Coronavirus Update: Hospitality Groups Press Lawmakers For Economic Relief
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A coalition of Minnesota hospitality organizations is urging state legislators to provide an economic relief package to help save the industry's businesses.
The coalition includes Hospitality Minnesota, the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association, the Community of Minnesota Resorts and the Craft Brewers Guild.
A recent survey by Hospitality Minnesota says that more than half of hospitality businesses may be forced to close permanently in the next two months because of the effects of the coronavirus and the state's stay-at-home order.
Minnesota Hospitality says federal relief so far is not tailored to work for hospitality businesses.
The coalition said that in addition to re-opening businesses safely and swiftly, many will also need additional financial support.
"Hospitality businesses and jobs are teetering on an economic cliff. As one of the strongest drivers of Minnesota's economy, we need to collectively step up now to save them. This will help turn the state's budget and economy around more quickly by generating revenue," said Liz Rammer, President and CEO of Hospitality Minnesota.
The groups want the small business emergency loan program within the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development expanded by $120 million, among other requests.
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