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Rep. Russo, House Dems recognize National Small Business Week

Urge action on Democratic legislation to support small businesses and entrepreneurs during the pandemic
September 25, 2020
C. Allison Russo News

COLUMBUS –As National Small Business Week comes to a close, State Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) continues to call for action on House Democratic legislation to support small businesses that have suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Small businesses comprise roughly 98 percent of all Ohio businesses and employ half of the state’s private-sector workforce. 

“Protecting the health and well-being of our micro and small businesses is critical to ensuring our economy remains strong and our communities remain healthy,” said Rep. Russo.  “We must continue to listen to and prioritize the needs of our small businesses, especially during this critical time, so that Ohioans can work in a safe and a responsible manner.”

House Democrats have introduced a number of bills to help businesses navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including:

  • House Bill (HB) 596 sponsored by Rep. Thomas West (D-Canton): To protect consumers and small business owners from collections efforts by creditors and debt collectors until after the COVID-19 emergency has subsided;
  • HB 589 sponsored by Rep. Jeffrey Crossman (D-Parma) and Rep. John Rogers (D-Mentor-on-the-Lake): To allow business interruption insurance to cover certain pandemic- related losses;
  • HCR 26 sponsored by Rep. Kent Smith (D-Euclid): To urge Congress and the President to prohibit internet service providers from terminating internet service to residential customers and small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic;
  • HB 609 sponsored by Rep. West: To create a temporary tax amnesty program;
  • HB 380 sponsored by Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Cleveland): To require private owners to pay construction contractors within 30 days;
  • HB 745 sponsored by Rep. West and Rep. Jessica Miranda (D-Forest Park): To delay the deadlines by which liquor permit holders must renew their liquor permits.

Throughout the 133rd General Assembly, House Democrats have also passed two priority bills to expand job training and workforce development opportunities in Ohio. HB 2, sponsored by Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown), created the TechCred program, and HB 4, sponsored by Rep. Phil Robinson (D-Solon), cut red tape for credentials and certificates for Ohio workers.

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