Senate Democrats plan includes $800 million for business assistance

The PA Senate Democratic Caucus recently revealed its $4 billion COVID-19 relief bill that includes $800 million for business assistance.

The Pennsylvania Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security Act of 2021 would authorize $4 billion in emergency debt to programs previously funded by the federal CARES Act. It also would establish new programs that target struggling economic sectors.

The bill is a follow-up to the caucus’ PA CARES plan excluded from the Fiscal Year 2021 Supplemental Budget.

Of the $800 million allocated for business assistance, $300 million would be earmarked for the hospitality industry as well as restaurants, taverns, and caterers.

“These businesses are the lifeblood of our communities, our commercial districts, our tourism, and our economy,” State Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said. “They employ hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians and have been decimated by COVID mitigation policies like occupancy restrictions and bans on indoor service.”

These businesses have taken on massive debt to remain in operation, she said, and are taking every precaution to protect staff and patron’s health.

The caucus also supports fixing programs created by the PA Housing Finance Agency’s rental assistance program (Act 24 of 2020). Stakeholders requested this to maximize program effectiveness.