Nearby states are already taking similar steps to carefully begin reopening the economy
TRENTON (April 29, 2020) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), a small business association with thousands of members in New Jersey, is grateful that a bipartisan group of Senators led by Senate President Steve Sweeney, is calling for opening certain low-risk small businesses now such as construction, outdoor recreation and car sales, while still protecting public safety from the COVID-19 virus. This careful first step would allow the first few sectors of the state economy to begin to recover, with others hopefully opening as soon as it is safe. The following statements are attributable to NFIB’s State Director in New Jersey, Eileen Kean:
“Small business owners want their customers and employees to be safe and there are certain types of workplaces that present a very low risk, including those that operate outdoors or with few people in close proximity. These businesses hope to start moving beyond the dire economic circumstances the pandemic created, and they will certainly comply with any safety measures that are required if they can reopen. Thanks to Senate President Sweeney and the other Senators who are calling for these first few businesses to reopen at this point.
“It is important that those assigned to determine the reopening process incorporate input from small business owners who know the particulars of their operations and how and when they can successfully fulfill all safety requirements. Unfortunately, it does not appear that Governor Murphy’s new recovery commission has that type of representation. Information about the state’s small businesses’ ability to participate in a reopening will lead to the preservation of half the state’s jobs and a strong economic recovery for New Jersey.”
