From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Small Business Commission’s Emergency Task Force has formed a subcommittee on reopening the state’s economy and plans to present a plan to the governor.
Lieutenant Gov. Will Ainsworth made the announcement Thursday, saying a plan will be presented to Gov. Kay Ivey and State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris, by April 17.
“Reopening Alabama’s economy and getting businesses back to work will not be like flipping a light switch, but it will more likely be accomplished in stages once the COVID-19 pandemic begins to ease,” Ainsworth said. “The purpose of this subcommittee is to provide a roadmap to reopening the economy that balances the public’s health and safety with the need for small business owners and employees to resume operations.”
Issues considered by the subcommittee will include easing restrictions on restaurants and store capacity guidelines. The subcommittee will also consider ways businesses can continue social distancing while increasing commerce once the threat has passed.
State Rep. Danny Garrett (R – Trussville) will serve as chairman of the subcommittee, and the other members include:
• Senator Chris Elliott (R – Fairhope)
• Senator Garlan Gudger (R – Cullman)
• Representative Joe Lovvorn (R – Auburn)
• Rosemary Elebash – National Federation of Independent Business, Alabama State Chair
• Mindy Hanan – Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association, Executive Director
• Katie Britt – Business Council of Alabama, CEO
• Rick Brown – Alabama Retail Association, President
• Tony Cochran of CK Business Solutions in Albertville
• Stephen McNair of McNair Historic Preservation in Mobile
