WASHINGTON REPORT
Our Independent Grocer Wishlist for President Biden G R EG F ER R A R A PR E S IDE N T AN D CEO N AT ION AL GR OCER S AS S OCIATIO N
NGA is focused on advocating for a number of Covid-19-related policies that would help lift independent grocers and its essential workforce. With a new Congress and presidential administration, 2021 presents new opportunities for NGA to advocate on behalf of independent grocers throughout the country, ensuring their priorities are heard on both sides of the political aisle. In January, Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, beginning his administration by signing several executive orders aimed at addressing the Covid-19 pandemic, including increasing vaccine rollout and implementing mask mandates on federal properties. However, an aid package must go through Congress, with Senate Republicans key to agreement. Both Democrat and Republican bills include funding for a range of Covid-19related priorities, but the GOP proposal is narrower in scope and provides less in the way of unemployment insurance and direct stimulus payments. Congress last passed a Covid-19 relief package in December, with several provisions positive for independent grocers, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), simplified forgiveness options, extensions
18 | CAL I FOR N I A G R OC E R
of the New Market Tax Credit and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, and funding for vaccine development and distribution to frontline workers. The package also included key nutrition victories, such as increased funding to help independent grocers enroll in the SNAP Online purchasing program, as well as an additional $75 million to bolster the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program. These programs are essential for independent grocers and NGA will continue working with the Biden Administration and Congress to ensure they are strengthened in the coming months. Unfortunately, the bill didn’t include liability protections for essential businesses, which is essential for grocers potentially facing frivolous lawsuits. NGA implored Congress to protect grocers – deemed as essential businesses during the pandemic – taking reasonable steps to comply with requirements issued by CDC and other health authorities. In February, NGA joined the US Chamber by signing on to a letter urging Congress to include targeted and temporary liability
protections for essential businesses. With over 580 signers, the letter points out that as the Biden Administration strives to reopen schools, protect our nation’s health and strengthen our economy, liability protections will help safeguard educational institutions, healthcare providers, businesses and non-profit organizations from unfair lawsuits. NGA will continue advocating on behalf of independent grocers for liability protections. NGA members have been on the frontlines serving communities since the beginning of the pandemic and should be protected from unfair lawsuits. On the first day of President Biden’s inauguration, NGA sent a letter outlining key priority issues for the independent supermarket industry, including liability protections, tax relief for frontline workers, and less regulation and taxes. NGA members operate on slim 1 to 2 percent profit margins in a competitive industry and often serve disadvantaged areas. Any increase in costs could force them to hire fewer workers or close their business. In the letter, NGA also highlighted how independent grocers are going above and beyond during the pandemic to reward their essential employees for their hard work and dedication.
