As Western New York moves through the phases of reopening, we should all take immense pride in the communal spirit that has allowed us to flatten the curve and continues making it safe for our economy to reopen. Without the individual efforts of every citizen, this reopening would not be possible.

Our businesses, particularly our small employers, have been struggling for nearly three months now. Because of our state’s existing difficult business climate and high taxes, it’s already hard to get a business off the ground and to keep one running. Every month is an accomplishment. But the fact that so many of our small businesses have been able to hold on during the shutdown is remarkable and we must do everything to support them.

That’s why I’ve been encouraging the public to support our local businesses and restaurants throughout the pandemic by ordering take out, purchasing gift cards to use later and ordering online or curbside where you can. Now that shops and services are reopening, it’s time to start supporting these businesses full time again. Make every Saturday Small Business Saturday from now on. Furthermore, I’m sponsoring new legislation known as the New York First Act.

The New York First Act would provide grants to highlight local services and initiatives in communities across the state including in retail, restaurants, banking, charitable organizations and other services. The program will support online marketing, social media, search engine optimization and provide business assistance. The goal of the legislation is to bridge the digital divide for our local businesses so that consumers can keep money in the community, create local jobs, enhance customer service, and improve and contribute to their community’s quality of life. As consumers, by choosing local we can directly impact our local economy’s ability to succeed. This bill will help more of our local businesses compete in today’s global online marketplace.

Throughout the pandemic, I’ve been calling on the governor to reconsider what businesses are allowed to be opened. For example, I believed that if national big box retailers could stay open, why couldn’t our locally owned, specialty small businesses stay open as well? I also called on him to allow restaurants to serve patrons in outdoor seating areas using social distancing and sanitation procedures — and he listened. Starting this week, restaurants will now be able to serve you outdoors. Just check with your favorite establishment ahead of time to make sure they can accommodate you and be sure to still bring a mask to wear when you aren’t seated at your table.

Additionally, to support and strengthen our economy we need safe and improved infrastructure. That’s why I’ve called on the governor to release $743 million in local infrastructure construction and maintenance project funding immediately so that crews can get to work before more of the summer construction season is lost. He must allow the funding to be released so our local roads, bridges and culverts can also be improved now.

The last three months have no doubt have been difficult and challenging. But within the dark clouds, beams of light have shown through. Our essential workers served us with distinction and honor and deserve our praise and gratitude. I am also pleased to report that my office assisted hundreds of constituents and business owners with unemployment and bureaucratic issues. Please know I will keep fighting for you and for a full restoration of our economy. I know we will continue supporting one another as we continue rebounding from the shutdown. As always, if you need any help, my office is here to assist you. Please call us at (716) 839-4691 or email at norrism@nyassembly.gov.