Senator Felder And Senate Majority Passes Legislation To Help New York Businesses And Employees Recover From Pandemic

Senator Simcha Felder (D-Brooklyn) joined his colleagues in the Senate Democratic Majority to pass legislation freezing any increase in unemployment insurance taxes for businesses across New York State for the 2022 and 2023 fiscal years. Additionally, this legislation will increase the maximum unemployment benefit for workers who have lost their jobs.

“Small businesses are essential to our economy and to every thriving neighborhood. Sadly, our small businesses continue to feel the pain of COVID-19 and it is our responsibility to do everything in our power to help. This important legislation will provide much-needed relief from dramatic increases in unemployment insurance taxes at a time when businesses can afford them the least,” said Senator Felder.  “This legislation will also provide a sensible increase to unemployment benefits, which are a lifeline to families who are struggling to keep food on the table and to pay for other basic necessities.”

During the pandemic, unemployment claims have drastically increased as businesses struggled to keep their doors open. This legislation (S.6791A) continues Senator Felder’s commitment to relieve the tax burden for businesses across New York State by saving thousands of dollars for employers who are still struggling to recover economically while restoring the planned increase in unemployment benefits. 

“As people everywhere struggle with COVID-19’s resulting economic crisis, this measure will help BOTH small business owners and unemployed New Yorkers when they need it the most. I am proud to support this bill and I thank Senator Kaplan for introducing this important legislation,” concluded Senator Felder.