Cartwright Pushes for Restaurant and Hospitality Industry Relief in Upcoming COVID Package

Press Release

This week, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) and several members of the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation urged House leadership to include provisions from the RESTAURANTS Act in the COVID-19 relief package being developed in Congress. Small and independently owned restaurants and their employees are among the hardest hit by this pandemic, and this legislation would provide aid to meet their unique needs and ensure they can survive this crisis. The letter can be viewed HERE.

"Northeastern Pennsylvania's restaurant and hospitality businesses are part of what makes our area so special. They are where we all come together to catch up with old friends, sample some great locally brewed beer, or celebrate special occasions, and we should make sure they can survive through to the end of this crisis," Cartwright said. "Let's provide support to both the restaurants and the hardworking Americans they employ."

The pandemic has imposed a whole host of new challenges and disadvantages for restaurant and hospitality businesses. They face added expenses for PPE and revenue losses due to the need for social distancing and a limited ability to provide outdoor dining options in the winter months.

The RESTAURANTS Act would create a $120 billion restaurant revitalization fund at the U.S. Department of Treasury to provide grants to independent restaurants, small restaurant chains, and catering firms. The aid could be used to cover most expenses, including payroll, benefits, mortgage, rent, utilities, food, debt obligations to suppliers, and more.

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