MFMS Express Disappointment With Governor’s Veto of S2704

Today, Mayors for “Main Street” is expressing its disappointment in Governor Murphy’s veto of Senate Bill No. 2704. This bill, which was passed unanimously by both houses of the Legislature, would have appropriated $30 million from a portion of the Federal “Coronavirus Relief Fund,” block grant funds that were allocated to the State to provide financial hardship assistance to food establishments that were impacted by Executive Order No. 158. This order rescinded the Executive Order No. 157 which allowed limited indoor dining.

“Restaurants prepared for this expansion by hiring additional staff, buying additional food, among other purchases, and had the rug swept from underneath them,” said Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench. “This was an opportunity for the Governor to right a wrong, and help one of the most hard hit industry’s in the State. He failed to deliver for his constituents and his small business owners.”

“To veto a bill which had unanimous, bi-partisan support, just goes to show how out of touch this Governor is from the people and the businesses that are struggling through this shutdown,” said Bernards Township Mayor James Baldassare. “The Governor should have been eager to allay the consequences of his false start. Disappointing would be an understatement.”

“It is unthinkable that the Governor will not help our local restaurants,” said Washington Township Mayor Matthew Murello. “These places are the center of many of our towns and employ thousands of our neighbors. Many of my local restaurants are working on a week by week amount of capital and I don’t want to think what New Jersey will look like if they all are forced to disappear.”

“This indecision will lead to more restaurants closing and a more severe impact on local economies across the State,” said Dunellen Mayor Jason Cilento. “I urge our legislative leaders to pursue a override of the veto in the same bi-partisan manner that brought the bill to his desk. These businesses need to recoup these avoidable revenue losses.”

Founded in May of 2020, Mayors for “Main Street” is an alliance of Mayors representing towns spanning several New Jersey Counties. The group mission is to advocate for the swift and safe reopening of businesses within their communities. Businesses that have been drastically and negativity impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also serves as a platform for local elected officials to share experiences, ideas and best practices.

For more information on membership, please visit https://www.facebook.com/MayorsforMainStreet or contact MayorsforMainStreet@gmail.com