LD1 Lawmakers: Murphy’s COVID Mandates Continue to Ravage Local Economy

Following Governor Murphy’s announcement that he will expand indoor dining in the state to 50 percent capacity on March 19, Senator Mike Testa, Assemblyman Erik Simonsen and Assemblyman Antwan McClellan released the following statement:

“It is extremely frustrating that the Governor still hasn’t learned that one size does not fit all when it comes to COVID restrictions in New Jersey.

“It is time to put away the axe and take a surgical approach if Murphy wants to save the economy. Limits that may make sense in the crowded confines of some of the state’s densely populated cities, especially in North Jersey, are unnecessary and foolhardy in southern New Jersey.

“Businesses in this part of the state have suffered greatly during the pandemic as Murphy’s rules prevented many from even breaking even. The decision to open to half capacity now is of little consolation to the many locally owned businesses that have not survived.

“The towns in our district represent only a sliver – less than 2 percent – of all COVID cases in the state, yet they have suffered because Trenton insists on following a path that defies logic and common sense.”