State of Connecticut

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
STATE CAPITOL
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106-1591

REPRESENTATIVE ROBIN COMEY ASSISTANT MAJORITY LEADER

102ND ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
VICE CHAIR
LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING, ROOM 5005 COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN
CAPITOL: (860) 240-8585
TOLL FREE: (800) 842-8267 MEMBER
FAX: (860) 240-0206 EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Robin.Comey@cga.ct.gov PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE

8/25/2020

Dear Governor Lamont,

As you know, Connecticut businesses are doing their best to comply with public health
restrictions and make a profit. Your office has worked with us in the legislature to support our
small businesses during this time, but more action is needed now.

The State Department of Economic and Community Development has done a great job
partnering with business associations to spread the word on funding opportunities and providing
other support including thermometers and personal protective equipment. And the federal
Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans provided a financial lifeline
during some of the really dark days early in this pandemic.

However, many businesses have now exhausted their PPP and EIDL funding and have to make
decisions about continuing operations with occupancy restrictions. Some business owners have
been able to work with employees, landlords and creditors to reduce overhead. However, some
business, like restaurants, hair salons, and early care and education centers, have equipment and
other investments in their locations that make simply moving or shrinking their footprint
difficult. I have heard from a number of these businesses that have said without additional state
support they will not be able to stay in business.

On their behalf, I am asking for your help.

I urge you to either issue an Executive Order that provides an eviction moratorium for small
businesses, similar to the order that has been issued to provide relief to residential renters. This
order would not absolve businesses of their obligations, but would provide them a little breathing
room during this challenging time.

Alternatively, the state could develop a program similar to the PPP or the Bridge Loan program
that was launched back in March. Loans could be provided either on a forgivable basis or with
extended payback terms to make sure that small businesses can afford to pay rent and stay in
operation until the state is able to fully reopen.

SERVING BRANFORD
Of course, there may be other ideas that work. But my goal, as I am sure your’s is as well, is to
provide support to our local businesses and keep our families healthy as we continue to live
through this pandemic.

I look forward to working with your office on this matter.

Best,

Robin Comey