Sen. Hickman introduces bill to help small businesses affected by severe storms

AUGUSTA – On Tuesday, Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop, testified at a public hearing from the Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business (IDEA) Committee regarding LD 2191, “An Act to Provide Relief to Small Businesses Affected by the Severe Weather-related Events” would run congruently with Gov. Mills’ efforts to provide storm relief. Sen. Hickman’s relief proposal is specifically meant to aid small businesses and their employees as opposed to the Governor’s proposal to provide relief to infrastructure.

“As a small business owner myself, I firmly believe small businesses are the backbone of our state’s economy,” said Hickman. “These entrepreneurs and their employees are our families, neighbors and friends. We must, as empowered by the people we represent, do all we can to support them. It’s up to Mainers to have Mainers’ backs. That’s what this emergency legislation is about.”

Senator Hickman’s legislation has garnered bipartisan sponsorship, as it will positively impact Mainers across all counties who were effected by each storm that hit the state this season. The goal is to create a fund to serve as an insurance policy for small businesses to tap into when their own insurance won’t assist in repairing damage. The fund can be added to by the legislation, as well as public and private donations. As it stands, flood insurance does not cover these small businesses that were flooded and forced to close. This will assist those businesses who cannot afford to fight the insurance agencies and ensure they’re not forced to close their doors permanently.

Rep. Dan Shagoury, D-Hallowell, mirrors Sen. Hickman’s concerns regarding the relief being discussed and how there is an emergent need to assist small business owners.

“Maine’s small businesses here in Kennebec County are having a hard time rebuilding and reopening in the wake of the significant flooding we experienced during the devastating storms in December and January,” said Shagoury. “They can’t afford to wait for federal aid that, if it comes, won’t be available for months. They need help now, and I believe the state should step up and provide some of that help.”

LD 2191 faces further consideration in committee.