On September 3^rd, we in the Minority Caucus proposed a small business relief grant program in Erie County utilizing federal CARES Act funding that was provided to us.  We are always happy when taxpayer money is returned to taxpayers who need it.  It is unfortunate that this program provides significantly less funding than we proposed--and less than the County Executive promised.  It is also concerning that the program eligibility treats businesses differently, despite the fact that the emergency shutdown orders treated them all the same.  Everyone who operates a business in Erie County was negatively impacted and the goal should be a program that reaches everyone equally.  Making zip code the heaviest weighted criteria in granting money does nothing more than pit certain areas against each other.  Applying considerations to these arbitrary factors when every area of Erie County was affected the same is misguided if the intention truly is to help. The County Executive also ignored charities and non-profits.  These businesses are hurting right now as well, and their employees are impacted just like any other business.  This proposal is a step in the right direction, but our caucus will continue advocating for all of the businesses left out of the County Executive’s plan.