HB58

I am speaking up for my neighbors in NH who have been impacted by Long Covid, in support of Bill HB58. Its critically important to assess, acknowledge and respond to the ways in which the economic impact of Long Covid damages communities, businesses and individuals. As a "First Waver" infected early in 2020, I know firsthand the economic devistation Long Covid can wreak. I was a small business owner, active in community and civic organizations, and contributing to the revitalization of a Maine Maine Street downtown community. My cafe provided jobs, training, a community gathering place, support for local schools and community organizations, and drew customers to the downtown, supporting vital small businesses. Its hard to measure the precise cost of the gap to the local economy when I became disabled by Long Covid and had to close my business. But the loss of one small business isn't the whole story-there are many more like me, and many more larger employers who are now faced with an increasingly covid-disabled workforce who want to work, but need accommodations for our unique energetic and cognitive needs. Every part of Long Covid touches the economy, and I hope you will learn more and support this bill.