Sen. Fasano Raises Concerns About Waiting Until May 20th to Reopen CT Businesses
May 1, 2020Today, Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven) wrote to Governor Ned Lamont to express concerns about waiting until May 20th to begin the state’s process of getting people back to work and reopening small businesses.
“What is abundantly clear is that small businesses and their workers are the backbone of Connecticut and every day we delay getting these folks back to work we are worsening the state’s economic problems in the long run, which will have a cascading effect on the state budget, on core social services, and on the most vulnerable populations,” wrote Fasano.
Fasano raised specific concerns about continuing restrictions on small mom-and-pop retailers while other big stores have remained open throughout the pandemic by taking necessary precautions. He also questioned continued restrictions on certain elements of restaurant dining and outdoor recreational areas like parks and beaches.
Sen. Fasano is asking the governor to move the reopen date to May 10th and consider lifting additional restrictions by providing clear rules and guidance to small businesses and allowing them to implement needed protections.
“It seems relatively simple: the state should be setting the rules that the experts believe are necessary to protect people. The state should be defining what is safe for social distance, masks, gloves, etc. and then let businesses determine how they can accomplish those goals. Just like you did for big manufacturers, liquor stores, take-out dining, and large retailers like Target, Walmart, and Home Depot, you can set the safety guidelines and businesses can figure out how to best achieve those goals. They just need to know the rules,” Fasano wrote.
Fasano also raised concerns about the governor’s advisory group not taking a collaborative approach to planning.
“I also have concerns about these proposals being created by a select few individuals, without the help of legislators elected to represent the voices of the people and without the help of even the greater Reopen CT Advisory Committee members,” Fasano wrote.