'Hit dramatically by COVID': Connecticut retailers discuss pandemic struggles with Blumenthal FacebookTwitterEmail Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, held an online forum with the Connecticut Retail Merchants Association on Friday, Feb. 27, 2021 to hear the concerns of retailers around the state.File photo As President Joe Biden’s proposed $1.9 trillion coronavirus-relief package advances through Congress, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal heard Friday from Connecticut retailers who spoke of the struggles their businesses are still facing nearly a year since the pandemic hit in the state. Additional federal assistance is needed more than ever, business owners said during the online forum co-hosted by the Connecticut Retail Merchants Association. Nearly 22,700 small businesses around the state have been approved for nearly $2 billion in forgivable loans through the latest round of the federal Paycheck Protection Program, but many merchants are still suffering.