Scharfenberger Offers Common Sense New Jersey Re-Opening Plan

Middletown, N.J. – As feelings of uncertainty and questions grow due to the lack of a real, structured New Jersey economic re-opening plan, Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger (R – Monmouth) has composed a set of common sense protocols small businesses could implement in order to start down the road to safe economic recovery:

“Without a doubt, the impact which COVID-19 has had on New Jersey’s health and economic wellbeing has been overwhelming,” said Scharfenberger. “However, by Trenton failing to offer residents a detailed re-opening plan and delays continuing with Unemployment Claims, it only grows their heavy concerns – they deserve to have clarity in a strategy for the future.”

“That is why today I, along with several of my colleagues in the Assembly, have authored a set of common sense recommendations for virtually every business in New Jersey – that will allow them to begin operating safely, while protecting those most vulnerable among us,” Scharfenberger announced. “People are in danger of losing their homes, their livelihood, and their way of life.  This has to end, we need to show them that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Cognizant of the hardships already facing New Jersey’s small business communities and residents, Assemblyman Scharfenberger emphasizes that the economic burdens will only continue to increase with each day we delay:

“New Jersyans have endured unprecedented job losses, business closings, mandatory lockdowns, and have nobly sacrificed freedoms in the name of public health,” Scharfenberger continued. “We owe it to them to offer a plan that seeks to reopen the economy and allow them to get back to work for their own financial health.”

Scharfenberger added that government should seek to work with small businesses and residents to implement these and/or other procedures now and remove any existing roadblocks. Citizens have acted faithfully to flatten the COVID-19 curve and he believes that the State should show faith in them to keep to protective measures:

“When owners and employees are dependent upon a business for their livelihood and to put food on the table for their families, there is no such thing as a “non-essential” business,” Scharfenberger stated.  “As such, it is imperative that we begin the steady process of reopening New Jersey’s economy.”