Establishes commission to study effects of COVID-19 on small businesses.
Impact
The establishment of this commission is significant as it highlights the need for targeted support for small businesses, which are key economic drivers within the state. By focusing on collecting data regarding the number and scale of small businesses affected, as well as their access to aid like government grants and loans, the findings will serve as a roadmap for developing better resources for future emergencies. Additionally, the commission will look into the struggles faced during recovery, which may influence future legislation aimed at bolstering small businesses against similar challenges.
Summary
AJR158 establishes the 'Small Business Assistance Commission' to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on small businesses in New Jersey. The commission will gather and analyze data on the hardships faced by these entities since the outbreak. This initiative aims to provide insights and resources that can assist small businesses in future crises, thereby enhancing their sustainability and resilience. Recognizing the particularly severe impact COVID-19 has had on smaller firms, which often lack the resources available to larger corporations, this resolution intends to address these disparities.
Contention
While AJR158 has garnered support for its intent to assist small businesses, there may be underlying contention around representation on the commission and the effectiveness of such studies. Stakeholders may debate the adequacy of resources allocated to this effort or express concern over whether the commission can truly address the varied needs of the small business community. Moreover, the commission’s findings may impact how economic assistance is structured in the event of future public health crises, which could lead to discussions about the best practices for ensuring equitable support for all small businesses.