Ocean County Lawmakers Call on Governor Murphy to Re-start Economy
The curve of the pandemic is flattening, but the demand to open up the beaches, boardwalks, and economy continues to go up and the Jersey Shore has had enough of waiting.
Beaches across the northern barrier island in Ocean County and down along LBI have already begun opening up beaches with plans in the works to gradually open boardwalks when it is safe to do so.
As this is going on, many businesses remain closed or limited to what they can do in what's become a state of economic uncertainty in many ways in an toss and turn economic nightmare.
Ocean County 10th District State Senator Jim Holzapfel (R) and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin (R) and John Catalano (R) are trying to speed up the process by introducing a resolution calling on Governor Phil Murphy to immediately re-open businesses, following CDC guidelines, so the New Jersey economy can get a reboot.
Holzapfel, McGuckin and Catalano said it's extremely important this happen especially for businesses that rely on the summer months from Memorial Day to Labor Day for most of their annual income.
“Governor Murphy, give New Jerseyans the benefit of the doubt. We are not knuckleheads and we can reopen with safety in mind by following the guidelines set forth by the CDC,” Holzapfel said in a statement. “With schools permanently closed for the (academic) year, our efforts need to be focused on reopening our small businesses.”
“For months now, our residents have risen to the challenge and put the health of their fellow New Jerseyans first,” McGuckin said. “It’s time to give individuals and business owners the opportunity to make informed decisions about their health and their financial future. If you can safely shop in a Walmart you can safely shop in other retail establishments. Small businesses deserve the right to operate with the same precautions as big box stores. While the threat of the virus is still a concern for our most vulnerable residents, we are hearing from our constituents that they are ready to return to work. If they can do so safely, we should let them.”
The 10th District lawmakers push for the plan is over the Jersey Shore economy which faces a major blow if any portion of the shortened tourism dependent summer season is lost.
Holzapfel, McGuckin and Catalano said that seasonal businesses employ 1 in 10 New Jerseyans, and tourism represents a $45 billion industry for New Jersey.
“We are capable of reopening public places and businesses in a way that is safe for the community without adding pressure to our hospitals and emergency workers,” Catalano said. “Governor Murphy needs to understand the importance of small businesses on the Jersey Shore and the billions of dollars it contributes to the economy each year. New Jersey residents and businesses are ready to adapt to the guidelines set by the CDC to ensure we stay healthy while we begin to return to normalcy.”