UPDATED February 22, 2021
What started off as a $120 billion revitalization fund for independent restaurants, is now only $25 billion, as part of President Biden’s stimulus plan. Since April of 2020, the original $120 billion fund, previously known as “The Restaurant Act”, had support from both Republicans and Democrats. Nevertheless, today, the fund has shrunk to a fraction of its initial proposed amount. This week, the House and Senate are debating and voting on this stimulus package.
The stimulus plan hasn’t been voted on yet, so independent restaurants need your calls, emails, and tweets to Congress TODAY, and every day, for as long as they’re still debating.
Please call the US Capitol Switchboard to be connected to your representatives in The House and The Senate at (202) 224-3121. You can look up your House Representative here. And, you can look up your Senators here (at the very top of the page in a very small drop-down menu next to the tiny US flag). Tell your reps on The Hill that you support the original $120 billion amount for restaurant aid because it will provide desperately needed funds for independent restaurants! Tell them you’ll be watching what they do – or don’t do – to help the hospitality industry, and you won’t forget their actions when they’re up for re-election!
You can also let the White House know that you want to see the original $120 billion amount, not the reduced $25 billion package. Here’s the White House Comment Line: 202-456-1111.
A recent study found that 85 percent of independent restaurants are likely to close by the end of the year if direct aid is not provided to the industry, so please show your support today, and every day, until the HEROES Act passes.
