Today and tomorrow, Congress is working to pass a budget resolution that includes COVID-19 relief for our industry. We were thrilled to learn this week that Majority Leader Schumer and Speaker Pelosi proposed a $25 billion dedicated grant fund for independent restaurants and bars in this new budget, and we need your help to make that program a reality.
Your senators have their first chance to show support for independent restaurants and bars with a floor vote. We need you to urge your senators to support Sens. Wicker and Sinema’s budget amendment to establish a relief program for restaurants and bars. Call your senators at (202) 224-3121, use our email tool, tweet at them, and post your stories on social media.
This will not be the last vote that the Senate will take on restaurant and bar relief. The $120 billion RESTAURANTS Act will be reintroduced in the coming days and we expect many senators will support the legislation. As always, the IRC will keep you updated as we learn more.
IRC at Sunday’s Big Game
In addition to making our voice heard on Capitol Hill this week, we’re also spreading our message to Americans coast-to-coast during Sunday’s Big Game. In partnership with Cointreau, we’re saying thank you to the independent restaurants and bars we’re fighting every day to save, and the people who make them the hearts of communities everywhere, with our new Love Letter TV ad and campaign.
Watch the TV ad behind-the-scenes video here to learn more, and join us in saying thank you by writing your own love letter. More than just encouraging words, these love letters will raise awareness of the plight small businesses and workers continue to face. Click on the image below to save the blank template (press and hold down if you’re on mobile) and share your words of love and support to local restaurant and bar workers on your Instagram story. Don’t forget to tag @IndpRestaurants and @Cointreau_US!
Between our Big Game TV ad and news that the RESTAURANTS Act is on the menu in Congress, this week is a big one for our coalition. We thank you for your continued support.
