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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | September 11, 2020 02:35 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jake Wheatley, Jr. |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Save Our Stages: Aid to Independent Live Music Venues |
| COVID has been detrimental to almost every industry in the Commonwealth, and few have been hit harder than live music venues, especially small independently owned venues. These businesses have experienced and sustained a complete loss in revenue through this health emergency and there is no end in sight. Accordingly, this industry needs assistance. There are 225 independent live music venues in Pennsylvania which generated $1.36 billion in business last year and employed over 10,000 individuals (almost every one of these employees is jobless). These venues range from a capacity of 100 to 2000 and sold 5.3 million tickets last year. Independent live music venues generated $238 million in direct economic impact last year and also help sustain restaurants and hotels. My legislation would earmark CARES dollars so a fund can be created to get grants to these businesses. It is critical that we make an effort to preserve this industry which is a jewel of the Commonwealth’s Cultural Crown. It is also important to assist this industry as it is an important aspect of the live music ecosystem that includes dining and lodging. I ask that you join me in supporting these local venues so we can patronize them once this health emergency is past us. |
Introduced as HB2894
Memo Updated: September 11, 2020 02:36 PM