Mar. 10, 2021
HARRISBURG – Emphasizing the need for across-the-board relief for businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Jim Struzzi(R-Indiana) is introducing legislation that would address his desire to stand up for entertainment-related job creators.
“House Bill 878, the ‘Entertainment Venue Industry Recovery Program,’ would provide grants to small businesses within the performing arts, spectator sports, amusement, gambling, and recreation industries,” said Struzzi. “These are businesses that not only employ our friends and neighbors but do so in a capacity in which we as parents, grandparents and consumers enjoy participating.
“They are a source of community and fellowship that the pandemic has taken from us, in addition to being viable businesses that do everything from supply a much-needed break from routine to help families pay bills and put food on the table. In addition, sustaining them is essential to the future of students that wish to pursue careers in arts, music and entertainment."
The program would be similar to the Hospitality Industry Recovery Program established in Act 1 of 2021. The entertainment venues that would be eligible to apply for grants under this program are not eligible to apply for the Hospitality Industry Recovery Program.
“House Bill 878 must be in place in advance of future funding allocations from the federal government that the Commonwealth would be permitted to use for these purposes,” Struzzi added. “These are viable businesses that will be skipped over if we don’t have a funding vehicle in place.”
Questions about this or any legislative issue should be addressed to Struzzi’s Indiana district office at 1-724-465-0220.