**The Kuster-Backed American Rescue Plan included funding for small businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic**

Concord, N.H. — Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) met with Alex Ray, owner of the Common Man Family of Restaurants, to hear about operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and to highlight support for New Hampshire’s hospitality industry in the American Rescue Plan. 

The American Rescue Plan Act included targeted aid for the hospitality industry in the form of grants, additional aid, and an expansion of existing credits such as the Employee Retention Tax Credit. The plan also created the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), a $28.6 billion grant program to support hard-hit restaurants and bars, with restaurants able to apply for grants based on lost gross revenue between 2019 and 2020. The maximum grant size will be $5 million for restaurants and $10 million for restaurant groups.

“The hospitality industry in New Hampshire plays a significant role in our state’s economy and in the everyday lives of Granite Staters,” said Rep. Kuster. “The COVID-19 pandemic hit our NH restaurants hard, and I was proud to help advance the American Rescue Plan to deliver much-needed support to our small businesses and ensure they can keep their employees on staff and make it to the other side of this pandemic. It was great to talk with Alex Ray today and to hear about operations during this crisis. I will continue working in Congress to ensure no Granite Stater is left behind as we recover and rebuild.”


Kuster has been a strong advocate for New Hampshire’s hospitality industry in Congress. Last month, she helped get the American Rescue Plan Act over the finish line to deliver critical relief to New Hampshire small businesses and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also last month, Kuster questioned food supply chain experts about how to build a more resilient food supply chain to help end food insecurity and keep restaurants open. 

###