“My business is struggling since there is no income,” Hamilton said.
Coronavirus: Complete coverage from the Dayton Daily News
Closed by government decree since March 24, he said they missed out on proms, secretaries week and Easter and look forward to reopening at the beginning of May in time for Mothers Day.
“Who was it who first taught you how to wash your hands? Mom,” he said.
But he and other people in his industry are concerned that if they are forced to stay closed they will lose employees to other companies that were allowed to stay open. And if they can reopen, he said, rehiring people might be difficult as displaced workers could temporarily make more money on unemployment than working because of a short-time federal boost to unemployment.
“In addition to the questions of my employees returning, their safety and that of our customers, I have to worry about the economy being strong enough that demand for flowers and gifts continues,” he said.
Coronavirus: Confused about unemployment? We answer your questions.
Other businesses that testified Monday – using the Zoom video chat software – included owners of a salon in St. Henry, an antique store in Nelsonville, a restaurant in Westlake and a crossfit gym in North Ridgeville.
Most said they recognize the risks posed by coronavirus but that they have plans in place for cleaning and social distancing to protect their employees and customers.
Some said the state of Ohio went too far in shutting down private businesses in the first place.
“I do believe this was terrible government overreach that was politically motivated and it’s taken place at the expense of many small businesses, and that is unconstitutional and that is wrong,” said Bill Bader Jr., owner of Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk.
Coronavirus: Tell us your story ideas
Bader previously generated controversy when he publicly stated recently he would reopen with or without the state’s permission. He said Monday that he would limit events and change business practices to prevent the spread of the virus.
“I don’t think you’re really doing any harm by doing business,” responded state Rep. Nino Vitale, R-Urbana. “We don’t need any more central government planning and restrictions. We need to get Ohio open again.”
>> Cash flow key to post-crisis economic recovery
Tim Burga, president of the Ohio AFL-CIO, also testified Monday and said the state should take more action to protect and compensate workers. The union leader advocated raising the minimum wage, requiring paid sick leave, offering hazard pay for workers deemed essential and making it harder for companies to classify employees as contractors.
“As this task force looks at at the many issues of reopening the state and restarting the economy, I ask we first look at those who are putting their life on the line to support their families and serve our communities.”
About the Author
