New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A03618

Introduced
1/29/25  
Refer
1/29/25  

Caption

Establishes the New York small business relief fund to provide grants to small businesses who have suffered economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; provides for a tax write-off for gifts made to such fund.

Summary

Bill A03618 establishes the New York State Small Business Relief Fund to support small businesses that have experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill allows taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to this fund through their personal income tax returns, with the contributions not reducing the taxpayer's state tax owed. The fund will be used exclusively for providing grants to eligible small businesses, defined as those with 100 or fewer employees that have suffered a revenue loss of over 40% during a specified period in 2020 compared to the previous year.

Impact

The bill amends the tax law and state finance law, creating a new section that facilitates taxpayer contributions to the Small Business Relief Fund. This fund will be managed by the commissioner of taxation and finance and the state comptroller, ensuring that the collected revenues are allocated specifically for grants to small businesses affected by the pandemic. This legislative change aims to provide financial relief and support to small businesses, which are crucial to the state's economy.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A03618 appears to be positive, as it addresses the urgent need for financial assistance to small businesses struggling due to the pandemic. There is a recognition of the importance of supporting local economies, and the bill has garnered support from various stakeholders who see it as a necessary step towards recovery.

Contention

While the bill has received general support, there may be some contention regarding the effectiveness of the proposed fund and the criteria for determining which businesses qualify for grants. Some lawmakers and stakeholders may express concerns about the potential bureaucratic hurdles in accessing the funds or the adequacy of the financial support provided to truly assist small businesses in recovery.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY S02646

Establishes the New York small business relief fund to provide grants to small businesses who have suffered economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; provides for a tax write-off for gifts made to such fund.

NY A05233

Establishes the New York small business relief fund consisting of monetary penalties imposed by the state liquor authority to provide grants to small businesses which have suffered economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NY A04101

Establishes the "save our small-business grant program" to aid certain small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

NY S06589

Establishes the "save our small-business grant program" to aid certain small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

NY AJR112

Establishes "Commission to Review Impact of COVID-19 on Small Businesses."

NY A07588

Enacts the "New York small business growth and support act"; authorizes certain tax exemptions for newly established small businesses during their first three years of operations.

NY S2422

Requires certain funds from Main Street Recovery Fund to be used for grants for veteran-owned small businesses.

NY HB596

Economic Development; small towns, programs established to fund businesses, reuse of properties, and other grants, administered by Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs; tax credit established

NY A09594

Establishes a small business content creator matching pilot program; provides that the division of small business shall establish a pilot program to match small businesses that are looking for support with marketing and advertisement with content creators who can use their social media platforms to bring attention to the small businesses they are matched with.

NY HF3091

St. Paul and West St. Paul; grant funding provided for economic development and job retention efforts for small businesses, and money appropriated.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.