There are also a series of provisions aimed at ailing small businesses. In particular, Democrats said they would earmark $284 billion for forgivable loans through the Paycheck Protection Program, according to a joint statement from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Lawmakers also said that they would expand PPP eligibility to include nonprofits and local newspapers, TV and radio broadcasters. The PPP was originally established in the CARES Act this spring. In all, about 5 million firms received some $525 billion in loans through the program. Generally, borrowers are eligible for PPP loan forgiveness if they apply at least 60% of the proceeds to payroll. Partial loan forgiveness may be available to those who don't meet this threshold.