New York Assembly Bill A03955

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/25
• Refer: 1/30/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Enacts the lift our communities advertise locally (LOCAL) program which provides a tax credit on advertising for locally owned minority-owned and women-owned business enterprises, certified service-disabled veteran-owned business enterprises or a small business.

Impact

The program is designed to enhance local advertising opportunities, thereby allowing smaller and underrepresented businesses greater visibility and competitiveness in their communities. This effort encourages small business growth, which is vital for local economies, as they create jobs and keep money circulating within the community. The bill lays out an application and approval process that ensures accountability and focuses on supporting businesses that typically struggle for exposure against larger competitors. Revisions in the tax code through this bill underline New York's dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable business climate.

Summary

A03955, also known as the 'Lift Our Communities Advertise Locally (LOCAL) Program', aims to stimulate economic development by providing tax credits for advertising expenses incurred by certain small businesses. Specifically, the bill targets minority-owned, women-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned enterprises as well as small businesses, offering them up to 80% credit on qualified local media advertising expenses. Each participating business can claim a tax credit capped at $5,000 for eligible advertising expenditures, with a combined credit pool of $10 million per year allocated for all eligible businesses across New York State.

Conclusion

If passed, A03955 would represent a strategic shift in state law towards promoting local economic development through targeted tax incentives. It emphasizes the need for program efficacy and equitable access, ensuring that small businesses gain the necessary support to thrive in an increasingly competitive digital marketing landscape.

Contention

However, the bill may face scrutiny regarding its funding and effectiveness. Critics could argue that while the intention is positive, the tax credit's limited pool could potentially favor only a select few businesses, leaving others without assistance. Moreover, the explicit focus on minority, women, and veteran groups could provoke discussions about fairness and further requirements that may complicate application processes. As such, ongoing evaluations will be needed to assess whether this type of financial support translates effectively into the desired increases in business growth and local advertising.