PPP Funds Exhausted; Accounting/Legal Issues Webinar; White House Guidelines for Opening Up America

The Illinois Restaurant Association continues to engage with local, state, and federal officials to help our employers and employees address concerns about COVID-19.

Please see the below resources and information for your business - updated as of 6:50 p.m. on Thursday, April 16.

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PPP Money Exhausted, Tell Congress That More Funding Is Needed Now

The morning, the Small Business Association (SBA) officially ran out of money for the Paycheck Protection Program. Negotiations on Capitol Hill have yet to generate a path forward to replenish the money. Click here to read more from CNN.

The IRA is working alongside the National Restaurant Association, Independent Restaurant Coalition, and state restaurant association partners to lobby Congress on much-needed improvements to the loan and relief programs created in the CARES Act.

Please help amplify our efforts by taking a few moments to email your Representatives and Senators and tell them: 

• You support bipartisan efforts to provide additional funding.

• You support Congress taking action to make loan terms and other requirements flexible to reflect the unique operational and business model of restaurants.

Click here to take action.

President Trump Releases Guide to Opening Up America Again

Earlier today, President Trump unveiled Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts.

The IRA will be analyzing the impact these guidelines have on our industry and meeting with state and local public health officials regarding the reopening strategy for Illinois.

Click here to read more from the White House. Click here to download the guidelines.

Tomorrow: Webinar on Navigating HR Challenges for Restaurants

Join the Illinois Restaurant Association, Plante Moran, and Laner Muchin Friday, April 17 at 1:00 p.m. for a webinar as we discuss HR challenges for restaurants during the current COVID-19 crisis.

Topics will include unemployment insurance, paid sick leave requirements through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), furloughs, layoffs, employee benefits, and how to ensure Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans are forgiven.

Tax and accounting professionals Dave Andrea, John Barsella, and Michael Kruker of Plante Moran, along with Labor and Employment attorney Rob Bernstein of Laner Muchin, will provide overviews of the regulations and requirements facing employers and offer guidance for restaurants as they navigate this ongoing crisis.  

Click here to register. Please send all questions you would like addressed during the webinar to Matt Quinn.