News Release from NFIB in Maryland
Small Business Reacts to Gov. Hogan’s Announcement of First Steps in Reopening Plan
Maryland Small Business owners say they are more than ready
ANNAPOLIS (May 13, 2020) — The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), an association advocating for of thousands of small businesses in Maryland, reacted today to Governor Larry Hogan’s announcement he will lift restrictions on certain small businesses under various conditions as of this Friday May 15 at 5 p.m. Retail stores, barber shops and salons can reopen at 50% capacity, manufacturing may resume, and some other businesses like pet grooming, car washes and art galleries may also reopen if all the required safety guidelines are followed. Also, the Governor said he will allow counties to open more gradually if they so choose. State Director for NFIB in Maryland, Mike O’Halloran, reacted to the announcement:
“I’m sure there will be some small business owners relieved by today’s announcement. Others, namely those in jurisdictions where local leaders now get to call the shots, continue to have their fate tied to the mercy of this shutdown. Those small businesses are faced with a new challenge and now are asking, what is my local government going to decide?
“Small businesses want to reopen and they tell us they are willing to do what it takes by following all the public health protocols to keep employees and customers safe. We are thankful the Governor has taken NFIB’s recommendations seriously by creating a pledge program. The program will be helpful, because if customers feel confident, they will come back and small businesses need that to survive.”
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