Senate’s Fiscal Recovery Strategists to Conduct Public Hearing

Trenton – The team of economic recovery strategists leading the State Senate’s work to develop plans to restart the state’s economy from the coronavirus shutdown will conduct a public hearing on Monday to get input from health care professionals, Senator Paul Sarlo said today.

Senator Sarlo, the chairman of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, is working with Senator Steve Oroho, the Senate Republican Officer, Senate President Pro Tempore M. Teresa Ruiz and Senator Troy Singleton to assess the damage to the economy and map out recovery strategies.

The remote hearing will be held on Monday, May 18 at 11:00 a.m. It will include health care executives from medical providers, who will be identified in the coming days.

Senator Sarlo said the public session will be the first of a series of hearings that will also focus on government and small businesses, and will include the participation of business groups, “main street” business owners, and local government officials.

“One of our first steps is to get direct input from the people and organizations that understand the complexities of running businesses while dealing with Covid-19,” said Senator Sarlo. “To start, we want to hear from the health care providers who are providing critical medical care and recognize the importance of addressing the needs of individuals who have had to struggle without access to medical care for over two months.  Hearing from the medical community first will provide the roadmap for the safe re-opening for other crucial business sectors.

“The next hearings will have us hear from government officials who continue to deliver essential services despite uncertain revenue and the small businesses that are looking to survive the shutdown,” said Senator Sarlo. “The public’s health and safety is the ongoing priority, but we also have to do what we can to address the financial consequences that are having such an impact on the lives and livelihoods of almost everyone. We have already taken steps to restart some activities in New Jersey and we should look for additional actions we can take to regain economic movement while protecting the health and safety of everyone. It takes planning and preparation.”