Action Alert - Tell Congress to Pass Restaurant Relief Now!

Congress is looking to pass a broad economic rescue package that the Trump administration estimates will be around $1.3 trillion.  We need your help to ensure restaurant relief is properly addressed in this package.   

Economic forecasts indicate restaurants and the foodservice industry could sustain $225 billion in losses and eliminate 5-7 million jobs over the next three months. By taking action, you will tell your personalized story about how this has negatively impacted you, your employees, and your industry and call on President Trump and Congress for their support of the National Restaurant Association restaurant recovery plan. This plan provides direct and targeted relief designed to benefit restaurant and foodservice businesses of every size in every corner of the country.  

It will provide:

  • direct relief from a new restaurant recovery fund
  • community grants for disaster relief assistance
  • guaranteed loans and business interruption insurance
  • lost revenue coverage from the government
  • expand access to efficient and affordable loans
  • special disaster unemployment assistance for workers
  • tax breaks to help your cash flow
  • a fix to the QIP tax glitch
  • and more.

Please take a few moments to participate in this vital grassroots mobilization effort. We need Congress to act—and act fast.

Click here to take action. Anyone can take action on their phone by texting “ Recovery ” to 52886.

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State COVID-19 Website Now Live; State Filing Eligibility for SBA Loans

The state of Illinois has launched Coronavirus.illinois.gov to provide timely and accurate information to the public. The website centralizes the breaking updates from state government, prevention and preparation tips, frequently asked questions, and resources from public health experts.

In addition, Governor Pritzker announced that his administration will file for statewide eligibility in a Small Business Administration (SBA) federal loan program for small businesses facing financial hardship.

Once approved by the federal government, business owners and non-profit leaders can apply for the loans here . Read the full announcement here .
Mayor Lightfoot Announces Utility Relief, Other Measures

Mayor Lightfoot has announced that the City of Chicago will be temporarily suspending debt collection practices and non-safety related citations and impounds, as well as penalties for late payment. This penalty relief package directs a temporary suspension of late fees and defaults on payment plans, including city tickets, utility bills, parking and red-light citations, booting and other non-public safety relates violations. Additionally, there will be no new interest accumulated on current compliance plans.

Click here to read more.
Friday Webinar - Update on Employment Law Issues in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic 

IRA Advisory Council member and hospitality attorney Rob Bernstein of Laner Muchin is hosting a webinar Friday, March 20 at 10:00 a.m. to review the array of legal issues facing restaurants during the COVID-19 crisis.

Click here to register.
Please be sure to check our website for the latest coronavirus updates, and see the above resources and information for your business - updated as of 12:45 p.m. Thursday, March 19.