The Legislature initially authorized a Hotel-Motel Occupancy Tax fund grant of up to $95,000 for Friends of Cedarmere in mid-May 2020. Hotel-motel grant funds are generated through an occupancy tax on Nassau County hotels and lodging facilities; those proceeds are set aside for promoting programs and activities that enhance tourism in Nassau County. However, dwindling hotel sales tax revenues caused by a sharp decline in tourism and the impact of a regional economic slowdown amidst the COVID-19 pandemic jeopardized the availability of as much as half of the full grant. Working with Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton successfully advocated for reversing initial plans to reduce the grant, and secured a commitment to award the full $95,000 to Friends of Cedarmere.