Chamber Hosts Roundtable with Congresswoman Malliotakis

The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce welcomed Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, representatives of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and local business leaders to Coffee & Collectibles in Willowbrook on June 15 for a roundtable discussion focused on federal tax policy, economic development, and issues impacting Staten Island's business community.

The event was held in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and opened with remarks from Kyla Summer Miller, Manager, Eastern Region, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, who discussed federal policy issues affecting businesses and highlighted the importance of continued investment in infrastructure and economic growth initiatives.

Congresswoman Malliotakis then led an extensive discussion on provisions contained in the recently enacted federal tax package, including tax relief measures affecting small businesses, pass-through entities, capital investment, and tipped workers. Business leaders had the opportunity to ask questions and share perspectives on the practical implications of the legislation for Staten Island employers and employees.

A significant portion of the conversation focused on how federal tax policies can impact business expansion, hiring, and investment decisions. Participants discussed the importance of maintaining a competitive tax environment that allows small businesses to grow, reinvest, and create jobs.

The Congresswoman also discussed the expansion of the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction and its importance to taxpayers in high-cost, high-tax states such as New York. In addition, she addressed ongoing efforts to provide relief for Staten Island residents and businesses affected by New York City's congestion pricing program, an issue she has consistently advocated on at the federal level.

Another topic of discussion was the role of Federal Opportunity Zones as a tool for attracting private investment and redevelopment. Congresswoman Malliotakis emphasized the importance of greater alignment among federal, state, and local incentive programs to maximize economic development opportunities and encourage investment. She also noted that many federal funding opportunities can cover up to 75 percent of project costs but require a 25 percent state match, underscoring the importance of New York State partnering in these efforts.

The discussion also included several proposals aimed at providing additional tax relief for seniors. Among the topics discussed were enhanced deductions for older Americans, efforts to reduce the tax burden on Social Security recipients, and proposals to modernize the capital gains tax exclusion on the sale of a primary residence. Recent legislation introduced by Congresswoman Malliotakis would increase the federal capital gains exclusion for qualifying seniors selling their primary residence, helping longtime homeowners preserve more of their retirement savings and making it easier to sell and relocate without facing a significant tax burden.

Business leaders also stressed the importance of including the North Shore Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's next capital plan and highlighted the need for continued investment in transportation solutions that improve mobility, connect residents to jobs and educational opportunities, and support long-term economic growth.

Participants also discussed a Chamber proposal for a smart traffic technology pilot program on Staten Island. The proposal would utilize adaptive traffic signal technology to reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, enhance pedestrian safety, reduce emissions, and improve travel times along major roadways throughout the borough. The Chamber has advocated for Staten Island to serve as a model location for a pilot program due to its unique transportation challenges and limited transit alternatives.

"The Chamber appreciates Congresswoman Malliotakis and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for engaging directly with our business community on issues that have a meaningful impact on Staten Island's economic future," said Linda Baran, President & CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. "From tax policy and economic development to infrastructure investment, these conversations are critical to ensuring Staten Island's business community has a voice in shaping policies that affect our residents, employers, and workforce."

"It was great to join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce for a roundtable with small business owners to discuss how the Working Families Tax Cuts we passed supported millions of small businesses & their employees. Together we prevented the largest tax hike in history, extended lower tax rates and greater deductions and expanded tax relief for our job creators, entrepreneurs & senior citizens working families," said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis.

Attendees included Linda Baran, President & CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce; Kyla Summer Miller, Manager, Eastern Region, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Cara Buonincontri, Esq., Office Counsel to Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis; Chamber Board Chair Carol Decina; Chamber Board members Maria Carrozza, owner of Coffee & Collectibles; Tricia Shevack of New American Funding; Gail Castellano of Valley Bank; Zoltan Kemeny, CPA; and Frank Wilkinson of Rab's Country Lanes; as well as Chamber members Mohamed Shehadeh of Cicero & Laverde and Mario Giammarco, Jr. of Herold & Lantern.