Time to End Governor's Unlimited Emergency Powers
On Thursday, April 30, NFIB supported legislation passed by the House and Senate that would allow most businesses ordered closed in March to open on May 16 if they practice social distancing and use face masks. It is expected that the governor will veto the bill as she continues to insist on using her office as the sole authority for response and management of the COVID-19 outbreak. Any efforts by the legislature to negotiate an accelerated reopening of the state’s economy have been rejected by the governor.
NFIB small business owners support the repeal of the Emergency Powers of Governor Act of 1945, outdated legislation that gives the governor unlimited authority to extend “stay at home” orders and shutter private businesses. In a recent member ballot-survey, small business owners also supported opening business operations that follow safety precautions with their employees and customers.
When asked if the Emergency Powers of Governor Act of 1945 should be repealed, 77% of small business members said YES, 15% said NO, and 8% were undecided. When asked if the current “essential vs. non-essential” criteria to reopening business activity should be changed to a risk-based “safe vs. non-safe” approach, 84% of small business members said YES, 12% said NO, and 4% were undecided.
The ballot-survey text can be viewed HERE.
