Dec 22, 2020
COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF PACKAGE AGREEMENT REACHED
The next coronavirus relief bill is worth an initial estimate of $900 billion. The bill unlocks hundreds of billions of dollars in relief funding for small- and medium-sized business lending programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Funding is also allocated towards the nationwide vaccine distribution program. 

Thank you to U.S. Representative Jodey Arrington, Senator Ted Cruz and Senator John Cornyn for carrying the West Texas business interests in this bi-partisan bill.
To read more, click here. 
Spotlight on the Agreement Reached 

$325 billion for Small Business
Small businesses could see a total of $325 billion, including $284 billion in loans through the Paycheck Protection Program, $20 billion is included for new EIDL Grants for businesses in low-income communities, $3.5 billion for continued SBA debt relief payments, and $2 billion for enhancements to SBA lending.
$15 billion includes support for Live Music Venues
It also includes $15 billion for live venues, independent movie theaters, and museums.
Extension of the Employee Retention Tax Credit
The bill extends and expands the refundable Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC), which was established in the CARES Act. The extension of this tax credit will help keep additional U.S. workers on payroll and more small businesses and nonprofits across the country afloat.
Coronavirus Relief Fund Extension
This bill extends the availability by one year (until Dec. 31, 2021) for funds provided to states and localities by the Coronavirus Relief Fund in the CARES Act.
$7 billion for Broadband
The bill invests $7 billion to expand broadband access which includes $3.2 billion in emergency funds for low-income families to access broadband through an FCC fund, $300 million for rural broadband, and $250 million for telehealth.
SNAP Benefits
The agreement includes a $13 billion increase to SNAP benefits by 15%
$13 billion for Farmers and Ranchers
The bill also includes $13 billion in direct payments to farmers and ranchers who have suffered losses due to the pandemic
Schools
More than $54 billion for public K-12 schools and nearly $23 million for a higher education fund. Additionally, $4.05 billion for the Governors Emergency Education Relief Fund.

To find a local lender to help you with PPP questions, click here.
TEXAS CAPITOL TO REOPEN JANUARY 4
Governor Greg Abbott, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen announced that the Texas Capitol will re-open on January 4th. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, health and safety protocols have been put in place to allow for the Capitol’s reopening while maintaining a safe environment for all visitors, lawmakers, and staff. Preparations to safely conduct business in the Texas House and Senate are ongoing, and each chamber will vote upon their respective rules and protocols at the start of the legislative session. 
COVID-19 FUELS SUDDEN, SURGING DEMAND FOR SUBURBAN HOUSING
Business interruption and social distancing mandates because of COVID-19 have disrupted what had been a period of sustained growth within city centers nationally and in Texas. The pandemic-related actions have helped propel a sudden, large shift from renting to homeownership and a concurrent movement to the suburbs and larger homes. 
WHAT WE'RE READING

Congress Passes Another Stopgap Spending Bill, Again Averting a Shutdown

Lawmakers sought more time after weekend negotiations led to a breakthrough on the coronavirus aid package.


Pandemic Unemployment Benefits Provided Much-Needed Fiscal Support

Recent analysis suggests that enhanced unemployment insurance benefits implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have helped buttress spending among the unemployed and supported state and local economies. Their economic impact in Texas relative to the nation has been constrained by lower levels of participation in the unemployment aid programs and more modest per-capita payments from them.
You don't want to miss these upcoming event for
your business.

DEC 22 PANDEMIC RELIEF SMALL BUSINESS UPDATE Please join U.S. Chamber executive vice president and chief policy officer Neil Bradley and CO— content director Jeanette Mulvey TODAY, December 22, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. ET for a Small Business Update to hear the latest about what the pandemic relief bill could mean for the small business community. Click here to register.

DEC 18 GROW WITH GOOGLE WEBINAR - MAKE BETTER BUSINESS DECISIONS WITH ANALYTICS - PART 2
Learn best practices and analyze trends about how customers engage with your business online, then turn these insights into well-informed, actionable decisions. Register here.

JAN 13 INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING The Federal Government spends over half of a trillion dollars on goods and services each year. States and local governments spend 1.5 trillion dollars on goods and services cumulatively each year. This webinar covers the basics of doing business in the public sector at all levels. Register here.