AIA asks Congress for help in stemming losses from COVID-19

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has sent a letter to congress asking for aid to small businesses in response to the economic crash resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

A press release from the AIA highlights that AIA 2020 President Jane Frederick, FAIA, and AIA EVP/Chief Executive Officer Robert Ivy, FAIA, have sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell asking the American federal government to “expand temporary relief for business owners to avoid layoffs and the sharp economic downturn that would follow.” 

In addition, the letter also asks the government to extend “Small Business Interruption Loans for businesses under 500 employees to cover the costs of payroll while employees may not be able to work due to their own health concerns or the effects of social isolation on a massive scale.”