“We’ve sacrificed and done what was asked of us by King Cuomo during COVID-19. We’ve dealt with masks, moving phase requirements, lack of direction, loss of contact with friends, family, and loved ones. You can go to Walmart and Wegman’s but not your local mom and pop shop. Not your favorite breakfast place, mine’s Kipps, not your movie theatre or your barber, but Target is fine. Our small businesses were left out to dry during the pandemic and we need to give them the relief they deserve.

“I’m the Minority Ranker on the Assembly’s small business committee, and I’ve been fighting for a bill to give our small businesses the room and resources they need to get back on their feet with the Small Business Emergency Recovery Act of 2020. This recovery act would directly address the struggles our local business owners are facing.

“The nuts and bolts would immediately direct the state’s settlement reserve fund of $890 million toward small businesses, simultaneously create a 0% interest loan program dedicated to helping small businesses meet their payroll commitments, and repurpose available tax credits to help the needs of the state’s existing small businesses. It would also use all economic development discretionary funding for existing small businesses within New York state. The money’s already there. Lastly, it would move tax deadlines for remittance, business tax, and personal income tax ahead 180 days, and suspend all regulatory fees on small businesses for 180 days.

“These measures will directly relieve our businesses and help them flush up the necessary business to deal with the impact of the last few months. The backbone of not just our economy upstate but our way of life is centered around these small businesses. If we do not take these critical steps, we’re going to be facing more than just the fallout from the pandemic. If you have any questions or issues, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. We are here to help, we’re listening, and we’re working around the clock. Us New Yorkers are in this together.”