On June 10, 2020

Business owners urge Legislature to give them a fighting chance and quickly release state assistance

Business owners from the restaurant, construction, retail and agricultural sectors held a press conference on Tuesday, June 2, to urge the Vermont state Legislature to act quickly to release much needed state financial assistance in the form of flexible grants.

Various committees in the Legislature have been reviewing the Scott administration’s proposal for a $400 million stimulus package which uses federal CARES Act money. It includes emergency grants and loans for businesses impacted by the pandemic and subsequent closures. But many businesses across the state fear that the current legislative process will not get them the money they desperately need quickly enough.

“We appreciate the governor’s proposal and that the Legislature is working hard to get relief to Vermont’s restaurant sector. But we need them to understand that every day without it edges many restaurants closer to closing their doors for good,” said Jed Davis, owner of the Farmhouse Group. “Simply put, the checks need to go out now. Restaurants were some of the first to close and last to reopen. Restaurants need grants, not just more loans, to give us a shot at long term survival.”

Businesses are also concerned that the current proposal would reduce the state assistance they receive based on prior acceptance of federal aid.

“We are in a desperate situation – with cheesemakers seeing 25-75% sales losses across the state, they are concerned about closing their doors,” said Marty Mundy, executive director of the Vermont Cheese Council. “Most can’t take on any further loans at this point  — meaning this funding must be grant funding if the state is trying to help. This is the only way we will be able to keep businesses open in a crisis environment that will likely last well into 2021 and beyond.”

As the Scott administration begins easing restrictions across sectors, businesses are navigating a complex and sometimes impossible framework of debt and diminished capacity.

“By supporting immediate emergency grant assistance utilized in combination with federal relief, you will give our businesses and the communities they call home a fighting chance,” said Jim Bradley, president of Vermont Builders and Remodelers Association. “That’s what we are asking for today. A fighting chance,” he added.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

New England American-Asters: 

September 4, 2024
The stars of late summer Before the trees put on their colorful autumnal cloaks, the newly rewilded fields at my home turn to gold and purple. New England American-aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) begins blooming in August or September and continues to splash the meadows with deep purple color well into October, mixing with the bright yellow…

Who is Phill Gross? 

August 22, 2024
By Polly Mikula Phill Gross is a co-founder of Adage Capital Management, L.P. serving as managing director and healthcare portfolio manager at the firm since its founding in 2001.   His Killington story began in 1986 when he purchased his home and raised his family in the shadow of Killington Peak. He now owns two properties…

Who is Michael Ferri?

August 22, 2024
By Polly Mikula Michael Ferri has been an active part of the Killington community since 1970 when his parents bought a condo. As a skier, homeowner, and parent of three former Killington Mountain School students, Killington has played a massive role in the fabric of Ferri’s life.   Ferri is a driving force in the automotive industry,…

Listings

August 21, 2024
WED 8/21 BETHEL7 p.m. Bandshell – Scott Forrest BOMOSEEN6 p.m. Lakehouse Pub & Grille – Shakey Pines BRANDON6 p.m. Brandon Inn (Behind) – Music on the Riverbend with Extra Stout KILLINGTON5 p.m. The Umbrella Bar at Snowshed – Bike Bum Party with music by Chris Pallutto LUDLOW6 p.m. Off the Rails – Learn to Line…