Member Update
May 18, 2020
What's Inside:
Sine Die
Sales Tax Relief Update
Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act
CDC Releases Restaurant Guidance
AHLA Back to Business Webinar
New NRA President Named
In the News
Sine Die
The legislature adjourned without passing tax relief or an expansion of the DEED loan program, but we expect to return to special session on June 12 in connection to the Governor's emergency powers declaration.
Sales Tax Relief Update
Restaurants and other businesses closed by executive order 20-04 were granted a grace period through May 20 for March and April sales taxes. While the Revenue Department has indicated it is not likely to extend this broad grace period, businesses harmed by COVID-19 (such as restaurants) can request abatement if they cannot pay. Ability to pay determinations include: 

  • Become unable to pay your debts as they become due because you have a significant loss of income  
  • Lose your job, or your business has to close, which makes paying the tax an undue hardship  
  • Have a significant interruption of your business or employment and cannot manage it with insurance or other financial resources  

The Department indicates that businesses needing abatement should file, then await their bill. Upon receipt of a bill, the business should reach out to the Department to request a deferral, abatement and/or payment plan.  Here is further information on abatement .
Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act
Congressman Phillips  indicates that he has “secured” a vote on the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act by the end of the month.
Congressman Emmer  is also a co-author on the  bill . If you have not already done so,  contact your federal congressperson and senators  and ask them to co-author this critical bill.
CDC Releases Restaurant Guidance
The Centers for Disease Control has  a newly published tool  to help food service businesses make (re)opening decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check with state and local health officials and other partners to determine the most appropriate actions while adjusting to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the local community.
AHLA Back to Business Webinar
Hoteliers have risen to the occasion and opened (or plan to open) their doors to those working on the front line in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. As states continue to reopen, and with summer around the corner, there is hope that guest demand will begin to return. Join the Oliver Wyman and the American Hotel & Lodging Association on  Tuesday, May 19 at 1pm CST  as they address how to balance the needs of both responders and guests. 
New NRA President Named
The National Restaurant Association today  named Tom Bené as their new President and CEO , beginning on June 1. He will also serve as President of the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation.
In the News
Our Member Updates are generally sent to members only. In the interest of public health and the health of our industry, we encourage you to share this update widely. Additional resources can be found on our  website  and through our social media posts on   Facebook , LinkedIn  and  Twitter .