Senator Collins Delivers Keynote Remarks, Participates in Q&A at York Rotary Meeting
York, ME — This morning, U.S. Senator Susan Collins spoke at York Rotary Club’s virtual meeting about her ongoing efforts in Washington to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and support Maine’s economy. Following her remarks, Senator Collins participated in a Q&A session with attendees.
“Whenever I speak with Rotary Clubs throughout Maine, I am always impressed by the many ways Rotarians place ‘Service Above Self.’ York Rotary’s response to the pandemic is a great example of how Rotarians give back,” said Senator Collins. “Through such initiatives as delivering meals to homebound seniors, distributing school supplies, and providing lunches to the volunteers at the York drive-in coronavirus testing clinic—you truly are neighbors helping neighbors.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, York Rotary has started a “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” campaign, which focused on a meal delivery service, a food drive to support the local food pantry, a school supplies drive, and an effort to provide lunches to volunteers at York Hospital’s Drive-Thru Rapid Result COVID-19 Testing Center. Senator Collins recently visited the Testing Center to thank the staff and volunteers.
During her remarks, Senator Collins spoke about COVID-19 relief, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) she co-authored. Since its launch in early April, more than 28,000 Maine small businesses and self-employed individuals have received nearly $2.3 billion in forgivable loans, which has helped to support more than 250,000 jobs throughout the state. In York and surrounding communities alone, more than 660 small employers received PPP loans, helping to save more than 7,500 jobs. Those employers ranged from hotels and restaurants to boat yards, construction companies, and the Ogunquit Playhouse. Senators Collins and Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced legislation that would allow the hardest-hit small businesses to receive a second PPP loan.
As a senior member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins has secured more than $320 million since 2012 to strengthen the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY). She also authors language annually requiring the U.S. Navy to continue to conduct its highly successful apprenticeship program at PNSY and other public shipyards. Last month, Senator Collins provided the keynote remarks at PNSY’s 2020 Apprentice and Worker Skills Progression Program graduation.
Senator Collins is an honorary Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow.
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