Bucks Co. Republicans Back Bill To 'Save' Hospitality Industry

HARRISBURG, PA — A state representative from Chalfont has introduced legislation that would create a new grant program to relieve Pennsylvania's hospitality industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rep. Todd Polinchock, a Republican, said the program would dedicate $500 million in forthcoming federal COVID-19 assistance to grants that could be used to revitalize the state's ailing bars, restaurants and hotels.

In response to rising COVID-19 cases across the state, Gov. Tom Wolf and State Health Secretary Rachel Levine on Dec. 12 imposed a ban on indoor dining through Jan. 4, further hampering an already financially strapped industry. Hundreds of bar and restaurant owners across the state have openly defied those orders, saying the recent restrictions are an example of government overreach.

"The damaging and crippling effects from unfair restrictions on those in the hospitality industry is alarming," Rep. Polinchock said in a news release. "This industry is one of our largest in Pennsylvania and has assumed an unfair amount of financial burden as we work to mitigate the COVID-19 virus. We need to do everything we can to protect these small businesses, from restaurants, taverns and breweries to our caterers and hotels and all the employees who work in it."

The legislation is backed by the Bucks County Republican House Delegation, which includes Rep. Frank Farry, (R-Langhorne), Rep. Meghan Schroeder (R-Warminster), Rep. Wendi Thomas (R-Richboro), Rep. Craig Staats (R-Quakertown), Rep. Shelby Labs (R-Doylestown) and K.C. Tomlinson (R-Bensalem).

“This is another fantastic option coming at the most difficult time of this pandemic,” Rui Lucas, of the Restaurant and Bars COVID Respond Association, said in a news release. “It is needed now more than ever.”

Congress recently passed a $900 billion coronavirus relief package that includes a second round of access to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which provides businesses with a forgivable loan based on 2.5 times its monthly payroll costs. Restaurants, however, can seek forgivable loans based on 3.5 times monthly payroll costs. Companies that employ a total of 300 or more employees at all combined locations are deemed ineligible for the program.

Polinchock's legislation will be introduced when the state legislature reconvenes in January.

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