Save Our Stages: Schumer Promises Help Is On The Way For Venues

PORT CHESTER, NY — Using Port Chester’s historic Capitol Theatre as a backdrop, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer promised “help is on the way” in the form of the American Rescue Plan money. The New York senator said the funds will reach the Hudson Valley and venues like the Capitol Theatre sooner rather than later. He also pledged a quick release of funds to help struggling restaurants.

“Independent venues, like theater, concert halls and cinemas are the beating heart of New York’s cultural life and a driving force in the economy,” Schumer told the gathered dignitaries, including local restaurant owners, laid-off concert venue workers and Westchester County Executive George Latimer. “These local businesses were among the first to shut down at the start of the pandemic, are struggling to stay afloat and will be among the last to fully reopen, costing jobs and leaving a giant hole in the fabric of our communities. Getting federal dollars into the hands of struggling small businesses, like independent venues in the lower Hudson Valley not only makes sense, but it’s the curtain call needed to keep live music venues like the Capitol Theatre going.”

Schumer alternately wore a New York Yankees mask in honor of opening day and face coverings reading “Save Our Stages” and “Save Our Restaurants” during his news conference on Thursday. He noted that Hudson Valley venues, restaurants and schools will see a large slice of the $100 billion in relief that he helped champion.

Capitol Theatre owner Peter Shapiro said he was looking forward to everyone being back in his theater.

He said, during the news conference, that Save Our Stages was going to become a reality when Schumer said he was in favor of it.

“When they announced that Schumer was being added to be a co-sponsor, I knew that then it was going to happen," Shapiro said. "Because when you come on, it means it’s going to happen. And as an independent venue owner, I just want to say thank you.”

Schumer said the new legislation ended a catch-22 that forced venues like the Capitol Theatre to choose between applying for small business grants or Save Our Stages funds. In addition to millions of dollars in new aid, venues are now eligible to apply for both the forgivable paycheck replacement loans as well as Save Our Stages grants.

In the recently passed deal, more than $23.8 billion has been earmarked for New York. More than $910 million of that money will go directly to the Hudson Valley, including over $187.64 million to Westchester County, $250 million for municipalities in Westchester, $63 million for Rockland County with an additional $35 million given directly to towns, villages and municipalities. Putnam County will receive $19.07 million, and the state of New York will have more than $12 billion to distribute.