From Kathy Hollinger, President, RAMW
Several updates on the national front this week.
Click here
to watch a very helpful 90-second update from the National Restaurant Association on what is happening with relief at the federal level, or read on for these details plus more.
On Friday, the House of Representatives passed the
Build Back Better Act
and now it’s pending in the Senate. On the positive side, it includes provisions like free universal Pre-K and expanded childcare subsidies that would help address workforce concerns across the economy. National advocacy helped in shaping the legislation to exclude several tax provisions that would have been extremely detrimental to the restaurant industry.
On the RRF front
, we knew a replenishment was not going to be included in the Build Back Better Act and Congress is not looking at any spending bills while the Senate vote is pending. So, in this interim, we need to make sure we are at the top of the list when Congress is ready to start addressing spending bills. Currently, we need more Republican support and co-sponsors. If you have any relationships with Republican members of Congress, now is the time to connect with them.
Click here
to act now to encourage Congress to replenish RRF.
With the infrastructure bill, the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) was terminated which is unfortunate as many operators took advantage of this tax credit relief. As it wraps, the IRS has a backlog of ERTC applications of two million. The National Restaurant Association is monitoring this situation closely and is submitting a formal letter to the IRS and launching an advocacy campaign with three specific requests that will alleviate stress on your business.
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Process the backlog of ERTC applications and get the funds out to applicants by the end of the year.
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Extend when 4th quarter payments are due with a deferral to late July. As a reminder, the 4th quarter is no longer eligible for ERTC.
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Any fines or penalties for a tardy submission need to be waived or forbearance needs to be given.
Click here
to support these requests and get involved in the ERTC advocacy.
Finally on the federal front
, with the expansion of the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program in Sept., restaurants can apply for up to $2M with greater flexibility on how the funds can be used. However, the deadline to apply for COVID-19 EIDL funds is fast approaching, and last week the Small Business Administration released
updated guidance
encouraging small business owners to submit applications by Dec. 10. The official deadline is Dec. 31.
Booster updates
. The CDC is now recommending all adults should receive a Pfizer or Moderna booster 6-months after receiving their first two doses. This is an expansion on the previous recommendations of who should and is eligible to be boosted. It is clear that vaccination is the best method of defense against the virus, so if you or your teams have not received your booster, the CDC now recommends that you should be boosted.
Click here
for more information. And
click here
to find Covid-19 vaccines, boosters, or flu shots near you.
As a reminder, DC lifted the indoor mask mandate
. Of course, if you would like to still require masks indoors you are able to do so, and we encourage you to hang visible signage stating your policy.
Click here
to read the official order that was issued late last week lifting the mask mandate.
Next week is DC Cocktail Week
and RAMW and restaurants across the region celebrate cocktail and mocktail culture with pairings, cocktail classes, special events and more. Thanks for sharing your cocktail artistry.
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