Tennessee Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Memphis) is pushing for the United States Congress to include funding for entertainment venues and restaurants struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic in its next Coronavirus Relief Bill.
Cohen sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and Majority Whip James Clyburn calling for the Save Our Stages Act, RESTAURANTS Act and RESTART Act -- all of which he co-sponsored -- to be included in the next package. The letter was obtained and shared by FOX 17 News on Friday.
"I strongly believe these bills are critical in supporting our vulnerable and precious music, restaurant and hospitality industries. As we continue to provide relief to struggling Americas amid the coronavirus pandemic, it’s imperative that we look out for the little guy and provide necessary support to keep small businesses afloat," Rep. Cohen writes.
Cohen said the RESTAURANTS Act will create a $120 billion fund at the Department of Treasury that will be distributed to independent restaurants through the end of 2020 for payroll, benefits, food, utilities and rent.
Additionally, the RESTART Act would allow mid-sized businesses, including hotels and gyms, to use Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds for any needs that will help their businesses get back to normal operations.
A copy of the full letter can be found here.
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