“Right now, in March 2020, we are living in an unprecedented time,” said Miller. “We have faced pandemics in the past, but we have not seen coordinated shutdowns like this. This is something new for us. First and foremost, these shutdowns are the right thing to do in order to stem the growth of the Coronavirus and I believe the governor has done well in addressing it thus far.

“That being said, we cannot close small businesses and act as though there are not a lot of people adversely affected by it. Business owners are hurting. Their employees are hurting. Their families are hurting. When revenue isn’t coming in like it normally does, people cannot take care of their families. Small businesses support local economies throughout our state. It is our turn to support them. To help address this issue, my colleagues and I have introduced the Small Business Emergency Recovery Act of 2020.”

This proposal will:

• Direct the state’s $890 million settlement reserve fund toward providing relief to small businesses;
• Create a zero percent interest loan program for businesses who need help meeting payroll;
• Re-purpose any available tax credits to help the state’s small businesses;
• Use all economic development funds, defined as discretionary funds, to help small businesses in New York state;
• Move ahead tax deadlines for remittance, business tax and personal income tax by 180 days; and
• Suspend all regulatory fees on small businesses for 180 days.

“I believe these steps are necessary to help our residents and to keep from adding to their stress levels,” said Miller. “Right now, people are scared, they are confused and they are wondering how they will provide for their families. I hope the entire Assembly can come together – in a bipartisan effort – to pass the Small Business Emergency Recovery Act of 2020 which will allay some of those concerns.”