Connecticut Lodging Association
Coronavirus Update 8/5/2021
CRA with State Legislators Develop Sales Tax Relief Program for Restaurants
The Department of Revenue Services (DRS) is making sellers of meals aware that they may be eligible for a benefit that was recently authorized by legislation. Under this legislation, certain sellers of meals are allowed to retain the sales tax they collect on sales of meals during a specified period of time. 

In order to qualify for this benefit, the seller must make sales of meals and be included in Sector 72 of the NAICS. DRS has included a link (www.naics.com) to Sector 72 of the NAICS to assist sellers in confirming whether they fall within its parameters. It is up to each seller to make a determination as to whether it qualifies under Sector 72. If a seller determines that it qualifies for this benefit, the seller is eligible to retain sales tax it collects on sales of meals during one of the following weeks:
  • August 1, 2021, to August 7, 2021;
  • December 12, 2021, to December 18, 2021; or
  • May 15, 2022, to May 21, 2022. 

The CRA worked with the legislature on this new law to provide relief to restaurants still struggling to overcome pandemic-related challenges. 

To learn more and determine eligibility, view the document below:
Coronavirus (COVID19) in Connecticut
Connecticut Update: as of Aug 4, 2021 4:00 p.m. portal.ct.gov/coronavirus
Overall Summary Total**; Change Since Yesterday
COVID-19 Cases 356,701; +537
COVID-19 Tests Reported; 9,992,815; +16,037
Daily Test Positivity; 3.35%
Patients Currently Hospitalized with COVID-19; 163; -2
**Includes confirmed plus probable cases
U.S. - COVID19: What is the current situation?
Cases & Latest Updates 8/4/21 Cases in U.S.
Total cases: 35,286,935 +103,455
Total deaths: 612,386 +62
Global
World Health Organization Situation Report who.int
199,466,211; cases; +548,167
4,244,541; deaths; 8,430
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Senate Advances Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill
After weeks of negotiations, the Senate voted Wednesday to move forward on a roughly $1 trillion infrastructure bill introduced by a bipartisan group led by Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH). Seventeen Republicans joined Democrats in advancing an agreement that would provide roughly $550 billion in new money for major improvements to America’s infrastructure, including:

  • $110 billion for roads, bridges and other major projects
  • $11 billion in transportation safety programs;
  • $39 billion in transit modernization and improved accessibility;
  • $66 billion in rail;
  • $7.5 billion to build a national network of electric vehicle chargers;
  • $73 billion in power infrastructure and clean energy transmission.

The bill uses $205 billion in unspent coronavirus aid money as its main financing mechanism as well as other major revenue sources that make it fully paid for with no additional taxes. This vote opens the process to debate and amend the proposal, however, the exact text has not been released yet. If passed, this would be the largest transportation project ever approved by Congress. 

America’s hospitality industry relies on efficient, safe and modern modes of transportation and infrastructure. Click here to read AHLA’s letter to Congress supporting the bill.
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