Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney checked in on newly reopened small business owners in Bedford today.

Businesses like the Jewel Corner, Inc. jewelry store received Paycheck Protection Program loans and were able to stay afloat during the height of the pandemic.

“As of a few days ago, about 11,000 businesses in my congressional district who employ about 100,000 workers have received small business loans, under the federal programs. Want to find out how that’s working for people,” says Maloney.

The Jewel Corner, Inc. jewelry store has been in business for 30 years, and owner Allison McReddie tells News 12 closing the store wasn’t been easy.

“It was hard, because that’s the time when graduations happen, and anniversaries,” says McReddie. 

According to Maloney, the House of Representatives is doing its part in offering continued assistance to those struggling to make ends meet, but Maloney says Republicans are stonewalling.

Maloney also says the House has already passed legislation known as the HEROES Act, saying in part, “which would contain hundreds of millions of dollars, for Westchester County, $500 million over two years ... that legislation is sitting on Mitch McConnell's desk.”

McReddie says she’s one of the lucky business owners who doesn’t need additional federal help at the moment, but others aren’t as privileged.

However, the Bedford business owner also said that if she’s forced to shut down business again due to climbing cases, she isn’t sure what will happen.