Davids Works “Sharice’s Shift” at Local Restaurant, Highlights Supply Chain Solutions

KANSAS CITY, KS - Today, Representative Sharice Davids worked a "Sharice's Shift" at 1889 Pizza Napoletana to highlight her work to lower costs for Kansas small businesses and strengthen our domestic supply chain. As small businesses across the country have grappled with higher costs due to supply chain disruptions, Davids voted for a major, bipartisan law to invest in American manufacturing. Davids serves on the U.S. House Small Business Committee and was named a "Champion of the Shippers" by the Shippers Coalition for her leadership in ensuring a strong domestic supply chain.

"From higher prices to delays in necessary supplies, Kansans small businesses have felt the effects of recent supply chain backlogs. That's exactly why I've been squarely focused on shoring up our supply chain and lowering costs for Kansas businesses and families," said Davids. “I appreciated the opportunity today to learn more about the challenges facing local small businesses like 1889 Pizza Napoletana. We've got to keep lowering prices of gas and groceries, while also ensuring businesses in the Kansas Third have what they need to support their workforce and contribute to our economy."

"Everyone endured difficulty and uncertainty during COVID-19, and, as a small, local business we experienced that acutely. We weathered wild increases and fluctuations in food and supply costs and had to find creative solutions to not only retain staff but our customer base,” said Jason and Kelli Kolich, owners, 1889 Pizza Napoletana. “Because of the diligent work of leaders like Rep. Davids, we received much needed support through various legislation. Slowly, but surely, some things have become more in line with our past forecasts and we're able to plan costs and menu offerings with more certainty today."

During the "Sharice's Shift," Davids assisted kitchen staff in making pizza dough and worked in the front of house to help prepare the restaurant for daily operations. She also spoke with Jason and Kelli Kolich, owners of 1889 Pizza Napoletana, on the challenges they’ve faced due to supply chain disruptions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant saw increased operation and ingredient costs. Davids shared what she is doing in Congress to lower those costs for all Kansas small businesses, including by voting for the CHIPS and Science Act, which is bringing jobs to Kansas, lowering costs for consumers, and supporting workforce development.

Davids’ additional work to strengthen supply chains include:

• Holding multipleroundtables with Kansas business, manufacturing, and technology leaders on how recent legislation to improve supply chains will help boost their business' financial security.
• Cosponsoring the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, a new law aimed at addressing supply chain snags and reducing dependence on goods produced outside of the United States.
• Meeting with President Biden at the White House to urge him to pass a supply chain and economic package that invests in American manufacturing.
• Voting to pass the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act to shore up the food and agriculture supply chain, assure fair competition in the meat and poultry sectors, and lower food and gasoline costs.

Davids has also worked a "Sharice's Shifts" with the KC Levee Project and at the K-10 Lexington Avenue exit, which will be the main roadway for Kansans traveling to the planned Panasonic Energy manufacturing facility. She also worked a shift delivering packages with UPS to highlight her work to improve supply chain issues and boost employment in the trucking industry amid driver shortages.