A bill recently introduced in the state Senate would help struggling businesses by providing direct financial assistance through Pennsylvania’s share of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Under the bill, up to $500 million would be distributed to restaurants, bars, and businesses in the tourism and hospitality industries that are struggling financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Approximately 10 percent of employment in the state is from restaurant and food service jobs. This year, more than 134,000 of these jobs were lost, according to the Independent Fiscal Office.
After the stay-at-home order was lifted, indoor dining capacity was limited and restrictions were placed on selling or serving alcohol after 10 p.m.
“The new restaurant orders are essentially one step forward and two steps back for many business owners,” said state Sen. Pat Stefano (R-Fayette and Somerset counties), who introduced the bill. The level of uncertainty makes it almost impossible for these businesses to plan or budget. “The winter season is far more difficult on the tourism and hospitality industries in the state. We need to take action now to preserve the thousands upon thousands of jobs that rely on these industries before it’s too late.”
State Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster County) co-introduced the bill.