Press Releases

Unshackle Upstate, through its political action committee UPAC, has endorsed 8 additional candidates for the New York State Assembly. “Albany needs new representatives who will fight for overburdened taxpayers and struggling employers. These hardworking candidates have earned our support and we encourage voters to support them on Election Day.” said Brian Sampson, Unshackle Upstate Chairman […]

Unshackle Upstate, through its political action committee UPAC, has announced its slate of 2020 legislative endorsements. The bipartisan list is comprised of 19 Senate candidates and 29 Assembly candidates. “Now, more than ever, we need to elect legislators who will ease the burdens of taxpayers and employers. We strongly believe that these legislative candidates will […]

Pro-taxpayer advocacy organization calls for tax reform, mandate relief and infrastructure investment to accelerate Upstate’s recovery. ROCHESTER, NY – Citing New York State’s historic economic crisis, Unshackle Upstate has released Fast Forward – A Rapid Recovery Plan for the Upstate Economy. This pro-growth agenda is designed to accelerate Upstate’s economic recovery through a mix of […]

Statement Attributable to Michael Kracker, Executive Director of Unshackle Upstate “While the Phase 2 re-opening of 5 Upstate regions is a positive step, employers need more clarity and certainty from Albany as they begin the difficult task of reviving their businesses. We strongly encourage the administration to develop and distribute thorough guidance for Phase 3 […]

Statement from Michael Kracker, Executive Director of Unshackle Upstate “As the Legislature reconvenes to address COVID-19 related issues, we strongly urge members of the Senate and Assembly to recognize the significant economic impact of this crisis. Individuals and businesses are facing significant financial challenges that highlight the critical need to restart New York’s economy as […]

Unshackle Upstate, a pro-taxpayer education and advocacy organization, submitted written comments to the Legislature regarding the economic impacts of the COVID-19 on small businesses across New York State. “Unshackle Upstate appreciates the opportunity to submit testimony to legislators about the extraordinary challenges confronting Upstate’s small businesses,” said Michael Kracker, executive director of Unshackle Upstate. “While […]

Statement attributable to Michael Kracker, Unshackle Upstate executive director “It’s encouraging to see the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley regions get the green light to re-open on May 15.  We urge the state to do whatever is necessary to help the remaining Upstate regions. As employers and regional leaders work together to get […]

“As state officials begin the important task of restarting our economy, it is critical that they engage Upstate businesses leaders in this process. While we understand the challenges of implementing a regional economic reboot, it’s important for state officials to recognize the realities on the ground. State and local leaders have taken strong steps to […]

“In the midst of an economic crisis brought on by a global pandemic, Albany rejected calls to do no harm. Instead, lawmakers rushed through a budget filled with policies that will impede New York’s economic recovery. New prevailing wage mandates on private construction work will increase project costs and reduce employment opportunities – especially in […]

ALBANY, NY – As the state grapples with the current COVID-19 crisis, Unshackle Upstate is raising concerns about a proposal to expand the state’s costly prevailing wage mandates to private construction. The New York State Legislature is currently pushing legislation that would dramatically restrict New York’s economic recovery following the COVID-19 outbreak. “As a result […]