**VIDEO RELEASE**

NEW AD WARNS FLORIDIANS TO READ THE FINE PRINT ON BALLOT AMENDMENT 2

Ballot Language Warns the Impact “May Result in Higher Taxes or A Loss of Government Services”

Tallahassee, FL — This General Election, Florida’s small businesses and workers are warning voters to read the fine print on their ballot. A new digital ad released today highlights the language on Florida’s proposed Ballot Amendment 2 that warns of higher taxes and loss of government services if passed. Floridians can read the warning in bold, plain view on their own ballot.

The ballot language reads: 

“State and local government costs will increase to comply with the new minimum wage levels. Additional annual wage costs will be approximately $16 million in 2022, increasing to about $540 million in 2027 and thereafter. Government actions to mitigate these costs are unlikely to produce material savings.

“This proposed constitutional amendment is estimated to have a net negative impact on the state budget. This impact may result in higher taxes or a loss of government services.”

The new video cuts straight to the ballot language, urging voters to read the fine print. Not only will businesses close and workers lose their jobs, but all Floridians will face higher taxes for government services as a result of the wage mandate. To view the video, visit https://youtu.be/1hmss40CUmk.

Ballot Amendment 2 is a proposed amendment to the Florida constitution that would mandate Florida businesses pay a minimum wage of $15 an hour by 2026. Similar initiatives have been adopted in liberal cities across the United States, including Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago and Washington, D.C. This initiative has proven to kill jobs, cut hours and close businesses.

Recent reports demonstrate the catastrophic consequences of Ballot Amendment 2 on Florida jobs and businesses: 

·         An economic impact study revealed Florida has already lost 336,000 jobs due to COVID-19, and Ballot Amendment 2 will kill another 158,000 jobs.

·         The National Taxpayers Union, a nonprofit that advocates for taxpayer interests at all levels of government, warned the amendment will devastate family-owned small businesses. 

·         A Florida TaxWatch economic impact report said that businesses will pay an additional $7.3 billion a year to employ the same number of workers today at a $15 minimum wage. 

Last month, Sen. Joe Gruters, Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, and Florida House Speaker-designate Chris Sprowls announced their opposition to Ballot Amendment 2. Dozens of other local and statewide elected officials also oppose the amendment that would hurt local economies. For a full list of elected officials urging voters to vote NO on Ballot Amendment 2, visit https://www.amendment2hurtsyou.com/coalition. 

Amendment 2 Hurts You is a campaign to raise awareness for the consequences of Ballot Amendment 2 on small businesses, workers and the economy.   

Learn more about how Ballot Amendment 2 will devastate Florida:  

·         Online at Amendment2HurtsYou.com

·         On Facebook

·         On Twitter

·         On LinkedIn

·         On Instagram

Help save Florida jobs by voting no on Ballot Amendment 2 this November.

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Paid Political Advertisement by Save Florida Jobs Inc.
230 South Adams St., Ste 200
Tallahassee, FL 32301

By Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board

Published 10/6/20

Updated 3 hours ago

The Times Editorial Board weighs in with a recommendation on Amendment 2.

Raising the state minimum wage to $15 an hour sounds appealing. The hefty bump would increase the income of hundreds of thousands of Floridians. More people would earn a living wage, enough to pay for food, shelter and other necessities, easing the fear of having to decide between keeping the electricity on or buying prescription medicines. What’s not to like? Well, quite a bit, when you peel back the layers.

The minimum wage debate is often cast as moral champions against unfeeling capitalists. But it’s far more complicated. There’s no glossing over that a $15 minimum wage creates winners, but it always creates losers.

Raising the base wage by so much so quickly will increase costs for businesses. In turn, prices will rise, shifting some burden onto regular Floridians. The ones struggling to make ends meet — even with a $15 minimum wage — will feel more of the pinch. So will unskilled workers who lose their jobs when businesses cut expenses to make up for the higher cost of wages.

If passed, Amendment 2 would raise the state’s $8.56 minimum wage to $10 next September. After that, the wage would go up $1 each year until it reaches $15 an hour in September 2026. That increase is 75 percent over six years. (The wage would then rise with annual inflation, as it does now.)

Florida’s current minimum wage ranks near the middle of the pack among states. Many at the bottom either don’t have a state minimum or adopt the federal minimum of $7.25, including Alabama, Georgia, Texas and the Carolinas. At the upper end, several states, including Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Maine, are at or above $12 an hour. And a handful of states have passed laws that will gradually raise the wage to $15 over the next few years. Most of those states, including California, Maryland and Massachusetts, already have minimum wages higher than Florida. They also have median incomes that exceed Florida’s, which means Florida will likely feel a greater impact — for better and for worse — if the minimum rises to $15.

In recent years, companies including Amazon decided to pay employees at least $15 an hour. Bank of America announced a $20 minimum starting next year. But that’s not the same as raising the minimum wage statewide. First, those companies did the math and decided they could afford it. The math on an economy the size of Florida is far more complicated. Before the pandemic, Florida had 230,000 cashiers who collectively averaged less than $11.50 an hour. That’s far more people in just one job category than Bank of America employs in the entire country.

Plus, just as quickly as the companies announced a $15 minimum, they could say “Whoops, we need to go back to $12.” If the state minimum wage is added to the Florida Constitution, a “whoops” is much harder to remedy. It would take passing another constitutional amendment.

The complicated accounting is why so many of the in-depth studies on raising the minimum wage use words like “considerable uncertainty” in predicting the results. Both sides often point to a recent report from the bipartisan Congressional Budget Office, which calculated the effects of raising the federal minimum to $15. The report did not break out numbers for Florida. But, extrapolating from the national figures, about 1.1 million Floridians would see their wages rise and about 80,000 would be lifted out of poverty. The boost would reduce their reliance on food stamps and other government programs. But another 80,000 would lose their jobs, many of whom would then need government assistance.

Another analysis found that a $15 minimum wage would cost Florida more than 158,000 jobs. The number could rise to 181,000 if the hospitality industry grows slower than other industries, according to Ohio’s Miami University professor William Even and Trinity University professor David Macpherson. They prepared the analysis with support from Save Florida Jobs, a group that opposes Amendment 2.

“This estimate is conservative,” the report said. “Hundreds of thousands of additional jobs are at risk.”

Most of the studies also conclude that prices would rise and some businesses would close. How much and how many? That’s complicated, too. But for businesses with lots of employees making less than $15 an hour — think restaurants, bars, and some retailers and tourist attractions — the fallout would be worse. Some people are willing to accept that a take-out hamburger or other indulgences will cost more. Many have the money to absorb the extra cost or are willing to go without. But the price of some necessities will rise too, putting pressure on lower wage earners, even if they are making $15 an hour.

Local and state governments would pay out about $16 million in increased wage costs in the first year, according to the Florida Office of Economic Demographic Research. But that figure balloons to $540 million by 2027, with school districts taking a big hit.

A $15 minimum wage also makes no distinction between different places across the state. The cost of living in Tampa, St. Petersburg or Miami is far different than in Spring Hill, Mayo or Chipley. Smaller places — some already hurting from a decline in agriculture — could see a disproportionate number of jobs evaporate.

Opponents of Amendment 2 also have criticized the timing, and say it’s a bad idea to raise the minimum wage while the state digs out from the economic rubble left by the pandemic. But that argument isn’t as strong. The first increase wouldn’t go into effect for nearly a year, by which time the state should be on much firmer economic footing. They also argue that a higher minimum wage will speed up automation — more self-ordering kiosks at McDonald’s and self-checkout lanes at Home Depot. The connection, though, feels overblown given that businesses have been headed that way for years.

Proponents argue that the Republican-controlled Legislature has ignored the struggles of lower-wage workers and that the only way to enact a $15 minimum wage was to vote to put it to the state Constitution. That’s likely true, but an amendment is not ideal. Amendments are often blunt instruments — all or nothing — while legislative bills can address complex details.

New Mexico recently passed a bill — not a constitutional amendment — raising the state minimum wage to $12 in 2023. But the bill also establishes a training wage for high school students and keeps (and slightly increases) the tipped minimum wage, which allows restaurants and bars to maintain their current pay structure. Some states have raised their minimum wages but adopted tiers based on the size of the business, so that the ones with fewer employees pay a little less.

We would support an amendment that included such refinements and recognized the differences in jobs. We’d also like the Legislature to let cities and counties set their own minimum wages, higher than the state minimum. But Amendment 2 lacks such nuances. It mandates a $15 minimum for every job, regardless of experience, skill level, geography or the size of the business.

People on both sides of the Amendment 2 debate make legitimate arguments. It could help close the wealth gap, but it will also put many people out of work. It will lift people out of poverty but will put some businesses out of business.

Despite its appeal, Amendment 2 is too much, too soon. The risk of unintended consequences outweighs the upside, enough to tip the balance. On Amendment 2, the Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board recommends voting No.

RELATED: All of the Times Editorial Board recommendations

RELATED: How the Times makes its political recommendations.

Editorials are the institutional voice of the Tampa Bay Times. The members of the Editorial Board are Times Chairman and CEO Paul Tash, Editor of Editorials Graham Brink, and editorial writers Elizabeth Djinis, John Hill and Jim Verhulst. Follow @TBTimes_Opinion on Twitter for more opinion news

**IN CASE YOU MISSED IT** 

FLORIDA TODAY: RESTAURANT WORKER: WHY I’M VOTING ‘NO’ ON AMENDMENT 2 TO RAISE FLORIDA’S MINIMUM WAGE | OPINION

Tallahassee, FL — Florida Today published today an opinion column by Heather Parsons, a bartender and restaurant worker at the Crab Trap in Destin. She reveals that Ballot Amendment 2, if passed, would not only be a pay cut for her, it will destroy the very industry it intends to help. Parsons is a restaurant worker who depends on her job to provide a good income and a flexible schedule to raise her family.

“As a bartender, I am able to work hard so that I can make good money. When I was a single mom, this job afforded me the flexibility to raise my kids, but also pay my bills.

“Amendment 2 would change all of that. This ballot amendment would gradually hike Florida’s minimum wage up to $15 per hour by 2026. Businesses would be required to pay everyone the mandatory minimum wage, including part-time and full-time workers, students and 20-year restaurant veterans like me.

“There’s no way small businesses like the seafood restaurant where I work can afford to pay all employees with varying levels of experience a minimum of $15 an hour. Amendment 2 would devastate the restaurant industry, along with retail and other service industries that are the lifeblood of Florida’s economy.”

Parsons has been in the hospitality business for more than 20 years and has seen first-hand the challenges restaurants continue to face through COVID-19. Other cities— like Seattle and San Francisco and Washington, D.C. — have seen a wage hike fail, hurting the very employees it was intended to help, just like Parsons. She believes those campaigning for Ballot Amendment 2 do not truly understand the industry.

“These small businesses are already struggling to survive through COVID-19.

“If operating costs are forced to rise, owners and managers will have to make the difficult decisions to cut jobs, reduce hours and raise prices. Some will be forced to close altogether. We just can’t afford that.

“We’ve seen this fail in other cities across the nation — like Seattle and San Francisco and Washington, D.C. — that a higher minimum wage ended up hurting the very same employees it intended to help — employees like me. Just to make ends meet, business owners added a service charge to the bill that went directly to the business to help them cover the cost of higher wages. With a 20% service charge, customers stopped giving tips. Hard-working servers like me, who enjoy working hard for tips, were taking home far less than they did before.

“But that’s not all. In many cases, increasing prices and adding a service charge wasn’t enough for businesses to make ends meet. Many were forced to close leaving servers like me out of a job and a paycheck altogether.

“I’m proud of my career in this industry and the service I provide to anyone who steps foot into our restaurant. But $15 an hour is a pay cut for me, and so many others like me across the state who get tips on top of our wages.

“Those who think this mandated wage hike is a good thing may have never been a server, or a hostess, or a bartender. They do not understand our industry, or our workers who depend on jobs that provide a good income and a flexible schedule so we can raise our families.

“I have been dedicated to serving my customers for decades, and now I’m asking for a favor in return. I want to keep my job and my pay. Florida voters, please stand with small businesses, my Crab Trap family and hard workers like me and vote “no” on Amendment 2.”

Read the entire column at: https://www.floridatoday.com/story/opinion/2020/10/06/why-im-voting-no-amendment-2-raise-floridas-minimum-wage-opinion/3626510001/

Amendment 2 Hurts You is a campaign to raise awareness for the consequences of Ballot Amendment 2 on small businesses, workers and the economy.

Learn more about how Ballot Amendment 2 will devastate Florida:

• Online at Amendment2HurtsYou.com
• On Facebook
• On Twitter
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram

Help save Florida jobs by voting no on Ballot Amendment 2 this November

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**IN CASE YOU MISSED IT**

DAILY COMMERCIAL: SCOTT BERRY: VOTE NO ON AMENDMENT 2 TO PROTECT BUSINESSES, JOBS

Tallahassee, FL — The Daily Commerical published a guest column on Friday by Scott Berry, the executive director of the Tavares Chamber of Commerce, focused on the recent unanimous vote by the Tavares Chamber’s Board of Directors to strongly oppose Ballot Amendment 2. Berry makes clear in his column that if Ballot Amendment 2 passes, it would be devastating to both Florida’s economy and its residents.

“At a time where the state of Florida is reeling from the pandemic, a mandatory $15/hour minimum wage would almost certainly ensure that jobs lost due to COVID-19 won’t return, and many businesses already devastated by the pandemic effects won’t be able to bounce back,.” says Berry in the column.

“This could bring Florida’s economy to a standstill.”

“With local businesses struggling and not able to reopen due to COVID-19, along with hundreds of thousands of Floridians out of work, now is not the time to raise Florida’s minimum wage to $15 per hour.

“Those most affected by Amendment 2 are working families and seniors on a fixed income, since Amendment 2 is effectively a tax increase; driving up inflation and dramatically increasing the cost of living, forcing seniors and working families to pay more for necessities like food and clothing.”

The Tavares Chamber of Commerce seeks to protect the local businesses of their community, especially while many continue to face hardship and challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Florida’s #1 industry, tourism, and tourism-related businesses, were forced to lay off an average of 73% of their workforce over a three-week period.

“With many attractions, hotels, and restaurants forced to operate at limited capacities, these jobs will not be brought back with a $15/hour minimum wage.

“Entry-level workers will suffer, as there will be fewer positions for them- businesses will need to shift their workforce to more experienced workers.

“After an unprecedented year filled with enormous challenges for so many, now is not the time to add another challenge to our business community.

“Now is the time to protect our working families, seniors, businesses, and so many more.

“As your Chamber in Tavares, we are fighting to protect our local businesses and our communities, vote no on Amendment 2.”

Read the entire column at: https://www.dailycommercial.com/story/opinion/columns/2020/10/02/scott-berry-vote-no-amendment-2-protect-businesses-jobs/5872861002/

Amendment 2 Hurts You is a campaign to raise awareness for the consequences of Ballot Amendment 2 on small businesses, workers and the economy.

Learn more about how Ballot Amendment 2 will devastate Florida:

• Online at Amendment2HurtsYou.com
• On Facebook
• On Twitter
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram

Help save Florida jobs by voting no on Ballot Amendment 2 this November.

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TALLAHASSEE – Since July, numerous Southwest Florida hospitality establishments achieved the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) Seal of Commitment, demonstrating their dedication to enhanced safety and sanitation practices. The FRLA Seal of Commitment is a promise to guests that their safety is a priority and is designed to improve confidence to return to hotels and restaurants in a post COVID-19 environment. It is a symbol that a restaurant or hotel meets safety and sanitation standards as designated by FRLA and that staff are well-trained.

Since the launch of the program, 100 establishments have achieved the Seal, with dozens more in progress, representing the statewide commitment of the hospitality industry to the health and safety of employees and guests. Awarded establishments have invested considerable resources to prioritize the safety and health of the staff, guests, and establishment.

Of the first group of Seal of Commitment Designees, the following achievers are in the Southwest Florida Area:

• Bonita National HOA, Bonita Springs
• Shangri-La Springs/Harvest & Wisdom, Bonita Springs
• Lock N’ Key Restaurant and Pub, Englewood
• Sandbar Tiki & Grille, Englewood
• Farlow’s on the Water, Englewood
• Shoeless Joe’s Sports Café/Crowne Plaza, Fort Myers
• Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina, Fort Myers
• Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham, Naples
• Paradise Grill, Nokomis
• Pop’s Sunset Grill, Nokomis
• Burg’r Bar, Punta Gorda
• Village Fish Market and Restaurant, Punta Gorda
• Sanibel Moorings Resort, Sanibel
• Sharky’s on the Pier, Venice
• Fins at Sharky’s, Venice
• Snook Haven, Venice

“Employee and guest safety is paramount for Florida’s hospitality industry,” said Carol Dover, FRLA President and CEO. “Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, our hotels and restaurants adhered to strict sanitation, food safety, and training guidelines. With the Seal of Commitment program, we have built on the foundation of those excellent standards to do even more to ensure cleanliness and safety and help build consumer confidence. Establishments can display their awarded Seal as a promise to guests of their strict adherence to these rigorous standards.”

“We have continued to serve our customers throughout the pandemic by staying committed to keeping our guests and employees safe. When the FRLA Seal of Commitment provided an opportunity for further structured training, we were thrilled to be in the first 100 restaurants to complete it,” said Laurie Farlow, Owner of Farlow’s On The Water. “The value of continued and ongoing training is a vital part of excellent hospitality. It is a clear declaration that we’re doing all we can to keep everyone safe!”

“We take great pride in dedicating time and investing in resources to ensure our operations, staff, and guests remain safe and healthy,” said Lee Bellamy, general manager of Shangri-La Springs. “As a property focused on organic wellness, the Seal of Commitment reinforces that the well-being of our guests is always our top priority.”

Awarded establishments have completed rigorous safety and sanitation training. In a post COVID-19 atmosphere, when guests see an FRLA Seal of Commitment sticker on an establishment’s door, they can be confident that the business is committed to sanitation excellence and protecting employees and guests.

Visit https://frla.org/sealofcommitment/ to learn how to achieve the FRLA Seal of Commitment.

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**PRESS RELEASE**

NATIONAL JOB CREATORS NETWORK: BALLOT AMENDMENT 2 WILL “PUT FLORIDA WORKERS OUT OF A JOB”

Tallahassee, FL — The national, nonpartisan Job Creators Network (JCN) warns Florida voters that Ballot Amendment 2 will kill jobs and close businesses across the state.

“Florida’s Ballot Amendment 2 will not only close businesses across the state and put Florida workers out of a job, it will also devastate the state’s economy during a fragile recovery effort after COVID-19. This Ballot Amendment will cause harm to Florida’s workers, just like a mandatory minimum wage hike has harmed employees in Seattle, Washington, D.C., Chicago, California, and more,” said Elaine Parker, a Floridian & Chief Communications Officer of Job Creators Network.

JCN joins a growing list of businesses, workers and leaders across Florida who warn against the consequences of a mandatory $15 minimum wage hike. If passed, Florida would be the first state in the nation to pass such an exponential increase in the minimum wage through a constitutional amendment.

“Multiple studies show jobs are lost when the minimum wage is artificially increased, with low-income workers, women, students, and part-time workers taking the brunt of the impact. This Ballot Amendment will only hurt those workers it claims to help,” Parker said. A government mandate will not help Florida workers in the long run, but it will wreak havoc on small and family-owned businesses immediately. Voters need to be educated and understand the negative consequences for their neighbors, their favorite local stores and restaurants and their wallets.”

The Job Creators Network is a nonpartisan organization whose mission is to educate employees of Main Street America in order to protect the 85 million people who depend on the success of small businesses. JCN provides business leaders and entrepreneurs with the tools to become the voice of free enterprise in the media, in Congress, in state capitals, in their communities, and their workplace, allowing them to hold politicians accountable to job creators and their employees.

In additional to JCN, many other Florida organizations are also advocating against this job-killing ballot amendment, including:

• Associated Industries of Florida
• Florida Chamber of Commerce
• Florida Home Builders Association
• Florida Petroleum Marketers Association, Inc.
• Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association
• Florida Farm Bureau
• Florida Retail Federation
• National Federation of Independent Business
• Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida

On Monday, Sen. Joe Gruters, Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, and Florida House Speaker-designate Chris Sprowls announced their opposition to Ballot Amendment 2. Dozens of other local and statewide elected officials also oppose the amendment that would hurt local economies. For a full list of elected officials urging voters to vote NO on Ballot Amendment 2, visit https://www.amendment2hurtsyou.com/coalition.

Recent reports demonstrate the catastrophic consequences of Ballot Amendment 2 on Florida jobs and businesses:

• An economic impact studyrevealed Florida has already lost 336,000 jobs due to COVID-19, and Ballot Amendment 2 will kill another 158,000 jobs.
• The National Taxpayers Union, a nonprofit that advocates for taxpayer interests at all levels of government, warned the amendment will devastatefamily-owned small businesses.
• A Florida TaxWatch economic impact report said that businesses will pay an additional $7.3 billion a year to employ the same number of workers today at a $15 minimum wage.

Amendment 2 Hurts You is a campaign to raise awareness for the consequences of Ballot Amendment 2 on small businesses, workers and the economy.

Learn more about how Ballot Amendment 2 will devastate Florida:

• Online at Amendment2HurtsYou.com
• On Facebook
• On Twitter
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram

Help save Florida jobs by voting no on Ballot Amendment 2 this November.

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Paid Political Advertisement by Save Florida Jobs Inc.
230 South Adams St., Ste 200
Tallahassee, FL 32301

For Immediate Release
October 1, 2020

Contact
AIF: Sarah Bascom / Kristen McDonald Grissom

AIF, FRF, NFIB & FRLA’S RESET TASK FORCE
RELEASES COVID-19 LIABILITY PROTECTION RECOMMENDATIONS

ADDITIONAL POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS TO BE ANNOUNCED LATER THIS MONTH

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF), Florida Retail Federation (FRF), National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA)’s RESET Task Force today released its liability protection policy recommendations aimed at protecting Florida businesses from future COVID-19-related lawsuits. These recommendations were developed by the RESET Task Force’s Legal Reform Working Group, led by co-chairs William Large, President of the Florida Justice Reform Institute, and Marc Salm, Vice President of Risk Management for Publix. The Task Force’s complete list of recommendations across all issue areas will be released later this month.

“For several months now, members of the RESET Task Force have been discussing how to address the uncertainty and concerns of businesses operating during the coronavirus pandemic. The one initiative that was repeatedly raised across all industries was liability protections,” said Brewster Bevis, AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs and co-chair of the RESET Task Force. “We applaud Governor DeSantis for ensuring this issue is a state priority. As a top priority for Florida businesses as well, the RESET Task Force is proud to release these liability protection recommendations now to help facilitate the discussion on how best to protect businesses as our state continues to safely reopen.”

The RESET Task Force’s liability protection policy recommendations include:

• Exempting essential businesses entirely from COVID-19 liability;
• A heightened culpability standard: to establish liability, the defendant must have acted with gross negligence or intentional conduct;
• A heightened evidentiary standard: clear and convincing evidence is required to establish liability, rather than a mere preponderance of the evidence;
• A shortened statute of limitations so that businesses will not face COVID-19 liability years after the pandemic has passed; and
• Protections for employers from employees’ COVID-19 related claims, including in any enforcement actions brought under state law, so long as the employer complied with applicable guidelines.

“The business community thanks Governor DeSantis for his strong support and steadfast leadership throughout the pandemic. However, as businesses begin to fully reopen, many fear the threat of being sued. Liability protection initiatives, such as those outlined by the RESET Task Force, would help protect Florida businesses while they continue getting Floridians back to work and serving their communities,” said William Large, co-chair of the RESET Task Force’s Legal Reforms Working Group.

The RESET Task Force was formed to focus on providing industry-specific policy recommendations to the Florida Legislature and bringing forth initiatives that will seek to help all of Florida’s economy rebound from the effects of COVID-19 and future economic slowdowns. The task force is comprised of 60 organizations – a complete list, in alphabetical order, is below:

In addition, the RESET Employer Advisory Group is comprised of the following companies:

The RESET Task Force is co-chaired by AIF Senior Vice President of State & Federal Affairs Brewster Bevis, FRF President & CEO Scott Shalley, NFIB Executive Director Bill Herrle and FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover. Dr. Ed Moore, former President of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida, serves as the task force’s executive director and Craig Fugate, former FEMA Administrator, serves as a senior advisor.

# # #

About AIF
Known as “The Voice of Florida Business” in the Sunshine State, Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) has represented the principles of prosperity and free enterprise before the three branches of state government since 1920. A voluntary association of diversified businesses, AIF was created to foster an economic climate in Florida conducive to the growth, development, and welfare of industry and business and the people of the state. For more information on AIF, please visit AIF.com and follow @VoiceofFLBiz.

About FRF
The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) is the statewide trade association representing retailers — the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year. For more information on FRF, please visit FRF.org.

About NFIB
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is the voice of small business, advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member-driven. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses, and remains so today. For more information on NFIB, please visit NFIB.com.

About FRLA
The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association, representing more than 10,000 members including independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks, and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s $111.7 billion hospitality industry, which represents 1.5 million employees. For more information on FRLA, please visit FRLA.org and follow @FRLAnews.

The COVID Relief NOW Coalition calls for “No Recess Without Relief” imploring Congress to find bipartisan solution to move COVID stimulus package

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

 Contact:    Maura Morton, 202-381-8644; [email protected]

Jennifer Myers, 202-289-3148; [email protected]

Washington, D.C. (September 30, 2020) – COVID RELIEF NOW, a new coalition of nearly 200 major public and private sector groups across the U.S., today called for “No Recess without Relief” imploring Congress to not leave town for the 2020 elections without passing additional COVID economic relief – stating millions of jobs and survival of small businesses, as well as vital government services, are on the line.

The coalition stated that if Congress fails to act, millions of employees will be furloughed or terminated; millions of unemployed Americans will lose their unemployment insurance pandemic benefits; hundreds of thousands of companies will be at risk of closing their doors forever; and the vast majority of state and local governments will have to curtail critical services in order to balance budgets due to a decline in tax revenue.

Below is the text of a letter signed by coalition members that was sent to Congress today.  Here is a link to a pdf of the letter and quote from one of the founding members.

“Florida’s hospitality and tourism industry has been devastated by COVID-19, with historic and catastrophic effects on our hotels” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Second only to California in both categories, we have the second highest direct hotel job loss and hotel-supported job loss. Without Congressional aid now, more than 350,000 additional jobs may be lost in Florida. It is imperative that our hotels get Congressional relief to avoid further destruction and the loss of more jobs.”

___________________________________________________________________________________________

COVID RELIEF NOW COALITION LETTER TO CONGRESS

Dear Speaker Pelosi, Leader McConnell, Leader Schumer and Leader McCarthy,

We are writing to implore you to reach a bipartisan deal on legislation to prevent catastrophic economic harm that would result if Congress does not pass additional emergency relief before adjourning for the election. Support for furloughed or laid off employees, critical infrastructure, small businesses, educational institutions, first responders, and all state and local governments that are addressing the ongoing public health and economic impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are priorities we strongly believe require an immediate and unified response from our federal government.

The undersigned groups represent a diverse cross section of our country and our economy, with the public and private sectors coming together to respectfully demand that Democrats and Republicans alike come together to pass additional COVID economic relief legislation.

Our employees, businesses, and constituents cannot wait for additional federal aid to come in December 2020 or March 2021. If Congress fails to act, millions of employees will be furloughed or terminated; millions of unemployed Americans will lose their unemployment insurance pandemic benefits; hundreds of thousands of companies will be at risk of closing their doors forever; and the vast majority of state and local governments will have to curtail critical services in order to balance budgets due to a decline in tax revenue.

This is a pivotal moment. Congress needs to rise to the occasion and cast partisanship aside to provide a lifeline to get through this pandemic. Congress’ failure to act now will result in negative economic ramifications that will reverberate for decades.

Thank you for your continued hard work and tireless leadership during these unprecedented times.

Sincerely,

The COVID RELIEF NOW Coalition

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