News

Maine senator pushes for assistance for local restaurants

Maine senator pushes for assistance for local restaurants

Photo: clipart.com


PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Maine’s independent senator is taking another shot at promoting a $120 billion revitalization fund to help restaurants that have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

Sen. Angus King also supported the proposal when it was first proposed last year. It would set up the fund to support independent restaurants and small franchises that are under tremendous financial pressure because of the pandemic, King said Monday.

King said the proposal is especially important for the economy in Maine, which is dependent on tourism dollars.

“Maine’s restaurants are central parts of our economy and our communities; they create jobs, drive tourism, and provide gathering places that add to the character of our hometowns – on top of cooking up delicious meals for all of us,” King said.

Nationwide, restaurants wrapped up 2020 with losses of more than $240 billion, King said. The senator said they also lost 2.5 million jobs compared to pre-pandemic levels, and more than one out of six is closed permanently or for an extended period.

Under the proposal, restaurant owners could apply for grants of up to $10 million to cover expenses retroactively. King said the money could be used for costs such as payrolls, benefits, mortgages, supplies and food, among others.

Latest Headlines

16 minutes ago in Local

Maine State Police Lobby Against Red Flag Law

Fresh

Maine State Police and the state Department of Public Safety strongly oppose the Red Flag Law.

2 hours ago in Sports, Trending

Miami Heat’s Rozier, Trail Blazers’ Billups arrested in federal gambling probe, sources say

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups have been arrested in connection with a federal investigation into sports betting, people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Thursday.

6 hours ago in Local

Platner Says Nazi Symbol Tattoo Has Been Covered

The first-time political candidate said he got the skull and crossbones tattoo in 2007

15 hours ago in Local

Minor Earthquake Hits Historic Maine Island

There have been about 170 recorded earthquakes in Maine since 1997.

16 hours ago in Local

Maine State Police Make Arrest in Child Sex Investigation

Police Car

Police are asking for public help to identify other people involved in the crime.