The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act dwarfs previous efforts by lawmakers to take on economic crises and natural disasters. While key elements of this bill are untested—and controversial—it, along with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCR) passed on March 18, and the actions of the administration, created numerous programs to help linen, uniform and facility services businesses weather the impending crunch.

Of interest to most laundry professionals, the bill will provide one-time direct payments of $1,200 per adult with income below a $75,000 ceiling, $2,400 per married couples and $500 per child. Above the ceiling, payments ...