Billboard (03/26/20) Mims, Taylor
A coalition of live entertainment professionals on March 12 launched a Change.org petition requesting specialized assistance from the federal government due to the coronavirus pandemic, with 500,000 signatures likely to be posted two weeks in. The Live Events Coalition includes members from PRG Worldwide Entertainment Technology Solutions, audio visual company Digerati Productions, 360 Event Productions and many others who united following the growing popularity of the petition. The effort emphasizes the need for economic aid for an industry that is now at a complete standstill. "This is an extremely varied and complex industry and the ripple effects of those impacted by the postponement and cancellation of events is far reaching," said coalition member Eileen Valois at PRG/VER. The petition is pursuing a federal aid package that includes Emergency Medicaid Health insurance to cover uninsured business owners, contractors and laid-off employees, along with the ability to submit canceled contracts as loss of income on 2020 taxes. The petition also is urging $200 billion in low-interest federally supported business liquidity loans and $100 billion in employee retention grants to avoid widespread layoffs. "Once we get through this ... we've got a plan to advocate for our industry by offering resources in training and mentorship, tackling tough issues as they arise, and generally connecting the network that fuels the events industry so that we're stronger together," Valois said.
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