Sen. Roger Wicker
Roger Frederick WickerPennsylvania Republican becomes latest COVID-19 breakthrough case in Congress Senate Republicans raise concerns about TSA cyber directives for rail, aviation 6 in 10 say Biden policies responsible for increasing inflation: poll MORE (R-Miss.) reintroduced legislation on Friday to establish a $120 billion revitalization fund to support independent restaurants and small franchisees devastated from the coronavirus pandemic.
The Real Economic Support That Acknowledges Unique Restaurant Assistance Needed to Survive (Restaurants) Act, was introduced by Wicker along with Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), and Reps. Earl Blumenauer
Earl BlumenauerTo sustain humanity COP26 must lead on both climate and biodiversity Ilhan Omar to Biden: 'Deliver on your promise to cancel student debt' Milestone bill would bar imports linked to forest destruction MORE (D-Ore.), and Brian Fitzpatrick
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The bill is built off of legislation Wicker and Blumenauer introduced last Congress.
The new legislation differs from the 2020 legislation because it updates the award calculation based on annual loss, rather than quarterly, provides grant eligibility for restaurants that opened in 2020 and allows paid sick leave to be an eligible expense, among other provisions.
A Wicker amendment to direct Congress to dedicate support for restaurants passed the Senate, 90-10, on Thursday during the marathon voting session on a Democratic budget resolution, indicating strong bipartisan support for aid to the industry.
The so-called vote-a-rama on the budget lays the groundwork for passing a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package with a simple majority vote, avoiding a filibuster later this year.
The $120 billion revitalization fund would allow owners to apply for grants of up to $10 million to cover eligible expenses retroactively as far back as Feb. 15, 2020, and up to eight months after the legislation is signed into law.
Grants could be used for payroll, benefits, mortgage, rent, utilities, maintenance and construction of outdoor facilities, and supplies like personal protective equipment and paid sick leave, among other essential expenses.
“Without additional targeted relief, many restaurants, especially small and independent establishments, may not survive the year because of state indoor dining restrictions. The RESTAURANTS Act would provide support to help these small businesses adapt their operations and keep their employees on the payroll as our nation works to finish the fight against COVID-19,” Wicker said in a statement.
The coronavirus relief package Congress passed in December did not include direct funds to restaurants and bars. The Independent Restaurant Coalition, which was formed in March, has pushed for this kind of aid.
The National Restaurant Association, however, was pleased with the December package because it included a second round of funding for the Paycheck Protection Program with some provisions aimed to assist the restaurant industry.
Support for a fund to support restaurants comes as senators are debating raising the federal minimum wage to $15. The restaurant industry is pushing back on the Raise the Wage Act, spearheaded by Sen. Bernie Sanders
Bernie SandersDemocrats face critical 72 hours Overnight Health Care — Presented by Altria — Manchin nixes Medicare expansion Manchin shutting down Sanders on Medicare expansion MORE (I-Vt.), which they say would create a financial challenge for restaurants.
