A provision backed by Republican Rep. John Katko would make local governments eligible for paid family and sick leave payroll tax credits — a move meant to alleviate the increasing financial strain on municipalities during the coronavirus pandemic.

The move would amend the initial federal coronavirus relief measure approved by Congress that required both public and private employers to provide emergency paid family and sick leave. But public employers were not allowed to use the payroll tax credits to offset the provision.

“Local governments have been on the forefront of Central New York’s effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, providing critical services to those in-need, supporting our hospital and healthcare providers, and relaying important information to keep our community safe and healthy,” Katako said in a statement. “However, with an economic crisis depressing budgets for many local governments, our county governments and municipalities are suffering – and need relief now.”

The proposal was backed by central New York-area officials, including Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, whose city may have lost between $14.5 million and $20 million in revenue due to the pandemic.

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon also backed the proposal.

“Onondaga County and local governments across Central New York are seeing the effects of budgetary restraints as we work to continue to serve local residents,” he said. “With a tax credit to offset paid leave expenses, Onondaga County will be better positioned to provide support for those in our community who need it.”