Senator Iwen Chu’s Co-Sponsored Bill to Support Small Businesses Passes Senate Unanimously

(Albany, NY) Recently, bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Senator Iwen Chu (SD-17) to make it easier for small-businesses to comply with updated regulations, passed the Senate unanimously. The bill (S8109, sponsored by Senator Mannion), would create a plain-language compliance guide for small businesses owners on any statutory and regulatory changes that may impact them, and would provide contact information for the relevant state agencies in connection to those changes. Knowing the rate at which guidelines can change, sometimes with little public awareness, the creation of this compliance guide will help inform those impacted and protect them from unwitting violations. 

This legislation is part of Senator Chu’s wider pro-business portfolio aimed at promoting local economic growth. Recently, Senator Chu also introduced the “Microbusiness Resiliency and Growth Act,” (S6892), which would allow certain qualifying businesses a sales tax benefit to help implement required minimum wage increases, and further bolster the mom and pop shops that power southern Brooklyn’s economy. 

Senator Iwen Chu said, “As anyone with a favorite local store will tell you, small businesses are not only our economic drivers, but they are values-based and community oriented. These enterprises care deeply about providing safe and reputable services, all while in compliance with the law. That’s why I am proud to have helped make it easier for them to keep up with changing regulations, avoid unnecessary fines, and ultimately abide by the highest standards of conduct. 

I know how many of these small businesses are cut from the very fabric of our community–often being family owned, and multigenerational. For immigrants and New Americans, these are proud legacies that build long lasting wealth. That’s why I will always champion legislation that helps them stay afloat, protects their bottom line, and fosters safe working environments for others to be a part of.”

Recently, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released a report showing that AAPI individuals make up the highest proportion of small business merchants out of any ethnic minority in New York. Reports have also found that now more than ever, second-generation Chinese Americans are starting their own businesses. In the predominantly AAPI southern Brooklyn that Senator Chu represents, making it easier and more affordable to operate a small business is crucial to the economic success of the community.