Senator Collins Meets with Maine Chamber of Commerce

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) hosted more than a dozen members of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce in the U.S. Capitol. Senator Collins commenced the meeting by wishing the Maine Chamber’s outgoing President and CEO, Dana Connors, a happy and healthy retirement. Additional participants included members of the Maine Chamber’s executive team as well as leaders from The Jackson Laboratory, the Maine Community College System, Texas Instruments, Unum, and others.

“The Maine Chamber is a leading voice for Maine’s business community and works tirelessly to make our state the best place to create jobs, grow a business, and raise a family,” said Senator Collins. “I met with members of the Maine Chamber to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing our state, including the record-high inflation that is hurting hardworking families and the workforce shortages hindering small businesses. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to champion the job creating engines that power our economy.”

During the meeting, the group discussed the state of the economy, record-high inflation, and widespread workforce shortages. Earlier this year, Senators Collins and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) introduced legislation to shorten the waiting period before asylum seekers are allowed to receive work authorizations, which would allow them to find employment more quickly and become self-sufficient.

The Chamber members thanked Senator Collins for her leadership on the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, which is helping to bolster Maine’s transportation infrastructure and economy. Senator Collins also shared details about her recent trip to Ukraine to meet with President Zelensky.

Senator Collins has been a longstanding advocate for Maine’s small businesses. When the pandemic began, she co-authored the Paycheck Protection Program that helped small businesses remain afloat and keep their employees paid.  Maine small businesses received more than 47,000 forgivable loans totaling $3.2 billion, supporting the jobs of hundreds of thousands of Mainers.

###