Dear Editor:

Senators Collins and McConnell seem to think that they have defeated the COVID-19 pandemic. Clad in shining armor atop white horses, they passed the Payroll Protection Program and America's economy was saved! If this sounds ridiculous, that's because it is. The economic crisis caused by the pandemic is far from over, and yet Senator Collins has checked out on vacation without bothering to pass an additional relief bill.

The PPP undoubtedly saved countless jobs here in Maine, but it was the panacea that Collins describes it as — plenty of businesses found themselves left out of the significant relief package. As the owner of a small startup, my PPP eligibility was exceedingly low — a small help against the mountain of hard work I see in front of me. The loan eligibility is determined by 2 1/2 months of payroll, so as the economic crisis grinds on, small businesses see no help on the horizon.

Families and individuals can likewise expect little help from Washington. The stimulus checks from March were a great lifeline to local economies. My wife and I were fortunate enough to be able to set aside some of that stimulus money after paying our bills. That enabled us to support other local businesses in turn — buying toys and books for our young son and getting takeout from the restaurants here in town. Another stimulus check would be another boost to local economies, but Republicans can't bear the thought of adding to the national debt. Susan Collins isn't worried about the trillion dollars that her corporate tax break added to the deficit, but suddenly, when Maine families need help, she has become a deficit hawk. I guess we know who she's really working for.

Enjoy your vacation Senator Collins, because you were never really interested in being my senator anyways.

Mike Bartles

Boothbay Harbor