The Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally (LOCAL) Act would provide small businesses with up to $4,000 for marketing in community media
Small businesses in Canarsie and all of southeast Brooklyn might soon be receiving some much-needed financial relief.
Earlier this month, State Senator Monica R. Martinez and Assemblywoman Jen Lunsford introduced the Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally (LOCAL) Act, which would establish a new $10 million tax credit for small businesses advertising in local media outlets. The LOCAL Act aims to support the marketing needs of small businesses – especially those that are minority-, woman- or veteran-owned, or that have 10 employees or fewer – while keeping investment in the media outlets that New Yorkers rely on every day for critical information.
“This legislation fosters a cycle of growth, allowing small businesses to expand their reach while simultaneously supporting the media outlets that keep New Yorkers informed and engaged,” Martinez said.
The legislation has already garnered staunch support from the media and business communities. Led by The Empire State Local News Coalition, which is composed of over 200 local newspapers across New York – including the Canarsie Courier – the bill has received praise from business trade groups throughout the state, which view the proposal as a solution to increase investment in small businesses and sustain local news organizations.
“The LOCAL Act is a win-win-win for local businesses, local news and local communities,” Zachary Richner, founding member of the Empire State Local News Coalition, said. “These institutions are intricately connected and work together to create the vibrant communities that New Yorkers love.”
The bill comes as the 2025 Legislative Session kicks off and negotiations begin on the State’s next fiscal year budget, which must be passed by both the Senate and Assembly and signed by Governor Kathy Hochul by April 1st. The tax credit would need to be included in the State’s final spending plan.
“The LOCAL Act is about more than just advertising – it’s about investing in the economic health of our local communities and investing in the kind of local journalism that we need now more than ever,” Martinez’ fellow bill sponsor, Lunsford, said.
Under the LOCAL Act, a minority-, woman- or veteran-owned business, as well as any business with 10 employees or fewer, would be eligible to receive a refundable tax credit of 80% of its first $5,000 of local advertising for a maximum credit of $4,000 per year. The program would be capped at $10 million annually.
“The proposed legislation represents an out-of-the-box approach aimed at improving the plight of small local businesses and struggling local news organizations,” Canarsie Courier Publisher Donna Marra said. “It is the kind of thinking needed to propel economic prosperity in the upcoming, new Golden Age, which all starts at the local level.”