AGD Advocates for Additional COVID-19 Relief Package
AGD recently sent a letter to the "Four Corners" of Senate and House leadership, which urges Congress to advance a supplemental COVID-19 relief package to address the general dentistry community's key priorities. In the letter, AGD requests the creation of pandemic related tax incentives, liability protections, enhancement of the SBA's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and preservation of flexible spending accounts (FSA).
Despite continued hardships for many individuals and businesses due to the pandemic, the outlook of a COVID-19 relief deal being enacted before year-end remains grim.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin recently attempted to restart stalled negotiations with a proposal to tap into unused Federal Reserve relief funds, which garnered Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's (R-KY) support. However, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and President-elect Biden's team voiced opposition to the proposal, as it would only amount to around $580 billion in relief. Democratic leadership continues to be focused on passing a comprehensive stimulus package that is anticipated to cost approximately $2.4 trillion.
Impact on General Dentistry: The pandemic continues to adversely impact general dentists across the country, with most practices still seeing lower than average patient volumes. AGD is working to ensure that any future relief package addresses fundamental issues impacting dentists today. Obtaining personal protective equipment (PPE) is still difficult and expensive for many dentists who wish to maintain safe and healthy practices. Additionally, concerns over exposure liability are creating uncertainty for many businesses, including dental practices.
Despite continued hardships for many individuals and businesses due to the pandemic, the outlook of a COVID-19 relief deal being enacted before year-end remains grim.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin recently attempted to restart stalled negotiations with a proposal to tap into unused Federal Reserve relief funds, which garnered Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's (R-KY) support. However, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and President-elect Biden's team voiced opposition to the proposal, as it would only amount to around $580 billion in relief. Democratic leadership continues to be focused on passing a comprehensive stimulus package that is anticipated to cost approximately $2.4 trillion.
Impact on General Dentistry: The pandemic continues to adversely impact general dentists across the country, with most practices still seeing lower than average patient volumes. AGD is working to ensure that any future relief package addresses fundamental issues impacting dentists today. Obtaining personal protective equipment (PPE) is still difficult and expensive for many dentists who wish to maintain safe and healthy practices. Additionally, concerns over exposure liability are creating uncertainty for many businesses, including dental practices.