What comes next

The PPP program was designed to help businesses rehire or retain workers by offering loans that can be forgiven if companies maintain salaries and meet other requirements. Congress loosened those requirements after the program launched and authorized a second round of funding, with some dollars still available.

Businesses also initially only had eight weeks to spend those dollars, a time frame that was extended to 24 weeks. The Greater Valley Y said they had to turn to layoffs once the money ran out.

Washington correspondent Laura Olson can be reached at 202-780-9540 or lolson@mcall.com.