MassFiscal Offers Statement on Path Forward

With one-week remaining on Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karen Polito’s emergency order requiring all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” to close their physical workplaces, Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance made the following statement today.

“Massachusetts workers and business owners must be empowered to provide for their families and given the opportunity to once again earn a living. Every Massachusetts job and business is ‘essential’ to the people and families who rely on them,” stated Paul D. Craney, spokesperson for Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance.

“The Federal and State governments have done an admirable job communicating to the public the measures necessary for safe interactions moving forward. Small businesses must be given the opportunity to demonstrate they are willing and capable of re-opening in a responsible and safe manner. That is the only way our state will begin to climb out of the economic disaster it currently finds itself in,” continued Craney.

“It’s time our State House leaders show they trust the people of Massachusetts by allowing them to safely re-open our communities. The Governor needs to put his trust into the small business community that forms the backbone of our economy,” concluded Craney.

The Governor’s original order went into effect on Tuesday, March 24 was expected to last until Tuesday, April 7. On March 31, Governor Baker extended the business closure until Monday, May 4. Prior to the social distancing policies put into place, according to the Small Business Administration, small businesses make up roughly 99.5% of businesses and employ 46% of employees in Massachusetts.