The state Legislature has approved several bills to assist businesses through this pandemic. The bills include one that would provide companies with tax credits if they keep employees on the payroll, and another would allow some deferrals in tax payments.

A $10 million Economic Development Authority small business loan program that just began taking applications Monday was oversubscribed within the first hour. The EDA is telling businesses to still submit an application in case more funding becomes available.

The state is also looking to help New Jersey’s neediest residents. The Senate passed a bill to overhaul a cash public assistance program for families that would make more people eligible for benefits.