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Business News Roundup, February 22, 2021

The Biden administration is continuing calls for large spending on economic stimulus and is reportedly working on a new economic package. Borrowers are encountering new challenges with the Paycheck Protection Program, and health officials are warning that better COVID-19 numbers doesn’t mean it’s time to take off the mask just yet.

In business trends, the pandemic has shifted small business priorities and fueled jobs growth in blue collar industries. Connecticut has been shedding bank branches at a quick clip, while manufacturers are poised for stronger growth.

National

As Congress moves forward with a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus proposal put forward by President Joe Biden, the administration is reportedly beginning to develop another economic package which could address goals such as infrastructure improvements or climate initiatives. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has again reiterated her call for significant spending on economic stimulus, but Republican lawmakers have expressed wariness about increasing the national debt.

While the revised Paycheck Protection Program aimed to address the problems that cropped up in the program’s initial phases, borrowers are still encountering some challenges. The New York Times reports how technological glitches and other errors have sometimes delayed funding for weeks, while the Wall Street Journal finds that certain companies are struggling to determine if they are eligible for PPP loans under the new rules.

With COVID-19 infections on the decline and vaccine rollouts underway, some states are significantly drawing down restrictions related to the pandemic, including mask mandates. Infectious disease experts are warning that precautions are still necessary due to the spread of COVID-19 variants and because it will take several months before vaccine distribution is sufficient to reach the general populace.

Business trends

Using data from Facebook and the National Federation of Independent Business, Forbes has highlighted three small business policy priorities for the coming year. These include support for newly established businesses, talent needs, and the importance of child care.

The pandemic has resulted in a significant boost in blue collar jobs related to the increased importance of remote work and e-commerce. Positions related to home construction and renovation, delivery, and warehousing have all seen major growth.

Connecticut

Banks in Connecticut have been shuttering branches at twice the rate of national closures. The trend has been driven in part by the increased prevalence of online banking, but one analyst also suggests that the state has historically been “over-branched” for its needs.

Connecticut manufacturers have been rebounding strongly after suffering major revenue losses due to the pandemic. Several factors have helped ensure their survival, including pivots made during the crisis to meet new opportunities.

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