the legislation, pandemic payment relief would extend to businesses with loans through USDA programs. Center for Rural Affairs backs the legislation. Policy Manager Johnathan Hladik says this legislation helps fund rural businesses not covered by SBA programs.

He says many rural businesses have been hammered economically from the pandemic so this aid is badly needed.

Hladik says they’ll have to work hard to get Congressional Leadership to pass the Rural Equal Aid Act but having companion measures introduced should help in that effort.

There are 10 co-sponsors of the legislation, five in each chamber. Cindy Axne of Iowa in the House is the lead sponsor with Jon Tester of Montana in the Senate.