Kennedy supports relief for Louisiana venues in COVID package

Statement

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today issued the following statement in response to urgent relief for entertainment venues included in the bipartisan, bicameral COVID relief package. Based on the Save Our Stages Act, which Kennedy has cosponsored, the provisions in the relief bill include $15 billion in funding for performance venues, movie theaters and museums.

"Live performing arts and entertainment venues are a huge part of Louisiana's culture and economy, but these were the first to shutter when the pandemic struck. There's no question that key industries with significant revenue losses deserve relief. The government shut down this major sector of our economy, and it's right that we help preserve those jobs while we work to vaccinate our country and reopen it safely. I'm glad to see our efforts on the Save Our Stages Act become part of a package focused on helping hardworking Americans recover from what has been an unbelievably hard year for Louisiana and other states," said Kennedy.

Specifically, the legislation authorizes the Small Business Administration to provide grants to eligible live venues, performing arts venues, movie theaters and other operators or promoters that demonstrate a significant reduction in revenue.

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