A group of local service industry workers is calling on Dane County to set specific guidelines for its $10 million fund for small local businesses.
On Monday, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced a plan to direct $10 million in federal aid to small businesses, tasking the non-profit Dane Buy Local to disburse the money.
The Restaurant Workers Coalition, a Madison-based group of service industry workers, is asking Dane County and Dane Buy Local to specify oversight and transparency for how funds are distributed.
They’re also asking that the distribution of funds includes guidelines that ensure grants are used for payroll, personal protective equipment and hazard pay for workers, and for a separate fund operated by the county for direct allocation of resources for workers most impacted by the pandemic.
Thursday 8 O’Clock Buzz host Tony Castaneda spoke with organizer Brianna Patterson about the group’s demands.