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“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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

“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 […]

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 […]