Press Releases

Unshackle Upstate, a pro-taxpayer, pro-business advocacy organization, today released its 2017-2018 legislative scorecards. The scorecards, available at www.unshackleupstate.com/legislative-activity/scorecards/, provide a grade for Senators and Assembly members based on their budget and legislative votes – as well as sponsorships of specific bills – during the 2017 and 2018 sessions. “As we head toward another critical Election Day, […]

“On behalf of Unshackle Upstate, I would like to congratulate all of last night’s primary winners. As we enter the general election, Unshackle Upstate encourages all candidates, particularly those running statewide, to consider the important issues facing communities in Upstate New York. Easing the burden on taxpayers, promoting job growth and improving New York’s business […]

BUFFALO, NY – Unshackle Upstate’s executive board announced today that Michael Kracker (last name pronounced like Crocker) has been chosen to serve as the organization’s new executive director. In this role, Kracker will lead the organization’s advocacy efforts in Albany and across the State, strengthen its partnerships with allied organizations and raise awareness about the extraordinary challenges […]

Note: Unshackle Upstate executive director Greg Biryla’s testimony for today’s tipped wage hearing Albany can be viewed here. “Today, hardworking employees and employers from across the State traveled to Albany to speak out against the elimination of the tipped wage credit. We’re proud to lend our voice to this fight and call on our leaders in […]

“For far too long, overburdened taxpayers and struggling local governments have been calling for meaningful relief from the financial strain of unfunded Albany mandates – particularly Medicaid. The package of bills passed by the Senate Majority today advances real solutions to address New York’s mandate madness, cut existing taxes and make it more difficult to raise […]

“Earlier today, the Senate passed a series of measures that will help boost job growth and help struggling business owners across the state. We thank Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, Senator Tom O’Mara and the members of the Senate Majority Conference for their efforts. These bills – especially S.2120A – will provide much needed assistance to the […]

ROCHESTER, NY – Unshackle Upstate (www.unshackleupstate.com), through its political action committee UPAC, today announced its endorsement of Chris Tague in the 102nd Assembly district. “Unshackle Upstate believes that Chris Tague will be a strong advocate in the State Assembly for taxpayers and employers,” said Greg Biryla, executive director of Unshackle Upstate. “Chris is a strong supporter of […]

“While Governor Cuomo’s proposals are well intended, several of the new mandates contained in the Department of Labor’s report will place New York’s small businesses, large employers and not-for-profits at an even further competitive disadvantage without meaningfully addressing pay equity. Employers of every size, shape and industry have repeatedly expressed concern with the Department of […]

New York Senate candidate Julie Killian (R-Rye) has been endorsed by Unshackle Upstate, through its political action committee, UPAC. “Westchester families are over-taxed and Westchester small businesses are overburdened by an archaic and anti-competitive regulatory structure. We’re supporting Julie Killian’s campaign because she’s a proven leader who will deliver relief to taxpayers and economic opportunity […]

“Hardworking taxpayers across the state should be relieved to know that nearly one billion dollars in new taxes were not included in the final state budget. We appreciate the efforts of the Senate Republican Conference in rejecting those increases which would have compounded New York’s massive tax burden. This should send yet another message that […]