Sean Patrick Maloney: “I am thankful that 109 of my colleagues came to New York to view the devastation at Ground Zero. But the severe impact…”

“I am thankful that 109 of my colleagues came to New York to view the devastation at Ground Zero. But the severe impact on New York City's economy is harder to see. Restaurants are empty, hotels are vacant, five Broadway shows have closed, and small businesses are suffering all over our State. Tourism is New York's second largest industry, and we need to bring people back to New York State. Along with my bipartisan colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Reynolds), and over 60 of my colleagues, including Senators Schumer and Clinton, we have introduced the I Love New York Tax Relief Act. For the next year, it would allow individuals to deduct up to $500, and families up to $1,000, for spending money in New York City's restaurants, lodging, and entertainment outlets. I urge my colleagues and the President to put our money where our heart is and give Americans another way to say, ``I love New York.''”