This week, we recognize and celebrate the backbone of our local economy — our small businesses. From family-run shops to local restaurants and innovative start-ups, small businesses drive our economy, create jobs, and strengthen the character of Long Island’s South Shore. Supporting small businesses has always been one of Andrew’s top priorities. Whether it’s cutting red tape, fighting for lower taxes, or expanding access to capital, Andrew is committed to ensuring that entrepreneurs and small business owners have the tools they need to succeed. As we mark Small Business Week, remember to shop small, shop local, and support the businesses that make our communities strong. Andrew will continue fighting to ensure Long Island remains a place where small businesses can grow and create opportunities for generations to come.

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United Way of Long Island has been awarded a $1.3 million Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Older Adults Home Modification Grant Program (OAHMP). Funds will be utilized to make safety and functional home modifications and limited repairs to meet the needs of low-income elderly homeowners that allow them to age in place. This is part of the existing network of programs the organization provides to older residents including veterans’ assistance, 2-1-1 information and referral, Project Warmth, case management, financial and legal help and health and prevention services...United Way’s community partners, along with the occupational therapists will help identify the repairs most critically needed for seniors to facilitate aging in place. The types of repairs to these homes will include bathroom renovations (i.e. installing no-slip strips, grab bars, transfer benches) and accessibility features (i.e. lever handles on all doors and faucets, handheld shower heads, wheelchair ramps). 'Helping Long Island’s seniors live safely and independently in their own homes is something I’ve fought for, and I’m proud to have helped secure this $1.3 million HUD grant for United Way of Long Island,' said Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02). 'This funding will go toward critical home modifications that help prevent falls—one of the leading causes of injury for adults over 65—and reduce the need for costly hospital stays or long-term care. United Way has long been a trusted partner in serving our communities, and I’ll keep pushing for the federal resources our seniors need to age with dignity and peace of mind.'

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This week, Andrew proudly recognized the grand opening of The Sandbar in Patchogue by providing a Congressional Certificate of Recognition to mark this exciting milestone. Small businesses like The Sandbar are the backbone of our downtowns — creating jobs, supporting our local economy, and enriching our communities. Andrew remains committed to helping small businesses on Long Island succeed and ensuring that vibrant Main Streets like Patchogue continue to grow and thrive. Congratulations to The Sandbar on your grand opening!

This week, Guardians of Our Dependents continued their annual tradition of planting flowers at the Police Memorial at Suffolk County Police Headquarters in honor of the fallen. With help from The Good Foundation and members of the Emergency Service Unit, they worked together to plant flowers and mulch the beds, creating a beautiful and lasting tribute. Andrew applauds all those who gave their time and energy to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our community.

Don't forget! During the upcoming EMS Week (May 18-24), Catholic Health Services will be offering free cardiac screenings for eligible EMS personnel. This simple, non-invasive test—a coronary calcium score scan—can help detect coronary artery disease before symptoms appear or a heart attack occurs. Andrew encourages EMS personnel in NY-02 to take advantage of this potentially life-saving opportunity and help spread the word to colleagues across Long Island. To schedule a free appointment, call (631) 465-6880 and use code “EMS Week.” Testing is available at Catholic Health locations in West Islip, Smithtown, Bethpage, Commack, Centereach, and more.

A constituent contacted Andrew’s office for assistance after experiencing issues securing a refund from the IRS. Andrew’s casework team worked directly with the agency to help resolve the matter, and the constituent has since received their refund, along with interest to be reported on their 2025 taxes.

Andrew knows how frustrating dealing with bureaucracy can be. That is why he has an entire team dedicated to helping constituents get what they need from the government. If you need help dealing with a federal agency, contact our office and our team will get to work on your case. 

This week, Andrew was glad to welcome John and Mark Cronin of John’s Crazy Socks to his D.C. office to discuss legislative priorities impacting the Down Syndrome community. John has been a fierce advocate for the differently-abled, and Andrew always appreciates the opportunity to hear from him about these critical issues. Andrew remains committed to advancing policies that support individuals with Down syndrome and ensure greater opportunities for all members of our community.

This week, the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act, legislation which Andrew helped introduce, passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 365-42. The bipartisan bill would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to publish a final consumer product safety standard for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and other micro-mobility devices to protect against the risk of fires caused by such batteries. FDNY reports that rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have caused more than 1,000 fires since 2019, resulting in 523 injuries, 34 deaths, and damage to more than 650 structures. Andrew said the bill is critical because, "unregulated lithium-ion batteries are a growing and top cause of fatal fires in New York and present an acute danger to the brave firefighters who respond to these incidents." He added, "this legislation will mitigate the risk of these devastating fires as the use of unchecked lithium-ion batteries in mobility devices, like those used in electric scooters and bikes, continues to increase."

Andrew recently cosponsored the Small Business Energy Loan Enhancement Act, legislation that would expand access to capital for small businesses investing in energy efficiency upgrades. The bill would raise the loan cap for the Small Business Administration’s 504/CDC loan program, helping small businesses finance improvements that lower energy costs and promote long-term growth. Andrew remains committed to supporting small businesses and ensuring they have the resources they need to innovate, cut costs, and succeed.

This week, Andrew met with representatives from the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) in Washington D.C. to discuss tax, energy, and infrastructure priorities. NECA represents skilled workers and contractors who play a vital role in building and maintaining America’s infrastructure. Andrew remains committed to advancing policies that support the skilled trades, promote economic growth, and strengthen our nation’s infrastructure.