Testa: Murphy’s Veto of Rent Relief Is a Slap in the Face to Small Businesses

Senator Michael Testa slammed Governor Phil Murphy for vetoing legislation aimed at providing much-needed rent relief to small businesses during the shutdown.

“Governor Murphy hypocritically claims that small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy, yet he is solely responsible for bleeding them dry,” said Testa (R-1). “This commonsense bill received overwhelming bipartisan support in the State Legislature, yet the governor turned a blind eye as mom-and-pop stores face the grim reality of permanently closing their doors,” added Testa. “As our state’s most influential elected officials, we should work together to help small business owners attempt to salvage their livelihoods.”

The governor vetoed legislation, S-2363, that would have allowed small businesses who are experiencing economic distress to delay rent payments.

“The small grant programs that Governor Murphy claims to champion equates to breadcrumbs for small businesses,” added Testa. “Big box stores are thriving, yet the little guy is on the brink of survival. As the governor sits on billions on dollars from the federal CARES Act, I urge him to use it for its intended purpose – immediately assisting small businesses. They’re going under while he sits in a pile of federal money.”