ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Congressman Josh Riley is trying to level the playing field for small businesses.
On April 8, Riley was among a group of elected officials to introduce the Fair Prices for Local Businesses Act, which would ban charging small businesses more than big chains for the same products, a cost that’s often passed on to consumers.
“For decades, big box stores and big corporations have rigged the system in their favor, cutting sweetheart deals with suppliers while pushing them to charge small businesses more,” said Riley. “The Fair Prices Act puts an end to it, so our mom-and-pop shops can actually compete and working people can catch a break at the checkout counter.”
The bill still allows retailers to get lower prices for bulk purchases. It also expands protections that prevent local businesses from being charged higher costs for essential services and equipment, such as delivery apps, point-of-sale systems, and credit card swipe fees.
The Fair Prices for Local Businesses Act is the House companion to the legislation introduced in the Senate by Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut. You can read the full text here.
