Davids Calls for Continued Relief to Kansas Small Businesses

Today, Representative Sharice Davids, member of the House Small Business Committee, continued her calls for a targeted relief package to small businesses most impacted by the pandemic, particularly restaurants and businesses in the fitness, event, and travel industries. Davids voted to establish two critical programs for these businesses, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) and Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG), and today she joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to urge continued action on targeted relief for small businesses.

"I often hear from small business owners in our community, particularly in-person services like event venues, restaurants, and gyms, about the continued challenges of the pandemic. Far too many have closed their doors already or taken on significant debt just to continue serving our communities," said Davids. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they continue to need our support. Today, I joined my colleagues to renew our bipartisan efforts to ensure no small business owner is left behind in our recovery."

The Restaurant Revitalization Fund, a targeted program created by the American Rescue Plan, provided $28.6 billion in flexible funds for restaurants and bars—including more than $46 million to businesses in the Kansas Third. However, soon after opening, applications to the RRF reached $75 billion in requested grants, far exceeding available funds. Davids signed on to the bipartisan RRF Replenishment Act to refill the fund with $60 billion in additional appropriations, which would help hundreds more businesses and workers in the Kansas Third District stay afloat.

"The Restaurant Revitalization Fund has been monumental in helping us find a new normal after the devastating effects COVID has left on the economy, especially small businesses," said Sohaila Humayon, owner of Sohaila's Kitchen in Lenexa. "As a family-owned business, we need all the help we can get to continue to thrive in this challenging environment."

The SVOG program received additional funding from the American Rescue Plan and granted over $26 million to 20 venues in the Kansas Third District this year, helping live event and entertainment businesses cover costs. In June, Davids joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in urging SBA to increase transparency and pace on the SVOG program, which initially faced delays that left venue owners waiting for answers.

"The funds from the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program were vital for us to preserve the Museum's historic buildings and remain open to share our heritage with future generations," said Adrienne Nastav, President of the Strawberry Hill Ethnic Cultural Society. "We are grateful for Rep. Davids' work to create this relief program and look forward to inviting the community back to the museum soon."

Through her role on the Small Business Committee, Davids has been a fierce advocate for local businesses. Earlier this year, Davids visited with several local shops in Overland Park who received federal aid to listen to their concerns, and toured local venues like the Strawberry Hill Museum to hear about their experience with the SVOG program. She also successfully foughtto extend the repayment deadline for EIDL loans to 2022 and fought fraud and abuse in pandemic relief programs.

Read the full, bipartisan letter Davids sent to leadership urging action on targeted relief for small businesses here.