USA NEWS: Flushing Businesses Voice Concerns Over Rising Costs and Immigration Enforcement as Meng, Hochul Visit
Progga News Desk:
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul visited Flushing on Saturday to hear directly from local business owners about the challenges they are facing during what officials described as a period of “deep uncertainty and concern.”
They were joined by State Sen. John Liu, Council Member Sandra Ung, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, and Queens Chamber of Commerce CEO Thomas Grech. Also participating in the tour were Dian Yu, executive director of the Flushing BID, and Peter Tu.
During the tour, Hochul met with owners of several local businesses, including US Supermarket 1, Woodam Restaurant, and Prince Optical.
Hochul walks through Flushing with Liu and Richards. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Business owners said they have been grappling with rising costs since former President Donald Trump introduced sweeping tariffs after taking office last year. They also noted that increased immigration enforcement has reduced foot traffic in the neighborhood, further impacting sales.
Chul Kee Ko, co-owner of Woodam Restaurant, told Hochul that “everything is going up” due to the tariffs, adding to the strain on small businesses.
Officials said they are taking the concerns seriously and will continue working to support local businesses during this challenging time.
Source: QNS
