Serino Demands Answers For Still-Shuttered Businesses

HYDE PARK – Ahead of the Legislature’s Joint Public Hearing on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Workforce, Senator Sue Serino held a virtual press conference to urge the state to immediately release health and safety guidelines to any and all businesses that have yet to receive clearance to reopen. Serino is also calling on the state to recognize the disproportionate financial hardship the excessive delay in reopening has caused these particular industries and is demanding the state provide immediate financial and regulatory relief to those they have refused to allow to reopen.

Serino was joined by representatives from over 20 Hudson Valley businesses as well as Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro, and leaders of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Putnam County Business Council.

“No one is asking for a rush to reopen. We all agree health and safety must be our top priority, but the state has fallen down on the job by refusing to even acknowledge the plight of these particular industries that have been totally left behind,” said Senator Sue Serino. “I am hearing from countless constituents who are at a loss as the state has gone radio silent, refusing to answer questions or provide even a timeline for when they can expect to receive guidelines that would allow them to plan for a safe reopening. It’s not right. These are real people, with real families to support, whose businesses have been the backbone of our communities for decades. These hardworking New Yorkers—and the thousands they employ—deserve answers, and they deserve relief now.”

Specifically, the participants called on the state to apply its established rules fairly across the board, to communicate clearly with these businesses and to release the guidelines they desperately need to reopen safely. Serino made it clear that if the state has a legitimate, scientific reason for keeping a business closed, then it needs to communicate that to them directly and give the businesses an opportunity to effectively address the concern. Serino went on to argue that if the state still believes they cannot safely reopen, then it needs to step up and provide them with immediate financial support by using some of the billions of dollars in unused CARES Act funding to create a relief fund to support flexible grants these businesses can use to pay bills, support employees, and cover the costs of modifications they had made to try to keep up with the state’s changing expectations. Serino also noted that the state has the power to provide immediate relief to businesses across New York by suspending the collection of certain taxes and fees and taking action to hold them harmless when it comes to calculating their unemployment insurance rates.

Additionally, Serino and many participants highlighted the fiscal impact that keeping these businesses closed will have on local governments, which depend on their tax revenue to fund essential services.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “We need answers. The state has ceased communication with a number of industries and the silence is deafening. These businesses and their employees have gone months without guidance and support. We’re not advocating we throw the doors open on everything, but the fact is that by keeping these businesses closed with no hint of an end in sight, the state is destroying the livelihood of those who depend on these sectors for employment.”

Greg Biryla, NFIB’s New York State Director, said, “New Yorkers have much to be proud of. The state’s infection rate is down, healthcare capacity is stable, and because of deliberate caution, many industries and regional economies have reestablished operation and commerce without a major outbreak. This is largely because of sound leadership and unprecedented personal sacrifice from so many New Yorkers – including the small businesses that sustain our communities and employ half the state’s population. Many small business owners continue to sacrifice. Uncertainty surrounds their livelihoods, personal wellbeing, and the incomes that support their own families, and their employees’. Gyms, bowling allies, amusement facilities, event venues, and local restaurants have seen four phases of New York’s reopening come and go but still they remain closed or their operations severely curtailed while questions and bills pile up. Responsibility, caution, and public safety have guided the state’s action to date and that must continue. But the businesses still closed deserve to know why, they deserve to know what the state’s realistic timeline is for their futures, they deserve the right to plan and prepare.

Frank M. Castella, Jr., President & CEO of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce said, “I commend the Governor for keeping the general public well-informed, and for continuing to focus on the reduction of COVID-19 spread, however there has been an inconsiderate and noticeable lack of communication, imbalance of guidance and clarity for many businesses. Organizations have been understanding, compliant and patient for the better part of five months. To repay their cries for help by ignoring them is unacceptable. Albany must respond with an adequate resolution and meaningful assistance programs – beyond the suggestion of a loan. Additionally, the current system for guidance and enforcement isn’t sufficient, just or fair, and must be addressed. One size does not fit all and the NAICS code system wasn’t designed for closing businesses during a pandemic. To rely on this cut and dry method, without implementing commonsense and consistent practical case-by-case evaluation, is unnecessarily harming jobs and our economy.”

“When New York pulled the rug out from under hundreds – if not thousands – of fitness centers, malls and movie theaters last June, our local gyms were already at the end of their rope,” said Jennifer Maher, chairwoman, Putnam County Business Council. “We acknowledge that public health and safety is always the main priority, but we question the protracted lack of communication and guidance on timing or alternative fixes for these businesses. Compounding the distress of local fitness centers, and catering halls, competing businesses just across the border in Connecticut are servicing many of the clientele from our east Putnam businesses . A loss of clients is among a long list of dire outcomes associated with these prolonged closures. Businesses need to reopen, so people can regain a routine, and manage COVID-related financial burdens. Gyms are needed to battle depression and isolation.”

Joe Bonura Jr., Owner, Bonura Hospitality Group, said, “What the state fails to understand is a wedding is the most important day of someone’s life. They are not just going to put it off indefinitely. We know that weddings are happening—in people’s back yards, at campgrounds, in parks—people are gathering and not following health and safety guidelines. As professionals we have the tools to host these events safely. If this industry doesn’t get guidance immediately, we will have to cancel all of fall events which will decimate these businesses. we stand ready and willing to work with the state to create effective plans to reopen and move forward safely.”

Don Murphy, Owner of Gold’s Gym Newburgh said, “The New York State Fitness Alliance stands as the united voice of fitness center owners across NY State. The comprehensive reopening plan that was submitted to the Governor’s office several weeks ago is safe, a conclusion that is supported by the findings of Dr. Ravi Durvasula from Loyola University Medical Center, who states, ‘I have reviewed coronavirus mitigation practices at a variety of public venues, including nursing homes, restaurants, bars, and department stores. Your proposal is one of the most thorough approaches I have encountered and I concur with your plans.’

Additionally, the services of the fitness industry are essential to the physical & mental health and overall well-being of millions of New Yorkers, many of whom are now suffering from anxiety, depression, and numerous other health concerns without access to their facilities.”