Archives

May 22 2020

As Legislature Returns, Unshackle Upstate Calls on Officials to Support New York’s Economic Recovery

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 […]


May 19 2020

Oneonta Daily Star: N.Y. Labor Department gets 20,000 virus safety complaints

Oneonta Daily Star, May 19th, 2020 ALBANY — Some 20,000 complaints have been fielded by the state Labor Department relating to workplace safety issues tied to the coronavirus pandemic, state Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon revealed Monday, Reardon, however, could not immediately say if any of those complaints have led to sanctions against employers who have […]



May 13 2020

Olean Times Herald: Borrello urges Senate majority leader to resume 2020 session

Olean Times Herald, May 13th, 2020 ALBANY — With latest unemployment figures showing that more than 1.8 million New Yorkers have filed for unemployment, state Sen. George Borrello urged the Senate leader to resume the 2020 session to address the growing economic toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. Borrello and fellow GOP senators sent a letter […]


May 13 2020

Unshackle Upstate Submits Comments Regarding Small Businesses to Joint Legislative Hearing

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 […]


May 13 2020

D&C: New York to begin reopening Friday as coronavirus spread slows

Democrat & Chronicle, May 11, 2020 ALBANY – At least three regions of New York will begin the reopening process Friday, clearing the way for some nonessential businesses to resume operations as the spread of the coronavirus continues to slow in the hard-hit state. The Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley and Southern Tier regions have met […]


May 11 2020

Unshackle Upstate Statement Regarding Regional Re-Openings

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 […]


May 11 2020

Messenger Post: All systems go to start reopening in Finger Lakes

Messenger Post, May 11th, 2020 Friday marks the end of the statewide closure due to COVID-19, and local leaders in Ontario and Wayne counties say they are ready to begin the process of reopening. “We are there — very close,” said Ontario County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Marren. Marren, who is Victor town supervisor […]


May 7 2020

Spectrum: Companies Should Begin Planning Their Reopening Now, Business Groups Say

Spectrum News, May 5, 2020 A plan to slowly reopen New York for business will take weeks, if not months. It will be tied to falling coronavirus infection rates and hospital capacity. And when businesses do reopen, they’ll be facing challenges. “I think a lot of our members are definitely looking forward to getting back […]


Apr 21 2020

WBGH: Unshackle Upstate Calls on State Leaders to Accelerate Upstate Re-Opening Plan

WBGH, April 21, 2020 From Unshackle Upstate: Statement Attributable to Michael Kracker, Executive Director of Unshackle Upstate “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 is important for […]