“The best thing we can hope for in terms of our recovery is that firms across the state begin to grow again, take risks, taking out loans, taking out credit to build, to invest, to grow, to employ more people, to make capital investments,” Candelaria told a Senate panel earlier this week.
The Legislature is racing against the clock during its 60-day session that ends March 20 to enact economic relief measures, amid uncertainty about a possible new round of direct federal aid to state and local governments.
A pending decision from the state Supreme Court could allow businesses to pursue compensation from the state in response to emergency health orders. In separately proposed legislation, lawmakers from both parties are calling for checks on the governor’s emergency powers during pandemics.
Across much of the state, health restrictions have shut down entertainment venues including movie theaters, prohibit large public gatherings and limit access to indoor dining at restaurants. State health officials on Wednesday lifted a mandatory self-quarantine period for in-bound travelers.
The state Senate unanimously approved a proposal to provide a $600 tax rebate to working, low-income families and provide a tax break on business sales and services to food establishments such as restaurants, craft breweries and food trucks
A bill that would waive fees for all liquor licenses in the hard-hit hospitality industry won Senate approval on a 41-1 vote.
