Small Business

Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced today that she spoke directly with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to encourage greater flexibility for Hillsborough County to disburse federal Covid19 emergency funds to help neighbors facing eviction stay in their homes. An important area of help for both small businesses and families is rent relief. To date, Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa have combined to distribute $49 million in rental and utilities assistance through Hillsborough County’s Rapid... Read more

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) voted to pass H.R. 4502, a package of seven government funding bills, with investments to create good-paying American jobs, grow opportunity for the middle class and small businesses, and provide a lifeline for working families. The package also includes nearly $11M in funding that Rep. Castor championed for local projects. “As our economy recovers from the Covid19 pandemic, House Democrats have crafted a government funding package that will lift families, su... Read more

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the below statement following the release of President Joe Biden’s proposed budget: “President Biden’s budget meets this urgent moment and provides the resources needed to help communities, families, schools and businesses recover and thrive in the days ahead. Following an infusion of federal Covid-19 aid that served as a bridge for struggling communities, the President’s request aims to invest in working families and get our neighbors back to work, create ... Read more

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced her support for the 10 community projects allowed for consideration by the House Appropriations Committee in appropriations bills for the upcoming fiscal year. This year marks the first time that Members of Congress have been able to submit specific community projects for direct funding in over a decade. Rep. Castor is advocating for the 10 projects based upon community support and pressing local needs - from improving water quality to providing men... Read more

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced that more help is here for Tampa Bay businesses and jobs as the Small Business Administration’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program has begun accepting applications. Castor secured additional funding for the program as part of the American Rescue Plan’s support for small businesses. The program includes a total of over $16 billion in grants for shuttered venues. Local venue operators can get more information on how to apply at SBA.gov HER... Read more

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) highlighted the critical infrastructure needs across Florida with the release of a new fact sheet from the White House. The pressing needs of our neighbors and communities underscore the importance of the American Jobs Plan, a comprehensive infrastructure package that would create jobs in construction, manufacturing, clean energy, and other industries through much-needed investments in America's roads, bridges, electric grid, and water systems. The full fact ... Read more

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) reintroduced the bipartisan Protecting Tourism in the United States Act with Rep. Fred Upton (MI06) which directs the Department of Commerce to study the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the travel and tourism industry. The legislation passed the House last Congress but was not taken up in the Senate. Companion legislation is led in the Senate by Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). “As we ramp up COVID-19 vaccinations and get shots into the arms of... Read more

On Wednesday, Chair Kathy Castor (FL14) of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis released the following statement as President Biden unveiled the American Jobs Plan, a comprehensive infrastructure package that would create jobs in construction, manufacturing, clean energy, and other industries through much-needed investments in America's roads, bridges, electric grid, and water systems: "With the American Jobs Plan, President Biden is sending a clear message to America: let’s get to work," ... Read more

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement after the House passed the historic American Rescue Plan. The legislation is now headed to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law. “The American Rescue Plan will put more shots in arms and more money in the pockets of our neighbors and small business owners who need it at this precarious time in the public health and economic crisis. Americans need a bridge to survive the pandemic, and this historic emergency aid package wi... Read more

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement after House passage of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act today: “Our economy needs a strong middle class. Unions are essential to rebuilding America’s middle class and improving the lives of workers and their families. When workers have the power to stand together and form a union, they have higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions. Protecting workers’ right to organize will help rebuild the middle cla... Read more