DAVIDS CALLS FOR CONTINUED RELIEF TO KANSAS SMALL BUSINESSES

Press Release

Today, Representative Sharice Davids, member of the House Small Business Committee, continued her calls for a targeted relief package to small businesses most impacted by the pandemic, particularly restaurants and businesses in the fitness, event, and travel industries. Davids voted to establish two critical programs for these businesses, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) and Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG), and today she joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to urge continued action on targeted relief for small businesses.

"I often hear from small business owners in our community, particularly in-person services like event venues, restaurants, and gyms, about the continued challenges of the pandemic. Far too many have closed their doors already or taken on significant debt just to continue serving our communities," said Davids. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they continue to need our support. Today, I joined my colleagues to renew our bipartisan efforts to ensure no small business owner is left behind in our recovery."

The Restaurant Revitalization Fund, a targeted program created by the American Rescue Plan, provided $28.6 billion in flexible funds for restaurants and bars--including more than $46 million to businesses in the Kansas Third. However, soon after opening, applications to the RRF reached $75 billion in requested grants, far exceeding available funds. Davids signed on to the bipartisan RRF Replenishment Act to refill the fund with $60 billion in additional appropriations, which would help hundreds more businesses and workers in the Kansas Third District stay afloat.

Source