Press Releases

“We thank the members of the Senate who voted in support of a permanent 2-percent property tax cap. Since it was enacted in 2011, the property tax cap has saved hardworking taxpayers more than $7 billion dollars. We call on the members of the Assembly to join with their Senate colleagues and pass a permanent […]

ROCHESTER, NY – Unshackle Upstate, a pro-taxpayer advocacy organization, has released its 2017 Legislative Agenda. In the comprehensive document, Unshackle Upstate calls for continued fiscal discipline, reforms to New York’s Workers Compensation program, ride-hailing in Upstate and action on other pro-growth measures. “The sensible reforms and proposals contained within this year’s agenda will get the Upstate […]

“We’re in the process of reviewing the numerous proposals advanced by Governor Cuomo but we’re certainly encouraged by the governor’s support for ride-sharing services in Upstate New York. Upstate residents, visitors and businesses will all benefit from greater access to safe, reliable and modern transportation options. We hope to see more proposals from the Governor […]

Unshackle Upstate (www.unshackleupstate.com), through its political action committee UPAC, today announced its endorsement of Sue Serino’s re-election campaign in the 41st Senate district. “We’re proud to support Sue Serino’s campaign because she’s demonstrated a strong commitment to easing New Yorkers’ tax burden and promoting job growth in the Hudson Valley,” said Greg Biryla, executive director of […]

ROCHESTER, NY – Unshackle Upstate (www.unshackleupstate.com), through its political action committee UPAC, today announced its slate of 2016 legislative endorsements. The bi-partisan list is comprised of 12 Senate candidates and 22 Assembly candidates. “Voters across Upstate are concerned about sluggish job growth and the overall health of the economy. The 33 candidates that we’ve endorsed […]

“The Tax Foundation has released its annual State Business Tax Climate Index and the results are troubling and frustrating. New York State has the second-worst business tax climate in the nation. That’s simply unacceptable. If a well-respected research organization published a report that had similar findings about our educational or health care systems, the outcry would be […]

ALBANY, NY – Unshackle Upstate, a pro-taxpayer, pro-business advocacy organization, today released its 2015-2016 legislative scorecards. The scorecards, available at www.unshackleupstate.com/legislative-activity/scorecards/, grade Senators and Assembly members based on their budget and legislative votes as well as sponsorships of specific bills during the 2015 and 2016 sessions. “As Election Day draws near, incumbent legislators will be talking about […]

Unshackle Upstate endorsed Conservative Republican Floyd Rayburn today in his bid to be the next New York State Senator from the 54th district. “I couldn’t be more proud of an endorsement,” said Rayburn.  “This group has grown quickly because they advocate for the same issues everyone I talk to is clamoring for:  lower taxes, mandate […]

“We’re deeply disappointed about the 2016 legislative session, as our representatives in Albany failed to take any meaningful actions to spur Upstate economic growth. Instead, lawmakers imposed a multi-billion minimum wage increase and enacted a new paid family leave mandate – both of which will squeeze struggling Upstate employers, taxpayers and consumers. Lawmakers also failed […]

“While the remedies for improving New York’s toxic business climate are well known, there’s been a lack of political will power to make them a reality. We’re hopeful that the members of the council will take full advantage of this opportunity and our elected leaders will act accordingly. We look forward to making recommendations to […]