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Friends,
Last night, event venues in more than 50 cities across the United States participated in a #RedAlertRESTART Day of Action in support of the RESTART Act, a bill that I co-authored with Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado. The RESTART Act would provide a lifeline to the businesses hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Similar to the popular and successful Paycheck Protection Program, RESTART would provide a partially forgivable loan to struggling businesses. But unlike PPP, our solution would provide up to six months of relief, and controls would be in place to ensure only businesses who really need the money get it.
Among these hardest-hit businesses are entertainment venues and the many supporting industries that help to make events possible, including sound, lighting, and stage construction. Nationwide, live entertainment employs 12 million people, but 95 percent of live events in the last six months have been cancelled. If Congress doesn’t act soon, thousands of these businesses could close permanently,
I was amazed by the number of iconic Indiana venues that participated in yesterday’s Day of Action. Enjoy some photos of the venues below. And remember: for every venue you see lit up in red below, there are hundreds of businesses in other industries that are facing the same long-term risk. When my colleagues and I return to DC next week, I will be doing everything I can to push for a coronavirus relief package that helps our small businesses and the many Hoosiers they employ.
Pictured above is the Indiana Convention Center located in Indianapolis.
Pictured above is the Indiana Farmers Coliseum located in Indianapolis.
Pictured above is the Minnetrista Gathering Place located in Muncie.
Pictured above is the Paramount Theater located in Anderson.
Pictured above is the Hoosier Dome located in Indianapolis.
Pictured above is the Bankers Life Fieldhouse located in Indianapolis.
Pictured above is Victory Field located in Indianapolis.
Pictured above is the Lucas Oil Stadium located in Indianapolis.
Pictured above is Hi-Fi located in Indianapolis.
Pictured above is Ford Center located in Evansville.
Pictured above is the Old National Events Plaza located in Evansville.
Pictured above is Victory Theater located in Evansville.
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