Monroe. Assemblyman and state Conservative chair meet with local business leaders

Assemblyman Colin J. Schmitt and New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar held a local small business meeting at the Empire Diner in Monroe on Friday, Aug. 6, to discuss ongoing issues main street businesses are facing with unemployment and inflation-related concerns.

“Small businesses are suffering across our region,” Schmitt said in the press release detailing the gathering. ‘They are facing severe staffing shortages and are being crippled by rapidly rising inflation that is pushing costs sky high. After a year and a half of mandated closures and restrictions, many are barely able to stay open. Failed policies keeping people out of the jobs market and spiking costs for everyone are having a significant burden.

“Dave Wenger and his family are local residents who own Empire Diner,” the assemblyman added. “Just yesterday they had to reorder menus because prices have gone up so much they cannot afford to keep things priced the way they are. This inflation is being felt by all of us at the store and at the pump and the federal government is simply doing nothing. Also, we have heard over and over again from small businesses that cannot find workers. The jobs are here right now, people need to be able to return to work.”

Kassar said Schmitt understands the contributions that local small businesses “to what makes the Hudson Valley so special. We must always give our support and appreciation for our local small businesses that serve and employ our communities.”

Wenger, the Empire Diner owner added: “Small businesses are facing difficulties with staffing shortages and inflation. I have seen it firsthand at my diner. The best way for us to continue serving customers would be for the government to allow us to make our own business-related decisions.”