TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Indiana Republican Sen. Todd Young was in Terre Haute Thursday continuing his tour of the state to garner support for his RESTART Act, a bill he and Democrat Sen. Michael Bennett of Colorado are pushing in Congress.

The bill would be an improvement upon the Paycheck Protection Program, according to Young. The program is meant to help businesses who are struggling because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The Paycheck Protection Program has been a tremendous asset, providing nearly $10 billion in loans to Indiana recipients, and saving more than 50 million American jobs,” Young said. “However, after speaking with some of the hardest-hit businesses, it’s clear more is needed to help job creators navigate this pandemic.”

Under the PPP, employers who get loans can have those loans forgiven if they hire back at least 75-percent of laid off or furloughed workers. But, Young said many businesses have been hit so hard that they haven’t been able to do that and thus could not get a loan without having to pay it back.

Young said the RESTART Act would extend the amount of time businesses have to apply for PPP loans from eight weeks to 16 weeks. It would lower the percentage of workers that business would have to hire back in order to be eligible for loan forgiveness and extend the PPP program to include non-profits.

Young told the small gathering at the Children’s Museum of Terre Haute he is inspired by how Hoosiers have hung in there through this pandemic.

“They’ve been helping out neighbors wherever they can,” said Young. “Filling gaps and reaching out and providing assistance during many people’s worst days. Everyone has seemingly done their part. Now it’s time for Congress to do our part to ensure out employers are made whole.”

Young was in South Bend Wednesday and will be in Carmel today (Friday 5/29/20) to continue talking about the RESTART Act.