ASTORIA – New York State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris joined the Save our Storefronts coalition to visit small businesses throughout Astoria on January 22. The visits came just days after the Senate passed a commercial eviction moratorium and other measures aimed at helping small businesses survive during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Earlier this week we passed a small business relief package that is just a down payment on what they need to survive,” said Senate Deputy Leader Gianaris. “I was pleased to spend the afternoon talking to local entrepreneurs with the Save our Storefronts coalition to discuss what more needs to be done.”

Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris joined the Save our Storefronts coalition to visit small businesses throughout Astoria on January 22. Photo: Courtesy of Sen. Michael Gianaris

Senator Gianaris was joined by Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani as they visited businesses throughout Astoria. On January 19, the Senate passed a series of measures aimed at protecting small businesses, including a commercial eviction moratorium. More information on the Senate’s measures is available online: https://bit.ly/3oeK7EQ.

Gianaris said of the Senate’s efforts, “Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and have suffered greatly during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have much to do to help them survive this difficult time, but today our Senate Majority is taking important steps to provide assistance.”

New York State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris joined the Save our Storefronts coalition to visit small businesses in Astoria on Jan. 22 and spoke with local business owners. (Photo: Courtesy of Sen. Michael Gianaris)

“Hearing the concerns of Astoria small business owners with the Save our Storefronts coalition was powerful, said Assembly Member Zohran K. Mamdani. “It is vital that we not only pass bills that prevent eviction, but also prioritize a budget that gives them the financial relief they so desperately need.”