New $10 billion senate bill proposed to save live music venues in the US
The act would permit recipients to use grants for costs incurred during the pandemic
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A new bill in the Senate hopes to provide much-needed relief to independent live music venues in the US.
On Wednesday, senators John Cornyn and Amy Klobuchar submitted The Save Our Stages Act. It is a $10bn (£7.8bn) Small Business Administration grant programme for independent venues affected by the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent venue closures. The bill would provide six months of financial support to support eligible venues.
The Save Our Stages Act aims to help an economic sector that has been hit in most US states since lockdown measures were introduced mid-March.
The act would narrowly define independent live venue operators, promoters and talent representatives in order to prevent large, international corporations from receiving federal grant funding.
In a statement to Billboard, Cornyn said, “Texas is home to a number of historic and world-class small entertainment venues, many of which remain shuttered after being the first businesses to close.”
The senator for Texas continued, “The culture around Texas dance halls and live music has shaped generations, and this legislation would give them the resources to reopen their doors and continue educating and inspiring Texans beyond the coronavirus pandemic.”
Klobuchar added, “Minnesota’s concert halls, theatres, and places of entertainment, like First Avenue in Minneapolis, where Prince famously performed, have inspired generations with the best of local music, art, and education.”
The act has been endorsed by both the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and the National Independent Talent Organisation (NITO).
Adam Hartke, NIVA’s Advocacy Committee and president of Hartke Presents, said in a statement, “While existing government assistance programs have helped other industries, they weren’t tailored to meet the needs of small businesses like ours that have zero revenue, enormous overhead and no visibility into when we can fully re-open.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
“The Save Our Stages Act will provide the assistance we need to get through the shutdown until we can reopen safely and once again become the economic generators for our communities that we’ve always been.”
The act would permit recipients to use grants for costs incurred during the pandemic as well as for rent, utilities, mortgage obligations, acquiring PPE, paying contractors, regular maintenance, administrative costs, taxes, operating leases and more.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments