Milford Lawmakers Push For Emergency Relief For CT Restaurants

Press release from House Republicans:

Dec. 22, 2020

State Representatives Kathy Kennedy (R-119) and Charles Ferraro (R-117) along with incoming House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora (R-86), announced their intention to introduce emergency legislation providing relief to Connecticut bars and restaurants, which have been disproportionately affected by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Small businesses across the state are struggling as decreased foot traffic and stringent executive orders have restricted operations and forced many job creators to close their doors either temporarily or permanently. This is especially true for the service industry where 600 bars and restaurants have already succumbed to financial pressure, leaving thousands of individuals out of work. House Republicans are calling upon the General Assembly to follow the example set by other states who have provided relief.

"If the legislature, does not take immediate action during the next session in January, I fear the number of businesses closing their doors for good will only increase," said Rep. Kennedy. "Connecticut has an unfortunate history over the years, of making it difficult for small businesses to survive in the state, which is why now we need to do what is right ensuring their survival during these uncertain and unprecedented economic times."

Rep. Ferraro added, “It’s essential we stand by our small businesses and restaurants because they are owned, operated and staffed by our neighbors and friends. Too many have already been forced to close their doors, and those who have continued to serve our community are quickly running out of options. While faced with higher fines and tighter restrictions, these proposals provide much needed relief - so that more people can keep their jobs and our businesses remain open.”

Recently, House Republicans proposed multiple tax relief measures to help all Connecticut businesses. These latest proposals have

House Republicans say their legislation, focused on bars and restaurants, will seek to:

1. Restaurant Grant Program: Establish a $50 million targeted pandemic relief grant fund for those with qualifying monetary losses;
   • Grants may not exceed $25,000. To qualify, a restaurant must…
     • Be closed or restricted as a result of the governor's executive orders
     • Filed and paid sales and meals taxes from July 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020
   • Not available to drive-through establishments
2. One-year suspension of liquor permitting and food licensing fees for certain restaurants;
3. Three-month extension for municipal real and personal property tax payments for all businesses. This applies to the second half of real and personal property taxes, which are currently due on January 1, 2020, and would not be due on April 1, 2020.
4. A public-private partnership between the state's Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and CT's financial institutions to provide low interest loans to the businesses.

Both Milford legislators are hopeful that Governor Lamont will share their sense of urgency by using some of the remaining CARES Act funds to help a critical business sector for which he has pledged support.

The General Assembly is scheduled to convene on January 6, 2021 for the next regular session. This legislation will be a top priority for the caucus and the many bars and restaurants in their districts, and across the state.

This press release was produced by House Republicans. The views expressed here are the author's own.