Local business owners, families eager for second stimulus relief package

Congress passed a $900 billion pandemic relief package Monday night that would finally deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths.

Local business owners have told us this relief package can't come soon enough. 

News Channel 3's Dani Romero has reaction on how this new bill will impact local businesses.

"I feel like I'm a long distance runner and they put these hurdles up in front of us," said Dennis Costa. "I'm trying to get over all of these hurdles and re-inventing what we do."

This would normally would be a sizzling time for Dennis Costa, owner of Bouschet in Palm Springs.

"It's not easy," said Dennis Costa. "It's challenging."

As the effects of the coronavirus take a big bite out of Costa's livelihood, he's trying to make it work.

"We created an outdoor dining pavilion and we were only open three weeks on that," said Costa. "Again, getting through this other hurdle and we're now doing some prepared food. Its more comfort food."

This relief package will include an additional $284 billion of relief for small businesses.

"Its important to a lot of businesses," said Costa. "Bring it on."

Chad Gardner, owner of Roly China Fusion, is hoping to get a slice of the pie.

"I will apply for the PPP if I am able to get it," said Gardner. "It will help out a lot it will help bring some employees back and just be able to sustain the business for another few months." 

For someone who did get relief in the first round, Gardner has had to dip into his own finances to stay a float.

"I haven't had to get any other loans but I've certainly dipped into personal and use personal credit cards,etc," said Gardner.

A $600 stimulus check for many Americans ,based on income, is also part of the federal plan.

Raquelle Ladson is excited to hear a check is on its way.

"I think its amazing," said Ladson. "I mean a long time coming right like we need this is great going into my savings."

But with business getting chopped, these business owners have told us receiving something is better than nothing.

"It's going to be a godsend, no matter what it is,"said Gardner. "It will help, it will. Every and anything that we can get is going to be very helpful." 

Again, those stimulus checks could be in bank accounts starting early next week.