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Rep. West, House Dems recognize National Small Business Week

Urge action on Democratic legislation to support small businesses and entrepreneurs during the pandemic
September 25, 2020
Republican Newsroom

COLUMBUS –As National Small Business Week comes to a close, State Rep. Thomas West (D-Canton) 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. 

“Small businesses are such a critical part of Ohio’s economy and of our communities. We know that so many small businesses are suffering as a result of the pandemic’s economic impact, in a way that larger businesses certainly are not,” said Rep. West. “Before it is too late, we must have their backs and help ensure that they can keep their doors open.”

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. West: 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.

“All of these bills were introduced weeks or even months ago,” said Rep. West. “Yet, only HBs 380 and 609 received more than one hearing, and only HB 609 has been voted on by the House. We’ve seen slow action in the legislature too often during the pandemic. The time to act on these other bills is now.”

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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