The health of our regional economy is dependent on assistance from the federal government as we work to recover from the ravages of COVID-19. That is why the Business Council of Westchester has joined forces with the Partnership for New York City and the Long Island Association to appeal to President Trump to recognize that the health of New York Metro area is key to the recovery of our nation.

Today we have sent a letter to the President urging him to appropriate essential funding to major transit systems, including the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”), and state and local governments which are on the brink of having to lay off police officers, firefighters, emergency service personnel and others from the public workforce that could consequently jeopardize public safety and thus our economy.

New York City, Long Island and Westchester together represent 63 percent of New York State’s population and 75 percent of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”). Combined, they represent 4 percent of the nation’s population and 6 percent of GDP. And the MTA service region, which represents 10 percent of the nation’s economic output, is the lifeblood of that economic vitality. This is why it is imperative that the President provide dedicated funding for mass transit systems, which lost revenue and ridership a result of Covid-19. Without federal relief, this will further devastate businesses that rely on mass transit and also constrain the national economic recovery.

Funding for state and local governments must also be a priority. If governments are forced to lay off employees and reduce services, this will negatively impact our economy and the national recovery. We know that New York’s downstate regional economy drives the entire state and, in many ways, it is the most important economic region in the country.

We hope that the President will work with Congress on a deal that will pave the way for this necessary funding. The Business Council will continue to form statewide coalitions like this one to amplify our message as we advocate for the business community during these unprecedented times.