LD1 Republicans announce economic recovery task force

Republican legislators in the first district announced an economic recovery task force meant to provide the state’s small businesses with resources on how to navigate aid programs amid the COVID-19 crisis.

“As a small business owner myself, I’m fully aware of the sacrifices our local companies are making to rightly adhere to the restrictions of Governor Murphy’s COVID State of Emergency,” State Sen. Michael Testa said. “This Task Force is being established to help businesses navigate the myriad loan and grant programs being made available at both the state and federal level.”

While the task force’s final membership won’t be announced until sometime later this week, Testa and Assemblymen Erik Simonsen and Antwan McClellan said it will include local business owners, economic development representatives, Chamber of Commerce leaders and elected officials.

“The clock is ticking and our businesses, large and small, need help now,” Simonsen said. “We have heard a lot of frustration from employers as they seek answers and information. This Task Force will be designed to meet that need and cut through the red tape to find real solutions quickly.”