Congress’ nod of approval within its $900 billion coronavirus relief package of $15 billion for live music, movie theaters, and museums marks a major win for groups like the National Independent Venue Association.
The association, which launched about nine months ago at the outset of the COVID-19 crisis, will prove to be a lifesaver for several entertainment venues in D.C. that have been struggling to stay afloat, said Audrey Fix Schaefer, a spokesperson for organizations that include the D.C. entertainment company that operates the Anthem and Merriweather Post Pavilion.
“Even though it could take weeks or months for the money to start to flow, this is an enormous hurdle that not too many people thought we would be able to achieve,” Schaefer said, DCist reported.
The bill, known as the Save Our Stages Act, gives independent venues “a fighting chance,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Sunday night on the House floor, DCist reported.