Lockport's Diversified Manufacturing has remained open throughout the coronavirus pandemic making parts for many essential businesses and industries.

"We are hopeful that very soon those that are deemed to be non-essential can join us in working safely and working smart," Brian Costello, Diversified Manufacturing CEO, says.

However, it has taken steps to make sure employees are safe and lawmakers said it is the template as other factories soon begin to open.

"This is what it’s going to look like to go back to work for a lot of folks. It’s wearing masks. It’s having your temperature taken when you show up. It’s filling out those forms and answering questions," State Senator Rob Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, says.

Republican leaders gathered at the facility say that they approve of the state’s current plan to open regionally, but want to keep the pressure on. They believe their advocacy for reopening has influenced the Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s decisions.

"I am so glad to be here today and the governor’s made the decision to reopen the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier, and we’re this close in Western New York. Is that coincidence that we happen to be making these decisions and putting these things in motion, and then all of a sudden decisions are made that consistent with what we’re advocating for?" Rep. Tom Reed, R-NY-23, asks.

State legislators, along with Reed, are asking the governor to be flexible within regions, like WNY, as the reopening process develops.

"We have three counties, Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua, that are not dense population-wise and if they were on the own, they would be meeting the criteria," State Senator Chris Jacobs says.

Reed says he understands why the state used regions designated for economic development as it looked to reopen, but says leaders should consider dissecting those regions even further, especially as it monitors whether new cases arise in specific areas.

Meanwhile, Democratic leadership in Congress announced a $3 trillion stimulus, including much anticipated funds for state and local government.

However, Reed says Republicans were not involved in the proposal and hopes for a bipartisan one that includes provisions to keep the state from taking money intended for local governments.

"There are penalties that you can put in place to say that those local government lines are off limits," he says.

State legislators also continue to express concerns about the number of people in their districts who have yet to receive unemployment benefits, and are calling on New York to find a solution now.