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This page offers all of Delaware Public Media's ongoing coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak and how it is affecting the First State. Check here regularly for the latest new and information.

Murray pledges support for small businesses in Gov. race

Murray For Delaware Facebook Page

Republican Gubernatorial candidate Julianne Murray announced a pledge to more strongly support small businesses in the First State.

At the Cafe on the Circle in Georgetown, Murray unveiled what she calls a “small business bill of rights,” a set of priorities that focus on supporting small businesses around the state.

 

Murray says Gov. John Carney hasn’t done enough to keep small businesses afloat amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“I really feel like what has happened with COVID-19 that small businesses have been shoved off to the side. And that people don’t realize how much small businesses contribute to the economy of Delaware and how devastating this is gonna be over the long haul.”

 

Murray says she wants to streamline regulations, ensure small businesses have a seat at the table of government and give businesses more time to adapt and respond to inspections or new regulations.

 

The Carney administration has made efforts to support small businesses through the pandemic, such as starting the Hospitality Emergency Loan Program and creating coronavirus protection standards for businesses to help assure customers they are taking necessary safety precautions.

 

Murray also wants more small business representation at Delaware Division of Small Business. She says Carney’s appointments don't go far enough to represent the business community.

 

“His economic council, his small business council has people who have never operated in the private sector. What does that say? We have a government that is out of touch with us.”

 

The current regional business managers at the division consist of two people with past private sector experience and two managers with a combined 35 years of business and trade governmental experience.

 

Murray says she doesn’t plan to turn her entire “small business bill of rights” into legislation, but hopes to work with the legislature to support small businesses if elected.

Roman Battaglia grew up in Portland, Ore, and now reports for Delaware Public Media as a Report For America corps member. He focuses on politics, elections and legislation activity at the local, county and state levels.