Press Releases

Feb 4 2019

Unshackle Upstate Calls for Additional Hearings on Climate Legislation

ALBANY, NY – Unshackle Upstate, a pro-taxpayer education and advocacy organization, has submitted to a letter to Senator Todd Kaminsky requesting for additional hearings to be held in Upstate communities regarding the New York State Climate and Community Protection Act. In late January, the Senate announced that Senator Kaminsky would lead three hearings to solicit public feedback […]


Jan 23 2019

Unshackle Upstate Statement Regarding Senate’s Passage of a Permanent 2% Property Tax Cap

“We thank Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and members of the Senate for standing up for struggling homeowners and passing a permanent 2-percent property tax cap today. Since its enactment in 2011, the property tax cap has saved homeowners billions of dollars and given hardworking New Yorkers some relief from double-digit property take hikes. Considering […]


Jan 15 2019

Unshackle Upstate Statement Regarding Governor Cuomo’s 2019 Budget Proposal

“We fully support the Governor’s adherence to a 2-percent state spending cap and his call for a permanent 2-percent property tax cap. The property tax cap has saved overburdened homeowners approximately $25 billion since its passage. Enacting a permanent property tax cap should be a top legislative priority in the coming weeks. We’re also encouraged […]


Jan 14 2019

Unshackle Upstate Releases 2019 Advocacy Agenda

BUFFALO, NY – Unshackle Upstate, a pro-taxpayer education and advocacy organization, has released its 2019 Advocacy Agenda. The in-depth document details the organization’s stance on more than 40 issues confronting taxpayers and employers across New York. The organization’s key priorities for the 2019 legislative session include: Continued fiscal responsibility; Make the 2-percent property tax cap […]



Nov 6 2018

Unshackle Upstate Statement Regarding New York State Legislative Elections

“On behalf of Unshackle Upstate, I would like to congratulate tonight’s election winners. We are especially proud to have supported Bob Antonacci and George Amedore and look forward to working with them in the coming months. As we transition to the upcoming legislative session, our leaders in Albany must consider the significant challenges facing the […]


Oct 23 2018

Unshackle Upstate Statement Regarding Disappointing Gubernatorial Debate

“Upstate voters who were expecting to hear a substantive debate tonight between Andrew Cuomo and Marc Molinaro regarding key Upstate issues shouldn’t hold their breath. There was no specific discussion about Upstate’s declining population, the state’s job-killing business climate or crumbling local roads and bridges. In light of this disappointing debate, we urge Andrew Cuomo […]


Oct 22 2018

Unshackle Upstate Advances Important Questions for Gubernatorial Debate

BUFFALO, NY – In an effort to ensure that the concerns of Upstate taxpayers are addressed in the upcoming Gubernatorial debate, Unshackle Upstate has advanced the following five questions to the debate moderators as well as Andrew Cuomo and Marc Molinaro: – While New York’s 2% property tax cap has saved homeowners billions of dollars […]


Oct 9 2018

Unshackle Upstate Announces 2018 Legislative Endorsements

BUFFALO, NY – Unshackle Upstate, through its political action committee UPAC, today announced its slate of 2018 legislative endorsements. The bi-partisan list is comprised of 15 Senate candidates and 24 Assembly candidates. “At Unshackle Upstate we believe in supporting candidates who support the issues that matter to the Upstate economy. We’re proud to endorse the […]


Sep 26 2018

Unshackle Upstate Statement Regarding New Tax Foundation Business Tax Climate Index Report

“The Tax Foundation’s new report is yet another reminder that our leaders in Albany should be more focused on New York’s business climate rather than the weather. With the exception of New Jersey, New York’s neighboring states all offer a better tax environment for employers. If our elected officials are serious about strengthening the economy and reversing […]