Sen. Hickman proposes emergency legislation to provide financial relief for businesses affected by December storm

AUGUSTA – On Tuesday, the Legislative Council approved a bill proposed by Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop, to provide fiscal relief for businesses impacted by the December storm. “An Act to Provide Relief to Storm-Impacted Retail Businesses,” received a vote of 10-0.

“My entire district has been ravaged by the devastating December storm,” said Sen. Hickman. “I have heard from multiple constituents who own small businesses who are fearful of what closing during the busiest time of the year could mean for them and their employees in the months to come. Some businesses rely on their profits during the holiday shopping season to carry them through majority of the year. I believe it is the state’s duty to support these businesses and ensure the stability of local economies.”

The Legislative Council is a bipartisan committee comprising members of Legislative leadership and presiding officers.

Now that the Legislative Council has approved the bill, it will be assigned to a committee in order to facilitate a public hearing and work session.