Brian Lee reports in the Daily Gazette that local Congressional representatives Antonio Delgado, Paul Tonko, and Elise Stefanik are all crowing about the direct relief available from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Republican Stefanik is attempting to take credit for the bill, even though she voted against the measure that was included in the American Rescue Plan. Stefanik's Tweet about the program received more than 5,600 responses online, most pointing out that she did not vote for the program. Delgado and Tonko promoted the fact that as of May 3, restaurants hurt by the pandemic can apply for the $28.6 billion included in the plan. “Upstate New York’s independent restaurants are cornerstones of our community, where we gather with friends and family and mark special occasions in our lives,” Delgado said in a statement. “I’m proud that we passed direct relief for our small businesses and the people they employ as part of the American Rescue Plan. The comeback of our restaurant and hospitality businesses is an important key to a full recovery.” Tonko echoed that statement, saying, “Our Capital Region’s independent restaurants are cornerstones of our communities, yet they are among the businesses hit hardest by this pandemic and most in need of financial help." The funding available does not have to be repaid, provided that the funds are put toward eligible uses by March 11, 2023. Restaurants can apply through the U.S. Small Business Administration at https://restaurants.sba.gov/requests/borrower/login/, a link available on the WGXC Newsroom. Read more about this story in the Daily Gazette.