Legislation
US – AGA welcomes Trump’s relief package but ‘the battle isn’t over’
By Phil - 29 March 2020
US President Trump has signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act into law. The $2tn bipartisan relief package, the largest in US history, delivers essential support that the American Gaming Association (AGA) fought to secure for gaming employees, communities, and businesses.
AGA President Bill Miller said: “This emergency economic relief arrives at a critical moment. The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has effectively shut down our industry. COVID-19 has sent shock waves through the economy – putting at risk the millions of American workers and small businesses gaming supports.Past federal responses to natural disasters and financial crises excluded gaming companies from assistance available to the rest of the business community. Some called to do so again in the CARES Act. But with the help of industry leaders, the AGA convinced lawmakers that gaming deserves the same access to economic relief available to every other industry.”
The CARES Act provides tax relief to help gaming companies keep workers on the payroll; opens access to critical capital through loans for all industry segments; provides direct economic support for millions of American workers and their families; and offers vital stabilisation funding for tribal governments.
Mr. Miller added: “We commend Congress and the administration for acting swiftly to provide needed relief. The gaming industry united to achieve a major first step that will help sustain us during the required shutdown and ensure America’s employees can return to their jobs as soon as it’s safe. The louder our megaphone, the more we can achieve for gaming. I encourage you to sign up today to become a gaming champion – and to share this invitation with your colleagues. Our inclusion in the CARES Act signals that gaming’s contribution to America’s economy and communities across the country has never been more valued. But our fight is not over. As the nation’s response to the pandemic evolves, we know gaming businesses, workers, and their families will continue to need support. We will keep fighting to help every aspect of the gaming industry as Congress and the administration consider additional economic relief measures. Please reach out to tell us the specific challenges you face and how we can help support gaming during this crisis.”
