We are a group of independent chefs and owners of restaurants, bakeries, bars, and cafes, which are the backbone to our communities nation-wide. In such a short time we have collectively seen how COVID-19 has severely deteriorated our businesses and deeply impacted our worker's lives -- and will only continue to get worse.

The economy stands to lose 4% of the GDP without immediate assistance to local restaurants. Unlike other industries, 90% of revenues from restaurants go right back into the local economy through: employment wages, suppliers, distributors, rents/mortgages, local farms and taxes. So the trickle-down effect from restaurants is significant. And from those restaurants that won't survive this pandemic creating empty storefronts in cities and towns across the country will be a severe blow to local economies.

Even when businesses are allowed to re-open or continue to function at full scale, they will not get back to where they were prior to COVID-19 for quite some time. Firstly, because the whole economy was hit hard, people will not be in a position to afford to go out to eat as much. Secondly, it will take significant time before people will even feel comfortable to go back out to dinner in a crowded dining room and won't be able to do so for months.

We were happy to learn of the bipartisan support in the Senate striking a deal working closely with the White House to pass the largest relief package in U.S. modern history. It was validating to see our united voices brought our lawmakers to see the value of our industry and many of the recommendations we made, including emergency relief, no size eligibility, immediate unemployment benefits, and tax deferrals.

But as legislators continue to write the formal text, it is just as imperative our voices remain strong. We must learn how the funds will be disbursed, ensuring our small businesses are represented in the most common-sense way to receive this funding.

Based on what we've heard thus far, the 500 employee threshold makes sense and loan forgiveness for those who bring back their employees and pay their suppliers should be done.

We're not asking for a bailout -- we're asking for the aid to get everyone back to work and keep our businesses thriving to support our cities and states.

Thank you for your leadership.