Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C,I-Schoharie) joined his Assembly Minority colleagues today in announcing the “Jump-Start New York” plan for economic recovery, a comprehensive package of 20 legislative proposals that would restore the power of the legislative branch by curtailing Gov. Cuomo’s expanded executive powers and direct the state’s available financial resources towards economic recovery for “non-essential” small businesses that have lost revenue due to the governor’s economic restrictions during the pandemic through direct aid grants.

While the package will assist a broad variety of businesses through its numerous proposals, it gives special assistance to small farmers and renters who have had their incomes impacted by Gov. Cuomo’s restrictions during COVID-19, as landlords who haven’t been able to collect rent would receive a tax credit to help offset their losses, and farmers would see regulatory requirements and expenses loosened, with eligibility standards for funding broadened. The package would also support rural broadband expansion, which would help farmers and business owners in rural areas of the state expand their markets.

Funding for the program would come from capital programs such as START-UP NY as well as unallocated settlement funds. Additionally, further stimulus would be made available by making small businesses eligible for the Film Tax Credit. Qualifying small businesses would also be granted an extra 180 days to file their sales taxes, as well as a 180-day grace period to remedy regulatory violations without having to be subjected to fines or penalties. Fees for occupational licenses would be suspended for a year following any emergency declaration under the plan, providing financial relief to licensed professionals.

“‘Jump-Start New York’ is the common-sense proposal that working people of our state have been waiting for for far too long,” said Tague. “By passing this package of legislation, we will restore the constitutional authority of the Legislature and be empowered to once again address the needs and concerns of our constituents through the legislative process while also bringing desperately needed aid to our small businesses, farmers, renters and landlords. The proposals in this package are remedies our state has needed for months, so I’m hopeful this package will pass for the sake of the working people of our state.”

The Jump-Start New York Recovery Plan may be viewed here.