Press Releases

Binghamton, NY – U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19) today introduced the Think DIFFERENTLY Small Business Accessibility Act, a bipartisan bill that helps small businesses in Upstate New York make modifications that accommodate customers and employees with disabilities. It builds on Rep. Molinaro’s successful ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY’ initiative which challenges local residents, businesses, and municipalities to break down barriers for those with disabilities. Rep. Molinaro introduced this bill alongside U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30). 

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides the Disabled Access Credit, which helps small businesses make investments in modifications that promote accessibility for customers or employees with disabilities. Eligible investments include purchasing assistive technologies, equipment modifications, or any other reasonable accommodation defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, the tax credit is currently limited to businesses with 30 or less full time employees and businesses who have earned less than $1 million in the previous year. 

Rep. Molinaro’s bill expands the Disabled Access Credit to small businesses with up to 100 full-time employees or $3.5 million in annual revenue. With this expanded credit, more small businesses in Upstate New York will be able to fund improvements that fully accommodate employees and customers with disabilities. 

Rep. Molinaro said, “The Disabled Access Credit has helped small businesses make modifications that open the door to employees and customers with disabilities. We know there’s plenty of untapped potential. By expanding the Disabled Tax Credit, my bipartisan bill will make more small businesses eligible to receive federal support for accommodations.”

Rep. Crockett said, “Small businesses provide a ladder to economic success for millions of Americans – both owners and employees. This bill helps small business owners extend this ladder to workers with disabilities, allowing employers to gain access to a talented pool of motivated workers and removing barriers to entry for customers and clients with disabilities.”

SourceAmerica President and CEO Richard Belden said, “We support the Disabled Access Tax Credit, which will ensure that people with disabilities have equal access and the necessary accommodations in businesses across America. This legislation creates a unique opportunity for businesses to hire more people with disabilities, including veterans, who continue to be underutilized part of the American workforce.”

Leadership Alliance of Binghamton CEO Stacey Duncan said, “Our Chamber recently partnered with Congressman Molinaro to provide our members with an educational forum designed to encourage inclusive hiring practices. We truly appreciate the Congressman’s dedication to helping community members ThinkDIFFERENTLY and support individuals with developmental disabilities. Nearly 70% of our membership are small businesses, many of whom would love to invest in accessibility upgrades, but cost continues to be a burden. If passed, the ThinkDIFFERENTLY Small Business Accessibility Act would allow businesses that do not currently qualify for the existing Disabled Access Credit to have the funds necessary to invest in critical infrastructure of this kind, enabling them to employ disabled individuals and better serve their customers. This is a win-win for businesses and community members."

This bill is also endorsed by the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN).