Delgado Visits Businesses in Cooperstown

COOPERSTOWN – Recently, U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) visited Cooperstown and stopped by small businesses in the area along with Village Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh, Deputy Mayor Cynthia Falk, Village Trustee Richard Sternberg, and Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tara Burke. During the tour, the Congressman heard from local leaders and business owners about how the village is responding to the coronavirus and preparing for the fall and winter months. The Congressman visited Mickey’s Place, Riverwood, Cooperstown Bat Company, Doubleday Café, and Kate’s Upstate. Afterwards, Rep. Delgado traveled to the Susquehanna SPCA where he saw pets currently up for adoption and spoke with the Executive Director and Board President about their plans for expansion.

“For communities in our district that have built an economy based on tourism and cultural landmarks, the COVID-19 pandemic has hit hard and left our small businesses with high operating expenses and few avenues for relief. I visited with village leaders and members of the community to understand how businesses in Cooperstown are adjusting to keep their customers safe and preparing for the fall and winter months,” said Rep. Delgado. “As a member of the House Small Business Committee, I’m working every day to find new ways to make sure federal coronavirus relief programs are working as intended. That means connecting with folks on the ground to hear about their experiences, and advocating for their needs in Committee and through legislation. I’ll keep fighting to get our Cooperstown businesses the resources they need to get through the next several months.”

“While in Cooperstown, I also stopped in to see the Susquehanna SPCA, which has seen a surge in dog adoptions during the pandemic. I appreciated the opportunity to meet with their Executive Director and Board President and tour the site of their new facility which will allow them to care for more animals,” said Rep. Delgado.

In February, Rep. Delgado visited the Cooperstown Rotary where he delivered remarks on his legislative work to support small farmers, invest in rural communities, and improve broadband internet access. The Congressman also toured downtown Oneonta and met with small business owners to learn how they’re navigating through COVID-19.

As a member of the House Committee on Small Business, Rep. Delgado has worked to elevate the voices of small businesses across New York’s 19th Congressional District during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, Rep. Delgado introduced the Small Business Repayment Relief Act, to cover six months of loan payments for all qualified SBA loans. This was signed into law as part of the bipartisan CARES Act. Rep. Delgado also voted for the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, signed into law on June 5. Additionally, Rep. Delgado introduced the Prioritized Paycheck Protection Program (P4) Act which would allow smaller businesses, with significant losses due to COVID-19, to receive a second forgivable PPP loan. The Congressman also helped introduce the bipartisan Small Business PPE Tax Credit Act. This bill would provide a tax credit of up to $25,000 to help small businesses offset the cost of PPE, including installing plexiglass and purchasing masks to protect their employees and customers.