Holzapfel, McGuckin & Catalano Urge Governor to Allow Businesses to Open Before This Weekend

Say Every Weekend Lost for Seasonal Businesses After Memorial Day Is Devastating to the Shore Economy

Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano (all R-10) are urging Governor Phil Murphy to lift the lockdown on non-essential retail businesses prior to this upcoming weekend. Under the governor’s executive orders, those businesses must wait to reopen until Monday, June 15.

“Our shore businesses cannot afford to remain closed another weekend,” said Holzapfel. “The shore economy and hundreds of thousands of New Jersey families are heavily dependent on the summer months, and every weekend after Memorial Day is critical for business to survive. We are calling for the Governor to limit additional unnecessary economic damage by allowing businesses to reopen on Friday, June 12, at the latest. ”

“Our nation has successfully ensured that hospitals are not overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases, which was the ‘goal of flattening the curve,’” said McGuckin. “If customers can browse and shop in big box stores while practicing social distancing, they can do the same in mom-and-pop businesses in our shore communities. Business owners are excited to get back to work, and consumers want to shop!”

“This past weekend’s beautiful weather brought a soaring number of tourists to the Jersey Shore looking to escape the city. However, with businesses and restaurants still closed, there is nowhere for people to spend money,” said Catalano. “The governor needs to recognize that every weekend lost for a seasonal business is like a month for anyone else. Allowing small businesses to open safely this weekend is critical to the viability of our shore economy. ”