As we embark on the 119th Congress, I am eager to share my goals and visions for Long Island’s growth. Representing New York’s First Congressional District, I am fully committed to ensuring our builders, engineers, and contractors have the tools, regulations, and resources they need to thrive. Serving on the House Appropriations Committee, I am uniquely positioned to advocate for Long Island. I have secured over $150 million in funding for vital projects such as Suffolk County’s sewer, stormwater, and shoreline enhancements. My focus is on combating the challenges of our aging infrastructure, ensuring that we are prepared not just for today’s needs but for future growth and resilience.
In my role as Chairman of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure, I’ve championed initiatives like the Plain Language in Contracting Act, now part of the Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA. This legislation simplifies federal contracts, allowing our small businesses to compete more effectively across the nation, fostering a more accessible and equitable business environment.
A top priority for me this Congress is advocating to raise the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap. The current cap disproportionately burdens Long Islanders, and raising it would provide significant relief, enhancing affordability and economic vitality in our region. This change is critical not just for easing the tax burden but also for sustaining our community’s overall economic health.
With a new Administration in place, we have a renewed opportunity to cut through unnecessary red tape that restrains the growth of our small businesses. I am committed to pursuing smart deregulation to boost our economy, empowering local businesses to innovate and expand. This approach will create more jobs and enhance life for everyone in our district. Collaborating across the aisle and with industry leaders, we will adopt best practices that further strengthen our crucial construction industry.
As your advocate in Congress, I am dedicated to paving the way toward a brighter, more prosperous future for Long Island. I look forward to partnering with you as we build a stronger community together. Let’s get to work.
Congressman Nick LaLota is a Naval Academy Graduate, 11-year Navy Veteran, and attorney in his second term representing the First Congressional District of New York.