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Queens Congresswoman Pushes For Federal Help For Bodega Owners

May 6, 2020

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — A New York congresswoman wants New York City bodegas to be included in the next stimulus package.

Queens Congresswoman Grace Meng, who represents Forest Hills, Kew Gardens and Elmhurst, wants to support the roughly 13,000 small business owners across the city who are operating independent grocery stores, bodegas and ethnic markets.

She tells WCBS 880's Vickie Allen she's been hearing about their struggles often.

Meng says many have been telling her "that they really need help, that they've had to stay open unlike many other businesses, that their employees are getting sick."

The fourth-term congresswoman says another growing issue has been a significant drop in revenue.

She says not many are facing "the inability to pay rent or mortgage."

Meng notes that these grocery stores are lifelines to many residents, and the government needs to protect the business owners and their employees.

She's pushing Congress to ensure these small businesses get the support that they need and that their workers are getting the financial assistance that they need as well.