Tattoo artists, body piercers, and shop owners are suffering due to these shutdowns. While some have financial help due to the COVID-19 relief bill, it’s still not enough to keep these businesses running and plenty are already going out of business due to these shutdowns. Families are in deep financial hardship, and $1200 is not enough for these shop owners to keep their business going as well as for their homes to be paid. Small business loans are available; however with the increase in these loans many are not getting the help they need, and paying back those loans will only make it worse for these businesses to thrive.

Just like after the last economic crisis, those who surround the president will have tremendous power to shape our economic future. We need to know that the people Joe Biden chooses for the job have our interests at heart as they set priorities, award contracts, write new regulations, and enforce the law. Former Vice-President Biden has offered few specifics about who he would appoint. Biden’s known advisers include many admirably public interest-minded experts. However, many people who have advised, worked on, or fundraised for his campaign are closely tied to industries such as pharmaceuticals, private equity, and real estate. If empowered, they could not be expected to put their economic interests aside for the good of the American people. There are countless qualified, committed individuals ready and willing to serve in a Biden administration in order to ferociously defend and advance the public interest as this country tackles coronavirus and its aftermath. Tell Joe Biden that people who have been working on behalf of corporate interests or used past government service for personal gain should not be welcome in his administration.

There are many essential workers like the governor, police, doctors, emt workers, correction officers, store workers, food workers, kids, teens and all Americans that need to reduce their high levels of stress during these unprecedented times. Martial arts schools are equipped with Heavy bags in many cases spaced out and can provide great instructed classes. Considering this will create a sense of normality and have these frontliners along with the American people feel great and ready to report to work feeling strong and healthy. As we know a healthy immune system is ideal to fight the Covid-19 this will also help with all the stress eating that is going around creating a bigger problem in the health of many families. Governor of NY has shut down gyms and fitness centers as well Martial Arts academies and has deemed them non essential. We are essential, especially when the mission is to keep kids, teens and adults active and healthy which is ideal given the current situation. Support the movement of healthy living and support the martial arts community.

There are a lot of petitions going around asking you to let hair stylists, barbers, nail technicians, aestheticians, massage therapists, etc. go back to work. Even though they are suggesting using sanitation and proper cdc guidelines, this is in no way possible. Please understand we are touching everyone that walks in the door. Even if we limit it to one client at a time per service provider we are still putting ourselves and everyone that walks in at risk. Are aesthetics essential enough? It’s a NO from me!

Cigar smokers need their nicotine just as much as drinkers need their alcohol, perhaps more so. The revenue lost is causing hardships now & will continue to do so for a long time to come. Let us go back to work!

This is important to protect human life over the dollar, let’s hold ourselves to that standard if nothing else.

Human touch is an essential need that we have been without for what seems an eternity. This may seem unimportant but while we are being distanced we are creating more and more stress in our lives. Massage therapy is more than just a feel good therapy... it absolutely reduces stress, mental anguish, and anxiety. All of these can contribute to weakened immune systems and a less productive community. Please support this proposal and allow massage professionals to return to work and allow us to contribute to the well being of our city.

North Carolina tattoo artists are a vital part of their communities, all Are required to have up to date certifications including but not limited to Cross Contamination prevention, first aid, CPR and most have multiple years of training in their field. We are also citizens, families, taxpayers, and provide a service that has been proven to be compromised when we, as a form of licensed, provisioned, health care worker, cannot operate from our licensed facilities. Time and time again we as tattoo shop owners, artists, and employees have seen a dramatic rise in major infection, disease, and sometimes death from the closing of our establishments. COVID19 is MORE likely to be spread by those tattooing or piercing at home. It is dangerous and negligent to think that we, as tax payers and competent, well respected shop owners and tattoo artist alike cannot help the current situation rather than hinder it.

The survival of the independent tattoo professionals is at risk. We are facing a grave financial hardship.

As hair stylists we are trained in sanitation and keeping our tools and work stations clean. We need to be able to provide for ourselves and our family's.

Tattoo artist have lost their income with no or delayed response from government relief, for a mandated shutdown that is putting families and individuals in financial peril

This is important because we need to make a living just like anyone else. This is our livelihood and our customers are anxious to get back in. This isolation has been stressful and a lot of our patrons use our services as a form of therapy.