WASHINGTON, April 7, 202 – Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3rd) voted for $42 billion in new federal relief for restaurants and $13 billion for other hard-hit businesses.
Evans, a lead co-sponsor of the legislation and a member of the House Small Business Committee, spoke in the House chamber in support:
“I’m proud to co-sponsor this bill. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund has been a lifeline for small businesses in Philadelphia and across the country. We provided $28.6 billion in help to more than 101,000 restaurants. Unfortunately, the need has been far greater than the initial funding.
“This bill would extend the lifeline, with another $42 billion to help our neighborhood restaurant –and the people they employ–as the pandemic continues.
“Restaurants are part of the small business backbone that helps to keep our communities together and our neighbors employed. I urge a Yes vote!”
Evans noted the bill would help restaurants throughout Philadelphia, including those in small business corridors in West Philadelphia, Southwest Philadelphia, Germantown Avenue, Main Street in Manayunk, South Street, Center City, Point Breeze, East Passyunk, and Chestnut Hill, among others.
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund Replenishment Act (H.R. 3807) passed the House and now awaits Senate action. It would also support other struggling small businesses:
Providing $13 billion to establish the Hard Hit Industries Award Program, which would help small businesses from across industries that were hardest hit by the pandemic and lost revenue but were not eligible for other grants or awards. Businesses eligible for these grants would have 200 or fewer employees and have experienced 40 percent or more in lost revenue as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Updating the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program to provide entertainment venues with more time and flexibility to use federal relief funds.
Evans represents the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest, and Center City Philadelphia. During Evans’ first five years in Congress, his office has helped to return to or save more than $25 million for Philadelphians from federal agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration, and Department of Veterans Affairs. His website is evans.house.gov, and his social media handle is @RepDwightEvans on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
