Kulik introduces bill allowing limited operations for small retail businesses

Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik    April 28, 2020 | 12:45 PM

HARRISBURG, April 28 – Following up on the state’s recent decision to slowly rekindle parts of its economy, state Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Allegheny, said she wants to ensure small retail businesses are receiving the same consideration as larger retail corporations that have remained open throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, they’re a staple of our character and a driving force behind the forward progression of the Commonwealth,” Kulik said. “The COVID-19 pandemic forced a lot of these small businesses to close their doors. Meanwhile, larger corporations found ways to flourish despite the drastic – yet necessary – measures we all were forced to take. My bill seeks to ensure small retail businesses have a fighting chance to get back on their feet.”

Kulik’s legislation looks to help small businesses secure the “essential business” title that many larger corporations were able to secure at the beginning of the COVID-19 health crisis.

Specifically, the bill would only apply to retail businesses with 10 or fewer employees. The business would be allowed to operate on a limited basis during the health crisis, allowing only shopping online and through phone ordering. Kulik said the orders would then be picked up curbside or delivered to a customer’s home by the business, mail or other service. No customers would be allowed to enter the store and the business would need to ensure the safety of employees and customers.

Kulik said she hopes the legislation will be considered by the full House in the near future.

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