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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget2026-04-30

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill appropriates $250 million to create a COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Program that provides one-time grants to qualifying small businesses that experienced at least a 25% drop in sales tax collections in 2020 compared to 2019. Grants are capped at $250,000 per business or the amount of actual sales tax loss, whichever is less, and recipients must maintain operations for at least six months or repay a proportional amount.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill helps small businesses that were disproportionately harmed by COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns and economic disruptions, particularly those in underserved areas that may lack access to other funding sources.
• •The grant program preserves jobs, maintains economic stability, and supports a vital part of North Carolina's economy by providing direct capital to help qualifying businesses survive the pandemic's economic impact.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue that appropriating $250 million in state funds diverts resources from other priorities and represents significant government spending during a specific crisis that has largely passed.
• •Some may question whether grants are the most efficient use of funds compared to low-interest loans, or whether eligibility criteria effectively target the most vulnerable businesses, and whether the six-month clawback provision is sufficient accountability for public funds.