Shaheen Hosts Virtual Discussion Highlighting Additional Relief for NH Tourism, Hospitality Industries Secured in New COVID Relief

(Manchester, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) hosted a virtual discussion with key stakeholders highlighting additional relief for New Hampshire’s hospitality and tourism industries included in the American Rescue Plan. Hospitality and tourism are crucial to New Hampshire’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs and producing millions of dollars in revenue each year for local communities and the state. However, small businesses within these industries have been among the hardest hit by the pandemic and are in need of immediate assistance to keep their doors open.  

A recording of the event can be viewed here. 

During the event, Shaheen heard more from participants on the challenges they have faced during the pandemic and discussed funding she successfully secured to support these impacted industries. The American Rescue Plan contains various provisions to help small businesses operate, including an additional $7.25 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which has served as a lifeline for thousands of small businesses throughout the state, as well as nearly $29 billion to create a grant program that will provide direct relief to restaurants. Shaheen is an author of the PPP, which became law as part of the CARES Act last year. Last week, she helped introduce bipartisan legislation that would give small businesses an additional two months to access the PPP. 

“New Hampshire’s hospitality and tourism industries serve as pillars of our state’s economy, spurring growth in our communities, supporting the livelihoods of Granite Staters and welcoming millions of tourists each year to enjoy our cherished attractions,” said Shaheen. “This morning’s discussion reaffirmed what I've been hearing for months: small businesses within these crucial industries across the state have been left reeling from the economic devastation caused by this pandemic over the past year. They need help, and that’s exactly what I fought to secure in the American Rescue Plan, which includes relief our small businesses need to weather this crisis, jumpstart our economy and thrive. I’ll keep fighting in the Senate for the resources and support our small businesses need to fully recover from the pandemic.”