The Slice gives you all the news you can use. Each issue will include the latest news, COVID-19 updates, legislative news, and other relevant items for our readers. Please let us know if you'd like to see anything in particular or have other feedback - just email marketing@vrlta.org.

In a U.S. Senate Small Business Committee hearing, the SBA said it expects a “phased launch” of the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Grant program to begin in April, over the next 30 to 45 days. This is the first timeline provided by the SBA, which expects to receive hundreds of thousands of grants. The NRA continues to work closely with SBA staff on implementation of this program.

The SBA is increasing the maximum eligible amounts for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). Beginning April 6, recipients – including those who previously received an EIDL – can access up to $500,000. The previous limit was $150,000. Businesses that previously received an EIDL are not required to submit a request for an increase, as the SBA is expected to “reach out directly via email and provide more details about how businesses can request an increase closer to the April 6 implementation date.”

AHLA has been working closely for many months with key Members of Congress to ensure future per diem rates established by the government reflect the current crisis faced by our industry. Last week, Representatives Bill Posey (R-FL) and Charlie Crist (D-FL) introduced the Restored, Equitable, Coronavirus Adjusted Lodging (RECAL) Act. This legislation helps the hotel and tourism industry by requiring the General Services Administration to take into consideration the economic impact of the coronavirus when setting future per diem rates for federal travel. Specifically it would set a floor for FY22 and FY23 federal per diem rates at those established by GSA for FY20.

Government travel is incredibly important to the hotel industry, supporting tens of thousands of jobs, and billions in travel spending that benefits communities across the country. Government per diem rates are also often used as a guide by other businesses and organizations in setting their own travel standards. It is critical that GSA established reasonable rates for FY22 and FY23 that adjust for the devastating impact of the pandemic, especially at a time when our industry is fighting for survival. We applaud Reps. Posey and Crist for moving this bill forward and will continue to urge Congress to swiftly pass this legislation.

The SVOG program was created when the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act was signed into law in late December. The Economic Aid Act appropriated $15 billion to the program, which is designed to provide eligible applicants with grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, up to a maximum of $10 million. The American Rescue Plan Act, which became law March 11, appropriated an additional $1.25 billion to the SVOG, bringing the program’s funding to a total of $16.25 billion. More than $16 billion of the funding is set aside for grants. The American Rescue Plan Act also amended the SVOG program so entities that apply for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan after Dec. 27, 2020, can also apply for an SVOG, with the eligible entity’s SVOG to be reduced by the PPP loan amount.

Entities eligible to apply for an SVOG include live venue operators or promoters, theatrical producers, live performing arts organization operators, museum operators, motion picture theater operators, and talent representatives. Earlier this week, the SBA updated a matrix with eligibility requirements.

Learn more on the SBA website or here.

The City of Richmond introduced a new Tax Amnesty Program which may be helpful to businesses who have unpaid real estate and/or admissions, lodging, and meals taxes. Any qualifying residential or business taxpayers who owe penalties and interest on these taxes can completely eliminate the penalties and interest through the application process.

Mark Your Calendar!

The ban will take effect in July 2023 for larger chain restaurants and in 2025 for nonprofits and small businesses. VRLTA opposed this legislation due to the added cost. See more information here.

JLARC—the program evaluation agency for the Virginia General Assembly—is conducting a study of the unemployment insurance program and workforce services offered by the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). JLARC staff are collecting feedback from businesses that have had some experience with VEC. Your responses will be confidential and used to improve VEC's programs as needed. Here is the survey link.

VDEM is collecting information which will help them engage with private sector partners when managing a future disaster. The Agency is establishing a Private Sector Program to build relationships and leverage the capabilities of Virginia's businesses to support disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Please take the survey here.

As of March 11, businesses can claim a temporary sales tax exemption on PPE purchases. Read the letter from Senator Todd Pillion, sponsor of the legislation, here. Find more guidance here.

The Senate just concluded a series of amendment votes on the House passed PPP extension (H.R. 1799). The amendments failed and the Senate then passed (92-7) H.R. 1799. As such, the legislation will soon be signed into law. 

The bill extends the PPP application deadline (currently March 31, 2021) two months, to May 31, 2021; and provides an additional 30 days, after May 31st, for the Small Business Administration (SBA) to process pending applications.

 

This is a positive development for the many of our members who have been seeking the extension. We have been advocating in favor of this legislation to ensure that restaurants have ample time to apply for the program and that SBA processing delays don’t negatively impact applicants.

As a reminder, for restaurants to qualify they must: employ 300 or fewer persons per location; and have experienced a 25% or greater gross revenue loss between comparable periods in 2019 and 2020, as a result of COVID-19. Qualifying restaurants can access up to 3.5X average monthly payroll (2.5X for other industries) in forgivable PPP loans. For more information on the second round of PPP, please see the attached. 

The following contains information on how PPP interacts with the new Restaurant Revitalization Fund: https://restaurantsact.com/rrf/

The 2021 National Restaurant Association Public Affairs Conference will be virtual, but it still provides an opportunity to expand restaurants' reach and impact with more attendees and more meetings on Capitol Hill. The day will include high-caliber speakers and content plus new, innovative and engaging features. Virtual Hill meetings will extend the NRA's reach to more Congressional offices than ever. Key issues for this year include tipped wage, continued funds for restaurants to rebound now and post-pandemic, and ongoing support for the hospitality industry as a whole.

Register now! Click here or visit conference.restaurantsact.com. Use the code PAFCMEMBER to receive your member discount. Please reach out to pafc@restaurant.org if you have any questions.

VRLTA's hospitality- and tourism-specific job board currently has over 120 jobs listed. Has your company listed open positions? If not, you might be missing that perfect candidate.

VRLTA members get unlimited listings for free (choose 30, 60 or 90 days - up to $100 value for each listing!). A 30-day listing for nonmembers is just $50. Job seekers can search jobs statewide and post their resume in the resume bank. Take advantage of your membership and get free listings through the end of the year. There's no cost or risk to members - why not give it a try?

To complete the survey, use this link.

Our new effort to recognize VRLTA members on social media is a hit! Want to have a chance to be featured? Fill out this quick form for us. Thanks!

U.S. Travel has released new/revised documents related to the recent COVID relief bill and other issues key to travel organizations.

U.S. Travel has some springtime graphics for their #TravelConfidently campaign available here.

The Virginia Department of Health has opened up vaccines to more people in Phase 1b in certain areas of the state. In the Alexandria, Richmond, and Henrico health districts, restaurant workers will now be able to get the vaccine. The VDH will start contacting people who preregistered and selected 'food service' on their preregistration form.

Haven't preregistered yet? Go to https://vaccinate.virginia.gov/