Contact: Shawn Phetteplace
shawn@mainstreetalliance.org, 608-385-6488
Last Thursday Members of the Main Street Alliance and allies in Wisconsin met with Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI-08) to discuss the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, a $25 billion dollar grant program that is a part of the American Rescue Plan, and the need to ensure it’s inclusion, as well as replenishing the fund by also passing the RESTAURANTS Act.
America’s 500,000 independent restaurants employ over 16 million people. No single industry has contributed more to national unemployment during the pandemic– one in four people who lost their job during the pandemic (2.5 million) worked in restaurants and bars.
In Wisconsin nearly 40% of all jobs lost since the beginning of March were in the hospitality industry. Saving restaurants and bars is a vital component to rebuilding America’s economy.
Michelle Tressler, Vice President and Co-Owner of Hinterland Brewery and Restaurant said, “It was a privilege to meet and have a productive conversation with Rep. Gallagher about the needs of our industry. While we do not agree on everything we were thrilled to see that the Congressman signed onto the RESTAURANTS Act which will provide much needed relief for businesses right here in Green Bay and throughout Northeast Wisconsin.”
Passing the American Rescue Plan, which includes the Restaurant Revitalization Fund and replenishing the fund by ensuring strong support for the RESTAURANTS Act is essential. Thank you to Rep. Gallagher for co-sponsoring the RESTAURANTS Act. We call upon the other members of the delegation to join him, and Senator Baldwin who released a statement of support of this bill last Friday, as well.
