On Wednesday, local businesses and leaders heard today from Iowa US Senator Joni Ernst about how to access funds through the coronavirus relief packages.
The Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce held a phone conference with the senator from Red Oak.
Davenport Mayor Mike Matson asked Ernst how small businesses that are barely surviving can cut through the red tape.
She told him to call her office, and he did.
The mayor says the senator's staff will look into how to make the application and distribution process less cumbersome.
And Matson is satisfied with that for now.
Ernst also discussed the next step for Congress, saying if there is a fourth relief bill the president wants to include infrastructure.
The president just signed the latest, $2 trillion relief package on Friday.
So it will take some time to implement those financial assistance programs.
Quad Cities chamber leaders say struggling companies should work with their vendors, banks, and others to delay payments or find other ways to stay in business.
