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Immediate Cash Needed for Businesses and Employees Shut Down By Governor Over Coronavirus, Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance Says

March 24, 2020

Employers and their workers need immediate temporary cash from the state to deal with the coronavirus shutdowns, the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance said.

The fiscal and tax watchdog often takes a dim view of public spending, but in light of the governor’s order requiring businesses deemed non-essential to close their workplaces, the state government must offer temporary relief, the organization said.

“State leaders must provide temporary relief to their employer community. Many small businesses will not be able to survive. Over the next two weeks, the administration and State House leaders must develop a plan for the state’s business community that demonstrates their willingness to help businesses and their employees stay afloat,” said Paul D. Craney, spokesman for the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, in a written statement on Monday, March 23.

Craney also called for tax cuts and reductions in regulations.

“This plan should include comprehensive tax cuts and removing regulations that harm employers. These are the areas in which state leaders can show they have skin in the game,” Craney said.

On Monday, March 23, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker issued an order requiring all businesses and organizations that do not provide what he called “COVID-19 Essential Services” to “close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers, and the public” between noon Tuesday, March 24 and noon Tuesday, April 7.