Bad time to add costs when many businesses hang in the balance
Twenty-seven business groups in Virginia have sent a letter to Governor Ralph Northam, asking that he delay several pieces of legislation enacted during the 2020 General Assembly session when the House and Senate are set to reconvene on April 22. The group of business associations, called the Coalition for a Strong Virginia Economy, say the bills will add significant costs for business at a time when many companies have experienced immeasurable financial loss, laid-off workers, and face an uncertain future. The group said if these businesses ultimately fail, the jobs they provide or hope to bring back may disappear forever.
The organizations that make up the Coalition For a Strong Virginia Economy represent small business, retailers, manufacturers, agribusiness, truckers, and many more. These advocates for Virginia’s businesses say many companies have seen a massive loss of income or been forced to close. They want them to be able to return to economic health when the COVID-19 crisis ends and bring employees back to work if they have been laid off or furloughed. They argue the businesses’ survival and the preservation of jobs will be critical to the revitalization of the Virginia economy.
The bills the business groups are asking be delayed are listed in the letter, but they include legislation that would increase business labor costs such as minimum wage, taxes, energy prices, and construction costs.
EMAIL GOVERNOR NORTHAM, ASK FOR A DELAY
