presented by Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance April 1st, 2022
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Quote(s) of the Week
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Long Island Lobby Coalition Heads to Albany
The Long Island Lobby Coalition traveled to Albany on March 8, 2022, with a diverse delegation of Long Islanders ranging from local civic and chamber organizations to island-wide transportation, environmental, child, human needs and housing advocates. With over 100 organizations working together to advance meaningful improvements to Long Island’s quality of life and economy, the Coalition’s 2022 agenda included important regulatory, budget and legislative actions which are both practical and reasonable for Albany to achieve in order to help Long Island. The Long Island Lobby Coalition was founded in 2009 as a diverse alliance of organizations working together to advance meaningful improvements to Long Island’s quality of life and our economy. Since its founding, 16 bills on the Coalitions agenda have been enacted into law, and over 25 budget and regulatory proposals were approved with key Long Island infrastructure projects funded. This year’s agenda included the following:
A delegation of the group met with the LI Senate Majority Delegation including NYS Senators Anna Kaplan, Jim Gaughran, Jon Brooks, Kevin Thomas and Todd Kaminsky. A delegation of the group met with the LI Senate Minority Delegation including NYS Senators Phil Boyle, Mario Mattera, Alexis Weik and Anthony Palumbo. Meeting with LI Assembly Delegation including members of the Majority and the Minority including Judy Griffin, Gina Sillitti, Steve Stern, Kim Jean Pierre, Charles Lavine, Ed Ra, Michael Fitzpatrick, Keith Brown, Jarret Gandolfo, Jodi Giglio, Fred Thiele and David McDonough along with the staff of other Assemblymembers who had pre-existing conflicts. The day closed with a Meeting with 11 members of the Governor’s Policy Team led by the Secretary to the Governor. All of the meetings there was significant and in some cases enthusiastic support for the agenda put together by the Coalition. A focused exchange of ideas and follow up items were part of the conversations with the budget being negotiated during the time of the groups visit. In most cases there was a focus on bipartisanship for Long Island’s needs as the consensus of the meetings. Special Thanks to NYS Senator Anna Kaplan, Phil Boyle, Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, Office of Senator Todd Kaminsky and Andrew Mulvey from the Office of NYS Governor Kathy Hochul for setting up the meetings for the Coalition as the Capital was reopening. Senator Anna M. Kaplan said “It was great to have the Long Island Lobby Coalition back in-person in Albany this week for an important discussion about our region’s needs and priorities. I’m grateful for Co-Chairs Adrienne Esposito of Citizens Campaign for the Environment and Eric Alexander of Vision Long Island for spearheading this important effort, and I look forward to a continued strong partnership with the entire coalition as we fight for Long Island during the State budget season.” The following are some highlights of several key LI Lobby Coalition agenda items which have been embraced by the Governor’s office and have now been included in either/or both the Senate One-House Budget Bill and the Assembly State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2022-23 Budget:
Bus Funding for NICE and Suffolk County Transit The Assembly proposed spending plan includes more than $3 billion in childcare investments, including $2 billion to maintain current subsidies and expand the eligibility from 200 percent of the federal poverty level to 400 percent; Increases the childcare market rate from the 69th percentile to the 90th percentile; Adds $500 million for additional childcare stabilization grants to assist with provider costs such as wages, rent, and other operational needs; and $200 million in capital support to expand childcare access and availability, with a priority on investments in childcare deserts.
Environment & Energy
This year is the coalition's 13th year with over 100 organizations in support and 40 of the groups represented at this year’s Lobby Day. A full summary of the proceedings will follow on the social media pages of Vision Long Island, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, LI Federation of Labor, LI Main Street Alliance, Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, LI Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, LI African American Chambers of Commerce and other coalition members. Some quotes from members of the Alliance: “We are very excited to be back in Albany Meeting face-to-face with our elected officials to provide solutions that boost Long Island’s economy, help local businesses, provide funding for wastewater infrastructure, and advance programs to help working class Long Islanders. The diversity of this coalition is unprecedented strengthens our calls to action,” - Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment "A continued reminder about our Latino and minority small businesses not to be forgotten post COVID ,to be financially and included in policies that favor our businesses and communities." - Luis Vasquez, President, LI Hispanic Chamber of Commerce “Proud to be a part of the Long Island Lobby Coalition in Albany to help pass important small businesses legislation. Small businesses desperately need tax relief and shelter from these troubling economic times. Support for local businesses is the cornerstone to our survival.” - Bob Fonti & Gina Coletti, Suffolk County Alliance of Chambers of Commerce “As the NYS starts to open back up fully I want make sure that Hempstead is front and center to get the help we need after the great impact of Covid on our community and businesses. We are supporting needed for Universal preschool, Youth, Elderly and veteran programs, rental and homeless assistance, infrastructure and downtown projects.” - Hon. Clariona Griffith, Trustee, Village of Hempstead “The Huntington Chamber of Commerce fully supports the additional allocation of funding for local small business to unable them to fully recover from the devastating economic impacts from Covid. “FCA is proud to be a member of the Long Island Lobby Coalition, where we all speak with one voice for the needs of our region, our people and our future. Our region’s economy struggled during COVID, as did our families and now more than ever, we need the dollars necessary to address the health and human service needs that have spiraled in recent years. Targeted state investments in mental health services, addiction treatment, violence prevention, workforce development, health promotion and child care will help rebuild the safety net that’s become frayed.” - Jeffrey L. Reynolds, Ph.D, President/CEO, Family & Children’s Association (FCA) “The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce is excited to be a part of the Long Island Lobby Coalition. Issues critical for Long Land are supporting our small businesses, need for infrastructure dollars to help our local communities revitalize our downtowns, helping those in need, advancing solar and wind power, funding for transportation, and making our island sustainable and affordable.” - Valerie Anderson Campbell, Nassau County Director, Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Valerie Anderson Campbell, LI African American Chamber of Commerce “It is important to level the playing field between companies that benefited from NYS regulations through the pandemic and the bulk of NYS Small business owners. We are simply asking that small businesses on Long Island get their fair share of resources from the programs put in place to assist.” - Frank Camarano, President, Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce The NYS Assembly State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2022-23 Budget is available here. Check out Long Island Business News' coverage of Lobby Day here.
New Yorkers Seek Solar Energy Amid Skyrocketing Energy Bills
With energy bills skyrocketing, many New Yorkers are looking for alternative energy sources, such as solar power. While COVID has left some industries struggling, solar has seen a recent boom on Long Island. Scott Maskin, CEO of SUNation in Ronkonkoma, confirms there has been a business surge, especially over the past few months "We're seeing a surge really in energy awareness. That's what I like to refer to it as," said Mr. Maskin. "It's not just solar, it's backup storage systems, and electric vehicle charging, especially with the climate that we're in right now." SUNation, a solar installer, has found the recent economic uncertainty driving more people to focus on energy independence. Solar systems can decrease electric costs, increase property value, and as a renewable resource, significantly decrease carbon emissions. According to Mr. Maskin, although there is an upfront cost to install solar panels, “The goal is to get to zero, and to size the solar system to get to zero so that the average savings is their whole electric bill.” In some cases, those panels can take care of almost an entire energy bill. You can see more at the Eyewitness News ABC7 NY article and video here. SBA to Defer Payment on COVID EIDL Loans
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer announced on March 15, 2022 that the Small Business Administration (SBA) will defer payment on all approved COVID EIDL loans for an additional 6 months, for a total of 30 months of deferment of principal and interest payments from inception of the COVID EIDL loan. NYS Comptroller’s Conducting Survey on Cost of Climate Change Adaptation
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli is undertaking an assessment of how much local governments are spending to adapt to climate change. The Comptroller’s office is asking the NYS DEC’s Climate Smart Communities to describe and quantify the costs related to any planning, capital or maintenance investments that their local government has made to fix problems caused or exacerbated by climate change-related hazards, and to reduce risks of future damages. A report summarizing the results of this survey will be generated. The survey will be open to respondents through April 18, 2022 and can be viewed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K92F5J6. Local government officials are encouraged reach out to Comptroller DiNapoli’s office at localgov@osc.ny.gov or (518) 408 -4934, option 1 with any questions or concerns. |
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Village of Hempstead Pushes for Funding to Cover Cost of Water System Repairs
Revealing that the Village of Hempstead’s water plant has leaked, and the Village’s entire water distribution system needs serious upgrades to continue ensuring adequate water supply, quality and treatment in the Village of Hempstead, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer has made a $3.2 million-dollar federal push to jump-start water system rehab across the Village. In a March 7th press release, Senator Schumer announced that he will fight to add the Village of Hempstead’s water plant project and upgrades to the upcoming federal budget, advancing the chance for phase one of this project to get off the ground ASAP. The total cost hovers at around $10 million and includes the central Hempstead Village. “The drip-drip-drip of longtime disrepair, due to such high costs, at this plant and throughout the village water system, has compromised water quality, distribution and supply in the Village of Hempstead for far too long,” U.S. Senator Charles Schumer advised, and locals should not have to foot the bill for the entire project because it would be impossible to afford. The Village has long faced critical water infrastructure challenges, Senator Schumer stressed. Village officials have confirmed that the water system is already capacity-strained and needs to be upgraded to sustain current service levels and to accommodate future service levels. The Village’s proposed Water Improvements Project will utilize locally held funds for the construction of improvements to the Village water treatment plant and water mains distribution system to improve water quality, availability and fire flow downtown. The construction will include "Phase 1" and "Phase 2" which will include the areas of Lent Ave, Washington St, Burr Ave, Kallum Place, and Main St. The project will install 7,430 LF of water mains in the downtown area to replace the deteriorating water distribution system which is adversely affecting the health and safety of residents. The Village acknowledges the total project cost is near impossible to afford at the local level and that the project involves essential infrastructure. Most of the existing drinking water infrastructure in the Village is in a compromised and deteriorating state, causing significant health risks to Village residents. The current capacity of 12.62 million of gallons per day (MGD) of the water system is just about adequate to meet only the Peak Day demand. This capacity is inadequate to meet the design flow of 14.94 MGD, which includes the Fire Flow requirement, and the possibility of downtown development. “Senator Schumer has always been a friend to the people of the Village of Hempstead. Clean water is a basic human right and I am thankful he has not forgotten about Hempstead as we work together to bring greater resources to our community,” remarked Hempstead Village Mayor Waylyn Hobbs, Jr. Westbury Arts Celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month
Westbury Arts announces its newest art exhibition, “The Art of Jazz”. This free exhibit seeks to explore the connection between the creative process behind jazz and visual art. Jazz musicians who are also visual artists will be kicking off “The Art of Jazz” exhibition at Westbury Arts, 255 Schenck Avenue, Westbury, on Friday, April 1, from 7 to 9 pm, The evening includes a panel discussion where artists will talk about the relationship and interaction between their visual and musical art. Continuing through April 30, weekly concerts will feature one or more of the selected musician artists. More information about how to obtain tickets to the evening jazz performances will be posted on Eventbrite when the schedule is finalized. Click here to view Eventbrite page This program is supported by a NYS 2021 - 2022 Restart NY Grant administered by the Huntington Arts Council. |
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Upcoming Small Business Webinars
Let’s welcome the New Normal with more information and networking. Check out these events coming up in April. Mon. 4/4/2022 12:00pm-1:00pm (SBA and Thomas Yoseloff Business Center, NYC Public Library) Tue. 4/5/2022 1:00pm-2:00pm (SBA and Hudson Park Library) Wed. 4/6/2022 11:00am-12:00pm (SBA and Queens Chamber of Commerce) Mon. 4/11/2022 12:00pm-1:00pmm (SBA and Italy-America Chamber of Commerce) Tue. 4/12/2022 11:00am-12:30pm (SBA and Pursuit Lending, SBA 504 Certified Development Corp. ) Tue. 4/12/2022 1:00pm-2:00pm (SBA and Hudson Park Library) Wed. 4/13/2022 9:30am-10:30am (SBA and LaGuardia Community College SBDC) Wed. 4/13/2022 2:00pm-3:00pm (SBA and Northeast Small Business Transportation Resource Center, U.S. Department of Transportation) Thurs. 4/14/2022 9:30am-10:30am (SBA and York College SBDC) Tue. 4/19/2022 11:00am-12:00pm (SBA and Pursuit Lending, a SBA 504 Certified Development Corp.) Tue. 4/19/2022 1:00pm-2:00pm (SBA and Hudson Park Library) Wed. 4/20/2022 10:30am-11:30am (SBA and Flushing Library) Wed. 4/20/2022 3:00pm-4:00pm (SBA and Flushing Library) Thurs. 4/21/2022 9:30am- 10:30am (SBA and LaGuardia Community College SBDC) Thurs. 4/21/2022 10:30am- 11:30am (SBA and LaGuardia Community College SBDC) Thurs. 4/21/2022 100pm- 2:00pm (SBA and Manhattan Chamber of Commerce) Thurs. 4/21/2022 2:00pm- 3:30pm (SBA and Pursuit Lending, SBA 504 Certified Development Corp. ) Tue. 4/26/2022 1:00pm-2:00pm (SBA and Hudson Park Library) Wed. 4/27/2022 1:00pm-2:00pm (SBA and Renaissance Economic Development Corp) Wed. 4/27/2022 2:00pm-3:00pm (SBA and Renaissance Economic Development Corp) Thurs. 4/28/2022 11:00am-12:00pm (SBA and Queens Chamber of Commerce) Middle Island Civic to Host Local Clean Up
The Middle Island Civic Association is joining with the Coram and Gordon Heights Civics, Gordon Heights Chamber, Longwood CSD, Suffolk County Police Department and local elected officials for a cleanup of Main Street on Saturday, April 2nd. Home Depot and other area businesses are donating supplies. Baldwin Civic Encourages Local Community to Join Cash Mobs
The Baldwin Civic Association is encouraging community members to support local businesses by joining a cash mob at the following eateries: Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to Host Latino Leaders Luncheon
The Chamber’s “Stronger Together” theme will help create opportunities to provide support for businesses facing the world left behind due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Call 516-333-0105 or email admin@lihcc.org to RSVP. |
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Our SponsorRuskin Moscou Faltischek P.C.
Ruskin Moscou Faltischek is the premier Long Island law firm. Founded in 1968, the firm has consistently evolved and expanded to meet our clients’ changing needs. As specialized as they are diverse, they have built cornerstone groups that represent all major practice areas of law including: corporate & securities, commercial litigation, real estate, health care, commercial lending, corporate restructuring and bankruptcy, employment, and trusts & estates. Their clientele is diverse, sophisticated and includes large and mid-sized corporations, privately held businesses, institutions and individuals. With more than 65 attorneys, superior knowledge of the law, polished business acumen and proven credentials, Ruskin Moscou Faltischek has earned a reputation for excellence and success. It is this ongoing achievement that makes us an acknowledged leader among our peers and the preferred choice among Long Island business leaders. |
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