Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 2021
Media Contacts:
|
Emily Daunt
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (517) 377-3933 |
Michael Odom or Adam O’Connor
Marx Layne & Company (734) 259-9060 Odom’s cell (248) 321-0586 O’Connor’s cell |
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association President & CEO Provides Statement on SB 85
As the Michigan Legislature and Governor Whitmer raced to appropriate federal funds to create a $1 billion economic development fund designed to attract industrial projects to Michigan, the MRLA went to work reinforcing the need to help those businesses most impacted by the pandemic. Earlier this year, the MRLA created a roadmap for the legislature to target American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to Michigan’s ailing restaurants and hotels and today the legislature enacted a significant portion of that recommendation.
As a direct result of MRLA’s advocacy, legislation was passed today creating a $409 million fund in the Michigan Treasury to aid businesses - including restaurants and hotels - that were severely impacted by pandemic related restrictions and closures. The targeted relief fund will offer grants to qualifying businesses based upon the following payments they made in 2020.
As a direct result of MRLA’s advocacy, legislation was passed today creating a $409 million fund in the Michigan Treasury to aid businesses - including restaurants and hotels - that were severely impacted by pandemic related restrictions and closures. The targeted relief fund will offer grants to qualifying businesses based upon the following payments they made in 2020.
- Property Taxes – 100%
- Lease Payments of Affected Businesses – 17% of Annualized payments
- Unemployment Insurance Taxes – 50% of State Unemployment Taxes (SUTA)
- On-Premises Liquor License Fees – 100%
- Food Safety Inspection Fees – 100%
- Other State Inspection Fees – 100%
MRLA President & CEO, Justin Winslow, provided the below statement in response to the passage of Senate Bill 85:
“We applaud the governor and the legislature for finding common ground to provide meaningful relief for Michigan’s still ailing hospitality industry. The COVID-19 pandemic inflicted unprecedented destruction on restaurant and hotel operators across the state, with thousands closing their doors forever. For those that remain, erratic supply chains, crippling inflation and a persistent virus continue to complicate their day-to-day operations. This funding will help many keep their doors open by allowing them to pay down debt and to subsidize their operations until more consistent business conditions emerge.”
“We applaud the governor and the legislature for finding common ground to provide meaningful relief for Michigan’s still ailing hospitality industry. The COVID-19 pandemic inflicted unprecedented destruction on restaurant and hotel operators across the state, with thousands closing their doors forever. For those that remain, erratic supply chains, crippling inflation and a persistent virus continue to complicate their day-to-day operations. This funding will help many keep their doors open by allowing them to pay down debt and to subsidize their operations until more consistent business conditions emerge.”
About the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,000 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 595,000 people and creating nearly $40 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,000 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 595,000 people and creating nearly $40 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
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