Unshackle Upstate Releases 2016 Budget Review

April 13th, 2016

ROCHESTER, NY – Unshackle Upstate has published a comprehensive review of the New York State’s 2016-2017 enacted budget. The document, which can be viewed on the organization’s website (http://bit.ly/1WrvWLA), covers prominent issues like minimum wage, paid family leave and tax cuts as well as lower-profile measures that will still have a substantive impact on Upstate businesses and residents.

“There was no shortage of high-profile issues in this year’s budget,” said Greg Biryla, executive director of Unshackle Upstate. “We’re deeply disappointed about the new minimum wage and paid leave mandates that will squeeze struggling Upstate employers, taxpayers and consumers. However, it’s important to recognize that dozens of additional measures – such as the middle-class tax cut and Upstate infrastructure investment parity – were also approved in the budget.”

Unshackle Upstate, along with its member organizations and partners in the business community, helped fend off costly new health insurance mandates and prevailing wage requirements on taxpayer-subsidized projects.

As the legislative session continues, Birlya stated that the organization will continue to advocate for measures that will address New York’s harsh business climate.

“Half-hearted efforts won’t fix New York’s burdensome regulatory structure and costly mandates. Albany must step up and deliver meaningful results for employers and taxpayers. Until that happens, Upstate communities will continue to lose valuable jobs and hardworking residents.”