UUU, April 14th, 2019

Having finalized a budget deal earlier this month, the Legislature is set to take a two week break after session ends today. When they return at the end of April, they’ll have eight more weeks remaining with a lot of unfinished business.

As we mentioned in our budget statement, efforts to prevent the expansion of prevailing wage on private development will remain a top advocacy item for Unshackle Upstate.

We expect a number of other issues important to Upstate businesses and taxpayers to attract the attention of leaders in Albany over the final few weeks, as well. Below is a look at a few of the issues that we’re focused on.

Green New Deal/Climate and Community Protection Act

The Governor’s proposed “Green New Deal” did not make it in to the final budget, but climate policy remains a priority in Albany. The Legislature is renewing the effort to advance the Climate and Community Protection Act, while expressing a willingness to compromise with the Governor. Back in February, Unshackle Upstate testified at a hearing on the CCPA to raise concerns about the impact this legislation will have on Upstate business and ratepayers who already face some of the nation’s highest energy costs.

The Farm Fair Labor Act

This proposal would establish unnecessary and costly new requirements for farm employees. If enacted, it will significantly drive up the labor costs and operating expenses of the state’s farms, and may ultimately force many of them out of business. We plan to raise these concerns at upcoming hearings on this issue, and support calls to hold additional hearings in all parts of Upstate. You can read our full memo on this legislation here.

Recreational Marijuana 

The Governor has referred to this as a top priority moving in to the remainder of legislative session. While legislative leaders have echoed that sentiment, it remains to be seen if a bill can pass as a standalone measure. Given the variety of concerns that have been raised, it is possible this gets addressed during next year’s budget process instead.

The Tipped Wage Credit

Following the hearings we testified at in 2018, the Department of Labor has still not issued a determination on this issue. Despite this inaction, the Legislature, led by Senator Ramos and Assemblywoman Jaffe, is advancing a bill that would eliminate the tipped wage credit. Eliminating the tipped wage will hurt employees who rely on tips, employers who are already struggle to make payroll and customers who will undoubtedly pay more for goods and services.

Single-Payer Healthcare

With the budget passed, proponents of the New York Health Act are renewing their efforts to push for single-payer healthcare. As a member of the Realities of Single Payer coalition, we continue to oppose the massive tax hikes and job losses that come with a single-payer scheme.

These are just a few of the issues we’ll be engaging on over the next few weeks. As a leading voice for Upstate employers and taxpayers, we’ll continue to advocate for policies that improve New York’s business climate and make Upstate a more affordable place to live. Keep up with our efforts by following us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram.