The novel Coronavirus has impacted all industries across our nation, but it seems our leadership has forgotten one major industry who needs our help more than ever: Restaurants and their Employees.

Having worked in the service industry for most of my life, I understand the struggle of living day to day, hoping to make just enough to cover the next bill or feed my family. One good day can make the difference between paying rent, keeping your car, or feeding your children. A string of bad days (or months of not being able to work) can be more than detrimental. Even those who might be able to work right now don't get to take advantage of the tips from customers that propel them to a proper hourly wage.

There are nearly 16 million Restaurant Industry Employees in the United States, and most, if not all, of this valuable workforce lives not paycheck-to-paycheck, but day-to-day. By not allowing restaurants to open immediately for dine-in by employing strict, responsible social distancing guidelines, we are ignoring these employees who are in desperate need. 40% of tipped restaurant workers live in near-poverty, and don't have the luxury of months of savings to draw from in cases of emergency.

While the stimulus payments and business loans made available to the public are a small step in the right direction, there needs to be more done for this industry and their families. Governor Polis has a goal of rolling out a plan on May 25th, effectively missing a huge holiday that could put thousands of people back to work.

We need to tell our government to put a plan in place for this industry NOW.