Marriage Equality To Boost Local Economy

It's been a week since the New York Senate approved gay marriage, and already local businesses say they anticipate a boost in revenues. 

"On Saturday morning after the bill was passed, and on the debut of Pride Week, we launched a campaign saying congratulations and come on over because we're ready, we've been anticipating this," said Elizabeth Jaeger, a spokeswoman for the . "This is going to be huge for local economy because there's an entire population of people with the chance to do something they've never been allowed to do before."

She added: "In the last week alone we've received four inquires into weddings, which may not sound like a lot but, for a wedding facility that is a lot."

Local business that serve the wedding sector could have everything to gain. New York may see as much as $391 million in increased economic activity, revenue, and savings during the three years after it is made law, according to a May report released by the state's Senate's Independent Democratic Conference.

Jessica Haas, an employee at  has noticed a recent increase in business. She wouldn't attribute all of it to the passing of the new legislation, however, given that this is a popular season for weddings. However, she too has gotten calls from same-sex couples about providing floral arrangements for wedding ceremonies on Long Island.  

"It's always nice to have an avenue open up, and the possibility with it to draw new business," Haas said.

Sean Beckert of  has high hopes for the economic aftermath of the legislation and stressed that personal beliefs have nothing to do with the positivity of this for the small merchant and retail community.

"We're all Americans," he said. "This is a judgement-free zone."

He's accomodated many commitment ceremonies in the past, and would cater to the needs of multitudes of same-sex weddings in the future.

Judy Ray owner of  feels it's still too early to tell how much of an impact the legislation will make.

But opportunity seems to bring optimism. 

Said Ray: "It could build sales in the wedding industry."