Washington, D.C. — Today, Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement applauding the inclusion and passage of key provisions of the Save Our Stages Act as part of a new Shuttered Venue Operator grant program in the COVID relief and omnibus spending package. Kuster cosponsored the Save Our Stages Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill to help live venues and performance spaces in New Hampshire stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Live music venues play an important role in downtowns and communities across the Granite State and around the country. These businesses were among the first to close due to the pandemic and will likely be among the last to reopen, making it very difficult for them to survive the current health crisis.

“The coronavirus pandemic and necessary public health measures have taken a tremendous financial toll on the state of New Hampshire, and our live music and performance industry has been hit particularly hard,” said Rep. Kuster. “Independent live music venues and the performance industry employ thousands of Granite Staters and it is past time we provide much-needed support to these businesses. In addition to providing general enjoyment to the public, these venues also play a meaningful role in the economic wellbeing of communities in New Hampshire and across the country. I’m proud this beneficial legislation was included in the omnibus spending package, and I look forward to continuing to support our performance industry and working to bring support to those who need it in New Hampshire.”

“The inclusion of funding specifically allocated toward independent live music venues like Lebanon Opera House puts the happy in happy holidays,” said Lebanon Opera House Executive Director, Joseph Clifford. “Like our colleagues across the nation, we continue to rely on federal and state stimulus packages for survival during our prolonged intermissions. With each additional allocation, LOH increases the odds of returning to our role as a driver of economic prosperity and a facilitator of community gatherings. I’m so thankful for the support of Congresswoman Kuster.”

The Shuttered Venue Operator grant program created by the stimulus would: 

·  Provide  $15 billion for the Small Business Administration (SBA) to run a grant program to support live venues, movie theaters, museums, and talent representatives.

·  Implement important guardrails to prevent large, international corporations from receiving grant funding intended for local small businesses.

·  Direct the SBA to prioritize making grants to eligible businesses or nonprofits that have experienced the greatest decrease in revenue during the pandemic. 

·  Creates a $2 billion set aside for eligible businesses or nonprofits that employ fewer than 50 people.

·  Grants made by SBA to eligible venues equal to the lesser of either 45 percent of operation costs from calendar year 2019 or $10 million.

·  Allow the Small Business Administrator to issue supplemental grants in the future if funding remains available and applicants can demonstrate need.

·  Permit recipients to use grants for costs incurred during the COVID pandemic.

·  Permit recipients to use grants for payroll, rent, utilities, mortgage obligations, PPE procurement, and ordinary business expenses.

###