File photo.
Bristol Township-based State Rep. Tina Davis plans to introduce a proposal in Harrisburg that would provide grants to bars, restaurants, and catering and banquet halls impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Davis and Montgomery County State Rep. Joe Ciresi, both Democrats, circulated a memo to state House of Representative members last week seeking support for legislation designed to help the beleaguered restaurant, bar, and catering and banquet hall industry.
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The planned legislation would use money from the state’s rainy day fund to support the grant program that would total $200 million. As of last July, the rainy day fund had $340 million in it.
The proposal comes in a time when additional federal support for the industry is likely but not certain.
“Our restaurants and bars have had to play a major role in stopping the community spread of the COVID-19 virus for which they have paid a devastating financial cost,” said Davis. “The temporary suspension during the holiday season, although necessary, is yet another blow to the industry. It is grossly unfair that our ‘Mom and Pop’ restaurants and bars and their employees should have to bear this burden alone. As they have helped to protect our physical health, we need to protect their financial health through the passage of this legislation which would help them get through the pandemic.”
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A similar bill was introduced by Davis and Ciresi earlier this year and proposed using Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding provided to the state through the federal government. The bill did not move forward.
“Rep. Davis and I rolled up our sleeves, improved this legislation and are hopeful this version will earn consideration. Because, at the end of the day, it’s the people who work at and own our local restaurants, bars and catering halls who need this assistance, and they need it as soon as possible,” Ciresi said.
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The proposed legislation the lawmakers are working to introduce will use the rainy day fund instead of the CARES Act money and grow the amount of proposed aid.
“Our family restaurants and food establishments need economic support so they can be there for their employees, customers, and neighborhoods in the future,” the lawmakers said in their memo.
The restaurant, bar, and catering hall industry have been deeply impacted by mandated mitigation measures that have closed indoor dining and cancelled many gatherings. Businesses have seen less customers due to the pandemic, uncertainty in the supply chain, and staff sickened by COVID-19. Workers in the industry have also been laid off across Bucks County.
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The National Restaurant Association released data earlier this month that showed 17 percent of restaurants closed permanently or long-term due to the pandemic across the nation.
Bucks County Republican state lawmakers plan to introduce their own grant program proposal for the hospitality industry.
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