May 14, 2021

Duckworth Discusses Restaurant Recovery with Illinois Restaurant Association Members

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met virtually with members from the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA) to discuss how restaurants across Illinois are recovering from the economic impacts of COVID-19. As part of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, Duckworth helped secure more than $28 billion in relief for the restaurant industry through a newly-created restaurant revitalization fund program at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Duckworth was joined by multiple IRA board members including IRA President and CEO Sam Toia, IRA Chairman and owner of Third Coast Hospitality Sam Sanchez, President and CEO of Native Foods Carin Stutz and Gaylord Fine Indian Cuisine owner Reshma Soni.

“Restaurants are more than just a place to eat, they’re part of the glue that holds communities together,” Duckworth said. “For every restaurant that closes and every job that’s lost, our communities suffer. I’m pleased restaurants are finally getting the relief they need and deserve as a result of Democrats passing President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, and I’ll keep working to help ensure these small businesses continue to get the federal support they need.”

Duckworth was a co-sponsor of the RESTAURANTS Act, provisions of which were included in the American Rescue Plan to provide financial assistance to restaurants and bars affected by the economic impact of COVID-19. Duckworth previously hosted a town hall with IRA members last December to highlight the need for federal support to the restaurant industry.

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