Five additional Congressional representatives have signed on as co-sponsors of the Community News & Small Business Support Act (H.R. 4756) — three Democrats and two Republicans. This brings the number of co-sponsors to 40.
Newly added are: Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR-5), Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-3), Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-AL-7) and Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15).
The act was introduced in the 118th Congress by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-1), both members of the Ways and Means Committee.
The bipartisan legislation supports two institutions critical to sustaining hometown communities: local news organizations and small businesses. The act makes refundable tax credits available to local newspapers to reinvest in professional journalists who cover local news topics.
The act also makes non-refundable tax credits available to local businesses that advertise with local newspapers, providing an additional stimulus to the local economy.
Dean Ridings, CEO of America's Newspapers, thanked the Congressional representatives for their support of local newspapers and businesses, saying their support is critical to the success of local communities and to democracy.
America’s Newspapers, along with other leading media organizations, has led the call for support of the local news industry through legislative efforts. Local news is non-partisan and fundamental to the fabric of their communities. The Community News & Small Business Support Act is intended to provide support to community newspapers. National media outlets are not eligible. Additionally, the act will bring back local jobs to community newsrooms, strengthen Main Street businesses and increase access to information that reflects hometown values.
Learn more about the Community News & Small Business Support Act
