Grand Canyon Times

Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) recently agreed to sign on as a co-sponsor of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) Fairness Act, which will repurpose over $43 billion in funds to provide relief to eligible restaurants around the country. 

"I am proud to sign on as a co-sponsor to the Restaurant Revitalization Fund Fairness Act," Gosar said, according to a press release from his office.

The bill is aimed at providing relief for restaurants that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"Forced COVID-19 lockdowns decimated our economy," Gosar said. "Especially hit were restaurants, which employ nearly 15 million Americans, or 10% of our nation’s workforce. In Arizona, there are nearly 10,000 restaurants employing over 220,000 individuals. Sadly, more than half of restaurant operators said it would be another year or more before business conditions return to normal."

If passed, the bill will repurpose $43 billion of unused COVID-19 relief funding for restaurants that previously applied for RRF funding but were not approved. 

"Additionally, it would repeal the unconstitutional provision that directed the Small Business Administration to prioritize funding based on factors such as race and gender," Gosar said.

Gosar continued to explain the need for the act.

"Like most of America, restaurants are trying to return to normal, but they remain in dire need of assistance," he said. "Rising food prices caused by 'Bidenflation' and supply chain delays place greater financial strains on restaurants already struggling. Without this legislation, thousands of restaurants may struggle to stay open."