Bill Proposes Tax Incentives for Companies Promoting Local Media Through Advertising
In the bustling world of New York politics, there's a bill that's generating a lot of interest: the Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally (LOCAL) Act. Introduced by Senator Monica R. Martinez and Assemblymember Jen Lunsford in January 2025, the bill aims to support small businesses and local news organizations by incentivizing or mandating government advertising spend to prioritize local media outlets.
However, a search of the results reveals an unexpected focus on unrelated legislation, such as the All-Electric Buildings Act, Local Law 97 on building emissions, Local Law 31 on lead inspections, substance use intervention legislation, and climate mandates opt-out bills. Despite this, the LOCAL Act remains a significant proposal, one that could have far-reaching implications for the Empire State.
The LOCAL Act is designed to help local news organizations and small businesses recover and thrive amid challenges from declining local ad revenues and media consolidation. If passed, the bill could bring about several potential benefits:
- Increased advertising revenue for local news organizations, helping to sustain journalism vital to communities.
- Supporting small businesses by ensuring their advertisements reach local audiences through trusted, community-based media.
- Strengthening the local economy by keeping advertising dollars within the community rather than diverting to national or digital platforms.
The initiative also includes a new tax credit for small businesses advertising in local media outlets, capped at $10 million annually, allowing 2,500 small businesses to take advantage of the program. Under the LOCAL Act, a minority-, woman- or veteran-owned business, as well as any business with 10 employees or fewer, would be eligible for a refundable tax credit of 80% of its first $5,000 of local advertising, with a maximum credit of $4,000 per year.
The bill has garnered support from nine major business trade groups and over 200 local New York newspapers. The Empire State Local News Coalition, which supports the bill, was launched in 2024 to advocate for sound public policy that ensures the critical work of local news organizations can continue across New York state.
The LOCAL Act is viewed as a winning solution to increase investment in local small businesses and bolster the sustainability of local news organizations. For precise and up-to-date information on the bill's current status, checking New York State legislative tracking resources or the offices of Senator Martinez and Assemblymember Lunsford would be necessary.
- The LOCAL Act, currently generating interest in New York politics, targets local media outlets for government advertising spend to benefit local news and small businesses.
- While other billslike the All-Electric Buildings Act and Local Law 97 are being debated, the LOCAL Act remains significant, with potential to impact the Empire State.
- By prioritizing advertising spend for local media outlets, the LOCAL Act could provide increased revenue for local news organizations and support small businesses by ensuring ads reach local audiences.
- The Act also offers a tax credit for small businesses advertising in local media outlets, allowing 2,000 eligible businesses to receive up to $4,000 per year in credits.
- Backed by nine business trade groups and over 200 local New York newspapers, the LOCAL Act is seen as a solution to bolster investments in local small businesses and sustain local news organizations.
