In an effort to stabilize small businesses suffering through the economic shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government distributed $660 billion through the Payroll Protection Program. The initiative was so popular that it quickly ran out of funds, much to the frustration of some local businesses.
Meanwhile, the public benefit corporation Western Regional Off Track Betting managed to secure $3.2 million. While OTB legally qualified for the program, Phil Gambini of Investigative Post puts the spotlighton how the funds will boost a quasi-governmental entity that has been criticized for the salaries and benefits provided to executives and board members.