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Coronavirus: Chamber urges tax relief to Spartanburg-area businesses

Herald-Journal - 3/25/2020

Mar. 25--All of the Herald-Journal's coverage of coronavirus is being provided for free to our readers. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to GoUpstate.

The Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce is asking local governments to provide immediate tax relief to local businesses impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

"Any reduction, deferral or any other form of relief will provide badly needed liquidity to local businesses and the thousands of families depending on their survival," wrote Allen Smith, president and CEO of the chamber.

The letter was sent Tuesday to all local government elected officials in Spartanburg County. It was signed by Smith and Wes Lehrer, chairman of the chamber's executive board.

Smith said the plea covers all taxes that are normally remitted, including hospitality and sales taxes.

Calling it "an urgent call to action," Smith said local businesses from restaurant, retail, hospitality and other sectors have reported losses of 60 percent to 90 percent as people are urged to stay at home to prevent the spread of the virus.

"Local hotels have furloughed employees and laid off others," he said. "Restaurant and retail establishments, if they are open, are operating at greatly reduced staffing levels. If there ever was a time to extend some relief, now is the time."

Smith said local businesses are the heartbeat of the Spartanburg area economy.

"We have pro-business elected bodies all throughout the county," he said. Now is the time for elected officials to continue their streak of business and pro-job support.

"Every dollar saved is another dollar towards supporting the thousands of people who depend on local businesses to support their families."

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