Approved February 9, 2021

RESOLUTION OF THE GREATER UTICA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SUPPORTING RELIEF PACKAGE FOR RESTAURANTS AND SMALL BUSINESSES

 

WHEREAS; various senators in the New York State Senate, including Sen. George Borrello from Jamestown, NY, are co-sponsoring several legislative measures that are aimed supporting the restaurant industry and other small businesses adversely affected by the Covid pandemic shutdowns; and

WHEREAS; one measure would block internet-based food delivery services from charging higher fees than they did prior to March 1, 2020, and also give restaurants a one-year extension for the renewal of liquor licenses; and

WHEREAS; another proposal would exempt small businesses from unemployment insurance rate increases due to layoffs; and

WHEREAS; the legislative package includes additional measures that would give businesses a 90-day grace period for penalties owed to government agencies; and

WHEREAS; the proposals would further give restaurants and small businesses more time to pay monthly sales and payroll taxes as well as business property taxes;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce supports the legislative proposals to provide relief to restaurants and other small businesses that have been harmed by the Covid pandemic restrictions; and further urges introduction and passage of similar measures in the State Assembly and enactment by Governor Andrew Cuomo.