GRA Weekly

May 19, 2022

This week's newsletter is brought to you by GRA Corporate Partner, UnitedHealthcare.

RRF FAILS IN THE SENATE

Vote to Replenish RRF Fails in Senate

Bill falls 8 votes shy of 60 needed

Today, May 19, 2022, the U.S. Senate failed to advance the Small Business COVID Relief Act of 2022 (S. 4008), ending the possibility of replenishing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). The vote is a devastating blow to the restaurant industry and small business operators. The vote to invoke cloture and overcome the Senate filibuster failed by a vote of 52-43 (60 votes were needed to prevail). We want to thank Senator Jon Ossoff and Senator Raphael Warnock for their support in voting in favor for this measure that would have brought much needed assistance to the 5,007 restaurants that were approved for RRF but did not receive any money. We believe there are valid questions about government spending and inflation, but restaurants should not be caught in the crossfire. As our industry continues to do, we will find ways to survive. The Georgia Restaurant Association will continue to work to find ways that could support your business as we all move forward from the pandemic with officials at all levels.

Statement from the National Restaurant Association.

WIND DOWN BY THE RIVER

Please join us on the banks of the Chattahoochee River for Wind Down by the River, a special reception in support of the National Restaurant Association Restaurant Political Action Committee and the GRA PAC*.

Through your attendance and support, we are able to reach candidates who will advance a pro-restaurant pro-business legislative agenda, fight onerous legislation and address the issues that are most important to YOU.

Wednesday, June 7 | 5:00PM - 7:00PM

PPP LOAN FORGIVENESS

PPP Loan Forgiveness – Apply Before Payment Notices Begin

Restaurants who received a 2nd draw Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan in 2021 still have time to apply for loan forgiveness. For PPP borrowers of $150,000 and less, simplified forgiveness options are a great option: Form 3508S or the “SBA Direct Forgiveness Portal” offer a streamlined process. The vast majority of PPP loans that remain unforgiven, approximately 1.1 million loans in total, are eligible for these expedited forgiveness options. Restaurants should be aware that PPP loan repayment for unforgiven loan portions begins 10 months after the end of the PPP covered period. For more information, please watch the Association’s PPP Loan Forgiveness message. Visit SBA to learn more. National Restaurant Association’s VP of Public Policy Aaron Frazier also provides a quick video explaining why it's critical for restaurants to do so.

EEOC + DOJ GUIDANCE

Using Artificial Intelligence to hire employees?

Review the latest U.S. EEOC and DOJ's "Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, and Disability Discrimination in Hiring" guidance to avoid potential ADA violations.

Learn more:

Official press release: U.S. EEOC and U.S. Department of Justice Warn against Disability Discrimination
Technical assistance document
Download Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, and Disability Discrimination in Hiring PDF
EEOC: Tips for Workers
Also be sure to visit ADA.gov to learn more on the newly issued guidance.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month

We know the past two years have been especially challenging for employees in the restaurant industry. In observance of National Mental Health Awareness Month, the Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) encourages operators to continue providing mental and emotional health resources for your team members. Additional resources may also be found on the GRA website.