A coalition of government and trade associations, including the American Hotel and Lodging Association and the U.S. Travel Association are urging Congress to step up and agree Covid-19 relief aid now.
The country cannot wait until 2021, said the Covid Relief Now Coalition.
In an open letter to Congress, the group says millions more jobs are at risk without immediate action.
"The time to advance the next round of COVID-related economic relief is now, during the 2020 lame-duck legislative session. Our country can’t wait until 2021," it said.
The Coalition surveyed more than 1,800 cities, counties and industry associations and found 80% of respondents have been hit hard financially by Covid-19.
"Travel, for instance currently accounts for more than a third of all US unemployment. Travel-supported jobs employed one in 10 Americans prior to Covid-19, but 4.5 million of those jobs are projected to be lost by year’s end."
"Each passing moment guarantees more job losses and a hamstrung recovery. We urge you to finalize, pass and enact a Covid relief package into law this year," it added.
The coalition is made up of major public and private sector associations including many in the travel sector, and is spearheaded by the American Hotel and Lodging Association.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor
