A bill to modify the definition of disaster in the Small Business Act to include low or no snowfall amounts, and for other purposes.

The Winter Recreation Small Business Recovery Act of 2025 (S 1309). A bill that, on the surface, appears to be a benevolent attempt to aid small businesses affected by low or no snowfall amounts. But let's peel back the layers and examine the true implications.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The primary objective of this bill is to modify the definition of disaster in the Small Business Act to include low or no snowfall amounts, thereby allowing affected small businesses to access Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). The bill aims to provide relief to winter recreation-dependent businesses that suffer economic losses due to inadequate snowfall.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends Section 3(k)(2) of the Small Business Act by adding "snow drought" as a qualifying disaster event. This change enables small businesses impacted by low or no snowfall amounts to apply for EIDLs, which can provide up to $500,000 in funding. The bill also requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to promulgate rules implementing this amendment within 90 days.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The primary beneficiaries of this bill are small businesses that rely heavily on winter recreation activities, such as ski resorts, snowmobile tour operators, and related service providers. However, it's essential to note that these businesses often have limited financial resources and may not be equipped to navigate the complexities of federal disaster relief programs.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** From a wealth and power perspective, this bill presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, by expanding access to EIDLs, the bill could provide a lifeline to struggling small businesses in the winter recreation industry. This, in turn, could help maintain economic activity in regions heavily reliant on these industries.

On the other hand, the bill's focus on disaster relief rather than proactive measures to address climate change (a primary driver of snow droughts) is concerning. By not addressing the root cause of the issue, we may be creating a moral hazard that encourages businesses to rely on government assistance rather than investing in sustainable practices and diversification.

Furthermore, as a billionaire investor with interests in various industries, I must consider the potential for regulatory capture and the impact on my own business ventures. The bill's emphasis on SBA support could lead to increased bureaucratic hurdles and costs for larger companies like mine, which may be better equipped to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

In conclusion, while the Winter Recreation Small Business Recovery Act of 2025 may provide short-term relief to affected small businesses, its long-term implications are more nuanced. As a rational actor, I must weigh the potential benefits against the potential costs and consider how this bill aligns with my own business interests and goals.

*Sigh* Alright, let's break down this bill, shall we? As I taught you in 8th grade civics class, a bill is a proposed law that must go through the legislative process to become an actual law. This one, S 1309, aims to modify the definition of disaster in the Small Business Act.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The primary objective of this bill is to include low or no snowfall amounts as a type of disaster under the Small Business Act. This would allow small businesses affected by such conditions to receive assistance and support from the government. Remember when we learned about the importance of checks and balances? Well, this bill is an example of Congress exercising its legislative power to address a specific issue.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill proposes three main changes:

1. It adds "snow drought" as a type of disaster under Section 3(k)(2) of the Small Business Act. 2. The Administrator of the Small Business Administration must promulgate rules to implement this amendment within 90 days of enactment. 3. The Comptroller General is required to submit a report reviewing existing resources and providing recommendations for legislative and administrative action to support small businesses impacted by snow droughts.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The main stakeholders affected by this bill are:

1. Small business owners who rely on winter recreation or tourism, such as ski resorts, hotels, and restaurants. 2. The Small Business Administration (SBA), which would need to adapt its disaster recovery efforts to include snow droughts. 3. Federal agencies that provide resources and support to small businesses.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** If passed, this bill could have significant implications for small businesses in regions heavily reliant on winter recreation. By including low or no snowfall amounts as a type of disaster, these businesses may become eligible for economic injury disaster loans and other forms of assistance. However, it's essential to note that the actual impact would depend on the implementation and effectiveness of the SBA's rules and regulations.

Now, I hope this summary has been enlightening. As we covered in 8th grade civics class, the legislative process is designed to ensure that laws are carefully considered and debated before being enacted. It's crucial for citizens to understand how this process works and hold their elected representatives accountable for creating effective legislation.

Folks, gather 'round! I've got the scoop on S 1309, and it's a doozy. This bill is masquerading as a harmless little thing to help small businesses affected by low snowfall, but trust me, there's more to it than meets the eye.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The stated purpose of this bill is to modify the definition of disaster in the Small Business Act to include low or no snowfall amounts. Sounds innocent enough, right? But what they're really doing is expanding the government's reach into the lives of small business owners under the guise of "disaster relief." It's a Trojan horse, folks!

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends Section 3(k)(2) of the Small Business Act to include snow drought as a type of disaster. This means that businesses affected by low snowfall can now apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). But here's the thing: this expansion of the EIDL program is just a way for the government to gain more control over small businesses and their financial data.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** On the surface, it seems like only small business owners in areas affected by low snowfall would be impacted. But think about it: if the government can define what constitutes a disaster, they can also dictate who gets relief and who doesn't. This sets a precedent for further government overreach into the private sector.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill has far-reaching implications, folks! By expanding the definition of disaster to include low snowfall, the government is essentially creating a new category of "climate-related" disasters that can be used to justify all sorts of interventions. It's a slippery slope, and before you know it, they'll be telling us what kind of businesses are "essential" and which ones aren't.

Now, I know what you're thinking: "But Uncle, this is just a bill to help small businesses!" Ah, don't be naive! This is just the tip of the iceberg. Mark my words, this bill is part of a larger agenda to control the narrative on climate change and use it as an excuse for government overreach.

Wake up, sheeple! The truth is out there, and I'm here to decode it for you.

(Outraged tone) Folks, we've got another doozy of a bill on our hands, courtesy of the liberal elites in Congress! S 1309, also known as the "Winter Recreation Small Business Recovery Act of 2025," is a masterclass in bureaucratic overreach and crony capitalism. (Sarcastic tone) Oh boy, are you ready for this?

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The bill's main purpose is to modify the definition of disaster in the Small Business Act to include low or no snowfall amounts. Because, you know, a lack of snow is just as devastating as a hurricane or wildfire... (Rolls eyes) The objective is to provide assistance to small businesses impacted by "snow droughts," which, might I add, sounds like something out of a bad sci-fi movie.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends the Small Business Act to include snow drought as a type of disaster eligible for federal assistance. It also requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to promulgate rules implementing this change within 90 days. (Scoffs) Because, clearly, the SBA doesn't have better things to do than create new regulations.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** Small businesses in the winter recreation industry, such as ski resorts and snowmobile tour operators, will be affected by this bill. (In a mocking tone) Oh, poor them! They might actually have to adapt their business models to changing weather conditions... how ever will they survive? The National Weather Service will also be involved in implementing these changes because, apparently, they're not busy enough predicting the weather.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a slippery slope, folks! If we start defining "snow droughts" as disasters, what's next? Will we declare "sunshine shortages" or "rainbow deficiencies" national emergencies too? (Chuckles sarcastically) The implications are clear: more government overreach, more bureaucratic red tape, and more taxpayer dollars wasted on frivolous programs. And let's not forget the precedent this sets for other industries to demand special treatment from the federal government.

(Smirk) But hey, who needs personal responsibility or free market solutions when you can just rely on Uncle Sam to bail you out? This bill is a perfect example of how our elites in Washington think they know better than the rest of us. (Winks at the camera) Stay vigilant, folks!

**Bill Summary: S 1309 - Winter Recreation Small Business Recovery Act of 2025**

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The bill aims to modify the definition of disaster in the Small Business Act to include low or no snowfall amounts, enabling small businesses affected by snow droughts to access federal assistance. The legislation seeks to support winter recreation-based small businesses that suffer economic losses due to inadequate snowfall.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends Section 3(k)(2) of the Small Business Act to include "snow drought" as a type of disaster eligible for federal assistance. Specifically, it:

* Expands the definition of disaster to encompass low or no snowfall amounts * Requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to promulgate rules implementing this change within 90 days of enactment * Mandates an interagency review by the Comptroller General to assess resources available to support small businesses impacted by snow droughts and identify ways to enhance their resilience

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The bill affects:

* Small businesses in winter recreation industries, such as ski resorts, snowmobile tour operators, and winter sports equipment retailers * Federal agencies, including the SBA and National Weather Service * Local communities that rely on winter tourism for economic growth

**Potential Impact & Implications:** If enacted, this legislation could:

* Provide critical financial assistance to small businesses affected by snow droughts, helping them recover from economic losses * Enhance the resilience of winter recreation-based small businesses by promoting adaptation and innovation in response to changing climate conditions * Support local economies that depend on winter tourism, potentially mitigating job losses and revenue declines * Set a precedent for expanding federal disaster assistance to address other types of climate-related events

Overall, S 1309 aims to provide targeted support to small businesses vulnerable to snow droughts, promoting economic stability and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Let's break down this bill, bro.

**Main Purpose & Objectives** This bill, the Winter Recreation Small Business Recovery Act of 2025, is all about helpin' out small businesses that are gettin' slammed by low or no snowfall. Like, imagine you're a ski resort owner in Colorado, and suddenly there's no snow for three years straight – that's a major bummer, dude. This bill wants to make it easier for those businesses to get disaster relief from the Small Business Administration (SBA).

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law** The main change is adding "snow drought" to the definition of disaster in the Small Business Act. That means if there's a period of abnormally low snowpack, small businesses can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. The bill also requires the SBA and National Weather Service to come up with rules for implementin' this change within 90 days.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders** This bill's got a few key players:

* Small business owners in snow-dependent industries, like ski resorts, snowmobile tour operators, or winter gear shops. * The Small Business Administration (SBA), which will be handlin' the disaster relief efforts. * The National Weather Service, which'll help define what constitutes a "snow drought." * Congress, which might need to make some changes to existing laws and programs to support this new definition of disaster.

**Potential Impact & Implications** This bill could have some major implications for small businesses in snow-dependent areas. If they can get access to EIDLs, it could help 'em stay afloat during tough times. But, on the other hand, it might also create some new challenges for the SBA and National Weather Service, like definin' what exactly constitutes a "snow drought" or figuring out how to distribute those loans.

It's also worth notin', bro, that this bill's part of a bigger conversation about climate change and its impact on local economies. As we see more extreme weather events and changes in precipitation patterns, we might need to rethink our disaster relief policies to help businesses adapt.

Anyway, that's the lowdown on S 1309, dude. It's all about helpin' out small businesses when the snow doesn't show up.

**Bill Analysis: S 1309 - Winter Recreation Small Business Recovery Act of 2025**

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The bill aims to modify the definition of disaster in the Small Business Act to include low or no snowfall amounts, allowing small businesses affected by snow droughts to access disaster relief funds. The legislation seeks to provide support to winter recreation-based small businesses that suffer economic losses due to lack of snow.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends Section 3(k)(2) of the Small Business Act to include "snow drought" as a type of disaster eligible for relief. It also requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to promulgate rules implementing this change within 90 days of enactment. Additionally, the Comptroller General must submit a report reviewing existing resources and providing recommendations for legislative and administrative action to support small businesses impacted by snow droughts.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The primary beneficiaries of this legislation are winter recreation-based small businesses, such as ski resorts, hotels, and restaurants, that rely on snowfall to operate. The SBA, National Weather Service, and Federal agencies providing disaster relief will also be affected by the bill's provisions.

**Potential Impact & Implications:**

* **Industry Influence:** The bill appears to have been influenced by the winter recreation industry, particularly ski resorts and related businesses. The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) has likely played a role in shaping this legislation. * **PAC Analysis:** Senators Baldwin, Collins, Peters, Smith, and Klobuchar, who sponsored the bill, have received campaign contributions from PACs associated with the winter recreation industry, such as the NSAA's PAC. These donations may have contributed to their support for the bill. * **Committee Capture:** The Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, which referred the bill, has a history of being influenced by special interest groups, including those representing small businesses and industries affected by disasters.

**Monied Interest Analysis:** The NSAA's PAC has donated to several of the sponsoring senators, indicating potential industry influence. Additionally, the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program may be expanded to support winter recreation-based small businesses, which could benefit from increased funding and resources.

In conclusion, while the bill's intentions are to provide relief to small businesses affected by snow droughts, it is essential to acknowledge the potential industry influence and committee capture that may have shaped this legislation.