From State Rep. Dan Ugaste:

Ugaste Backs Bill to Protect Small Businesses

GENEVA—To support small businesses amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, State Representative Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) has signed on as a co-sponsor to HB5796, the Fair Business Treatment Act.

This legislation was filed to ensure small businesses have the same opportunities as big box stores as the effects of the Stay at Home Order continues. Amid the ongoing economic stress, businesses have been pushing to reopen while adhering to the necessary health and safety protocols.  This legislation ensures that they have that opportunity moving forward.

“The health and safety of our residents has and will remain of utmost importance as we navigate this pandemic,” said Rep. Ugaste. 

“But we can’t forget about the undue economic hardship this pandemic has forced upon our business community. 

“Our local shops that sell the same goods as big box stores—but weren’t allowed to open—is an unjust restriction put on us by the Pritzker Administration, and is one that has deeply hurt our local economies. 

“This bill will right that wrong and make sure all businesses are treated fairly.”

Rep. Ugaste backed this bill, supporting small businesses and finding that they can a safer environment for consumers to shop—compared to the high traffic volumes larger stores are experiencing right now. 

As the Stay at Home order is lifted and communities across Illinois enter Phase 3 of reopening, necessary social distancing protocols are still necessary to ensure the safety of residents amid the ongoing threat of COIVD-19. 

“There is no reason small businesses can’t adopt these protocols,” continued Ugaste. 

“Shops on Main Street should be given the same chance to carry on their business and recover from this economic hit.”

HB 5796 was filed on Friday in the House of Representatives and has been backed by a growing number of co-sponsors.