Retailers Support Biden’s Actions on Masks, Vaccine Funding

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) President Brian Dodge issued the following statement on President Biden’s Executive Order on masks and additional COVID relief priorities:

“Leading retailers support President Biden’s Executive Order to require Americans to wear masks in federal workspaces, buildings, and courthouses.  The President’s order matches the investments and policies retailers have implemented throughout this pandemic to keep our employees and customers safe.  Until the vaccination campaign has immunized enough Americans to stop the spread of COVID-19, common-sense tactics that promote good hygiene, responsible distancing, and wearing masks are still the best way to keep communities safe. 

“We encourage Congress to build on the President’s order by urgently appropriating the additional resources needed by state and local governments, medical systems, and pharmacies to increase the pace of vaccinations.  These funds should be prioritized over areas where legitimate public policy differences may require additional time and debate.  America has relied on millions of retail workers to stock shelves, deliver goods, clean stores, and provide American families with everything they have needed throughout this pandemic. These frontline workers who have kept our supply chains functioning and our storefronts open need Congress to make vaccine funding their top priority.” 

###

RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate.

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad.

Tags

• Public Policy
• Investing in People
• Keeping Communities Safe
• Retail Impact
• Building Communities
• Retail Works for All of Us
• Leading in the Community