Assemblyman Tannousis Joins SICC for Intimate “Coffee” Event
The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce welcomed New York State Assemblymember Michael Tannousis on Thursday, October 8, for the latest installment of its Coffee with Your Elected Officials series, giving Chamber members an opportunity to have a candid conversation about the issues affecting Staten Island businesses and residents.
The Chamber’s Coffee With series is designed to connect Staten Island’s small business community directly with its representatives in an informal setting, allowing members to raise concerns, ask questions, and hear firsthand about priorities affecting the borough.
Much of the morning’s conversation centered on the rising cost of doing business, with members raising concerns about commercial rents, real estate taxes, general liability insurance, health insurance, and other expenses that continue to put pressure on small businesses.
“You need to incentivize people staying here and people investing in the community,” Tannousis said during the discussion, emphasizing the importance of making New York more affordable for businesses and residents.
Chamber President and CEO Linda Baran noted that these concerns are being heard across the business community, particularly as property owners face higher taxes and insurance costs that are often passed along to commercial tenants.
A CPA in attendance also raised concerns about New York’s estate tax and the impact of the state’s overall tax structure on business owners and families. That led to a broader conversation about the middle class, with attendees discussing how many New Yorkers find themselves earning too much to qualify for certain programs or benefits while still carrying a significant share of rising taxes and everyday expenses. Tannousis said retaining middle-class families and business owners needs to remain a priority as policymakers consider future tax proposals.
The discussion also explored ways government could better incentivize businesses to open, remain, and invest in New York. Members pointed to the continued movement of businesses to neighboring states where operating costs can be lower and discussed whether targeted incentives could help businesses remain in New York City.
Development and infrastructure on Staten Island were another major focus. Members discussed the impact of the City of Yes zoning changes, the need for infrastructure to keep pace with new development, traffic and transportation challenges, and the importance of recognizing Staten Island’s unique needs when citywide policies are developed.
Tannousis spoke about ongoing flooding concerns along the East Shore and efforts surrounding resiliency projects, including the seawall and Bluebelt system. He also discussed the potential for thoughtful economic development along Father Capodanno Boulevard as resiliency improvements move forward.
Attendees raised additional concerns surrounding housing for individuals with developmental disabilities, commercial vacancies, public safety, education, and opportunities for young people entering the workforce.
When asked about accomplishments he is most proud of, Tannousis pointed to several public safety measures. He discussed efforts to give judges greater discretion in bail decisions, including his support for a dangerousness standard that would allow judges to consider whether someone poses a threat to the community.
He also cited changes to New York’s discovery laws, noting the advocacy of Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon and the District Attorneys Association in addressing cases that were being dismissed over discovery compliance issues.
Tannousis also highlighted his work on the Detective Brian Simonsen Law, which aims to reduce cellphone theft by requiring stolen devices to be disabled. He credited former Detectives’ Endowment Association President Paul DiGiacomo for bringing the issue forward, Assemblymember Amy Paulin for carrying the bill in the Assembly, Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton for advancing it in the Senate, and Assemblymember Michael Reilly for helping build support.
He also referenced legislation strengthening protections for retail workers, his involvement in the successful challenge to New York City’s noncitizen voting law, and continued efforts surrounding congestion pricing.
While noting the challenges of serving in the legislative minority, Tannousis said relationships have played an important role in advancing issues.
“Even though I’m in the minority, to get things done, you get them done with relationships,” he said.
The conversation about education and workforce development highlighted the importance of exposing students to different careers at an early age. Tannousis shared how a high school law class helped inspire his own career as an attorney, while Baran highlighted the Chamber’s work with local schools and its Young Entrepreneurs Academy, which introduces students to entrepreneurship and the process of starting a business.
Baran also emphasized the opportunities available for members of the business community to get involved with local schools, including speaking with students, sharing their career experiences, and participating on career and technical education advisory boards.
The morning reflected the purpose of the Chamber’s Coffee With series: creating a direct line of communication between local businesses and the people representing them in government.
The Staten Island Chamber will continue bringing members together with elected officials throughout the year to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and policies affecting Staten Island’s business community.
