A proposed New York bill could provide small businesses with an 80% tax credit for advertising in local newspapers, up to $5,000 annually. The Lift Our Communities Advertise Locally (LOCAL) Act, introduced by state Sen. Monica Martinez, seeks to aid pandemic-affected small businesses while supporting struggling local publications.
Targeting minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses with 10 or fewer employees, the initiative could distribute $10 million in credits over three years. Backed by the Empire State Local News Coalition, the effort builds on a prior payroll tax credit for news publishers, intended to sustain local journalism.
Advocates highlight local papers’ role in fostering community and holding leaders accountable. With 190 New York newspapers closed since 2004, supporters say the LOCAL Act is vital to preserving local news and small business growth.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].