April 20, 2020
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Speaker of the House Senate Majority Leader
United States House of Representatives United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20515
The Honorable Kevin McCarthy The Honorable Chuck Schumer
House Minority Leader Senate Minority Leader
United States House of Representatives United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20515
Speaker Pelosi and Leaders McConnell, Schumer, and McCarthy:
The EIFS Industry Members Association and companies and organizations across the construction industry thank you for your prompt bi-partisan support for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) under the CARES Act. Now, we encourage you to once again act swiftly to replenish funds that quickly went to putting Americans back to work.
Challenges do exist for companies trying to apply for these loans. Banks have had difficulties processing applications, and companies have had the same issues making their submissions. We know the program isn’t perfect, but we also know it’s keeping some small businesses afloat. We encourage you as the leaders of Congress to approve much needed funds to the PPP, with additional support being offered to make sure applications can be processed in an expeditious manner.
Our members in the construction industry and small businesses across the United States are doing their best to abide by mitigation efforts being recommended in their states, and additionally making every effort to stay home. For some, especially in states where construction is no longer considered “essential,” capitalizing on the Paycheck Protection Program is the only thing that may keep them operational.
Additionally, since the last downturn in 2008, the construction industry has continued to add essential jobs to the workforce. However, even with these record additions, the skilled labor gap remains large. Forcing construction companies to layoff these valuable workers would only further exacerbate an already fragile situation. Keeping these people working, or returning them to work as quickly and safely as possible is critical in preventing the COVID-19 pandemic into becoming a depression-scale economic disaster.
Founded in 1981, the EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA) is a national non-profit technical trade association comprised of leading suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, contractors, architects, related products manufacturers and suppliers, and other interested parties involved in the exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) industry.
We greatly appreciate your continued leadership and thank you for your consideration during these challenging times.
Sincerely,
Scott Robinson
EIFS Industry Members Association