MANH Lawmakers on the Move, Nov. 30, 2020

Hoylman, Epstein Introduce Manhattan Mom & Pop Tax Relief Act

State Senator Brad Hoylman (photo provided by Avi Small) — State Senator Brad Hoylman

In honor of Small Business Saturday, State Senator Brad Hoylman (D-Chelsea, Midtown) and Assemblymember Harvey Epstein (D-Lower East Side, East Village) introduced legislation to help small businesses stay afloat during the second wave of COVID-19.

The Manhattan Mom & Pop Tax Relief Act would suspend the Commercial Rent Tax (CRT) for businesses with a base rent under $1 million per year. The CRT, which is a 3.9 percent effective tax on rent, only applies to commercial tenants in Manhattan south of 96th Street.

“Mom and Pop businesses have been hit hard by COVID-19, as any New Yorker can tell from the skyrocketing number of storefront vacancies in Manhattan,” said Hoylman. “It’s unfair that only small businesses south of 96th Street are forced to pay the Commercial Rent Tax, so we’re throwing approximately 5,500 of them a lifeline with the Manhattan Mom & Pop Tax Relief Act, which suspends the collection of this tax during COVID. If we don’t act quickly to provide financial assistance to our small businesses, especially as more pandemic lockdowns are considered, more of them are going to disappear.”

Maloney to Endorse Council Candidate Tricia Shimamura

U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (Photo credit: maloney.house.gov) — U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney

Today, U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens) will be holding a press conference to formerly endorse Tricia Shimamura for City Council.

Shimamura is running for Council District 5, which includes Carnegie Hill, Yorkville, Lenox Hill and Roosevelt Island. She and Maloney will join parents from the District to discuss the importance of enacting Universal Child Care – a key part of her platform.

The event will take place today at 9 a.m. at Carl Schurz Park, 84th Street and East End Avenue.

UPDATE: The event has been postponed until further notice due to inclement weather.

James’ Report Finds That Professional Fundraisers Retain Lion’s Share of Charitable Donations

Attorney General of NY Letitia James (Photo by KCP) — Attorney General of NY Letitia James

Recently, New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) released her “Pennies for Charity” report, which documents trends among professional fundraisers.

What her report found was that in 2019, professional fundraisers pocketed nearly one-third of the charitable funds they raised. Of the roughly $1.2 billion raised throughout New York State that year, $364 million paid for fundraisers’ fees and expenses.

“Every year, New Yorkers give generously to charity,” said James. “Unfortunately, not all the money they donate reaches the charities they intend to help. Today’s report highlights the high percentage of charitable dollars that are pocketed by outside fundraisers rather than reaching the charity itself. My office will continue to combat charity fraud, and I encourage all New Yorkers to follow our tips to ensure that their money is going to a reputable source this holiday season.”

De Blasio Announces New Allotment of PPE Ahead of Second Wave

Mayor Bill de Blasio (Credit: William Alatriste) — Mayor Bill de Blasio

Last Wednesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) announced that the City stockpile has accumulated over 150 million pieces of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Earlier this year, the City announced a plan to create and maintain a 90-day stockpile of PPE. The stockpile now includes more than 45 million gowns, 58 million surgical masks, 30 million pairs of gloves and 5 million face shields. Healthcare providers will be able to order equipment directly from the stockpile, and will generally receive it within one business day.

“A second wave is at our doorstep, and we’re taking zero chances on preparedness,” said de Blasio. “New York City has stepped up so our frontline heroes and healthcare workers will have what they need to save lives.”

Johnson to Kick Off Annual Toy Drive

Council Member Corey Johnson (Credit: Jeff Reed) — Council Member Corey Johnson

Tomorrow, Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen) will be kicking off his annual holiday toy drive.

Johnson is hosting the drive in collaboration with the Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, the City’s largest emergency food program. His office will be accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys for children; donators must wear a mask and abide by social distancing guidelines.

The drive will take place tomorrow from 12-5 p.m. at Corey Johnson’s District Office, 224 West 30th St., Suite 1206. Johnson’s office will also be accepting toys on Tuesday, Dec. 8.