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Testimony provided at the request of the New York State Senate Committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business and the Senate Administrative Regulations Review Committee January 4, 2018 First, my sincere thanks to Senator Jacobs, Senator Boyle and their legislative colleagues for providing the opportunity to discuss the New York State Department of Labor’s […]

“Governor Cuomo covered a lot of issues during today’s State of the State address but none were more critical than property taxes. New York’s massive property tax burden drives hardworking men and women out of the state and factors in to our harsh business climate. Unfortunately for overburdened taxpayers, there was no mention of advancing […]

“The priorities outlined in the Senate Majority’s 2018 legislative agenda must become realities in 2018. Making New York’s spending cap and property tax cap permanent are two critical measures that will save taxpayers billions. Senate Majority Leader Flanagan is right – hardworking men and women across New York are already overtaxed and any efforts to […]

Albany, N.Y – A coalition of the state’s leading business and industry groups today announced their commitment to advocating for reforms to New York’s prevailing wage law. In light of the state’s budget multi-billion dollar deficit and overwhelming infrastructure needs, the coalition is calling on members of the Legislature to reform this outdated and costly […]

Unshackle Upstate, a pro-taxpayer, Upstate focused advocacy and education organization, has released its 2018 Advocacy Agenda. The document identifies 43 issues that impact taxpayers and employers across New York. “The proposals contained in our 2018 agenda can help New York address its multi-billion dollar deficit without adding to taxpayers’ burden. By holding the line on spending, […]

“New York’s abysmal ranking in the Tax Foundation’s 2018 State Business Tax Climate Index is extremely disappointing but not surprising. For the last decade, New York has had one of the worst business tax climates in the nation. This is a sad status quo that sends an embarrassing and harmful message to businesses looking to bring jobs […]

“Five years ago, Unshackle Upstate fought back against a proposal to raise Thruway tolls by a staggering 45 percent. Today, Governor Cuomo has indicated that tolls will rise after 2020 in order to subsidize the cost of the Tappan Zee Bridge. It’s unfair to ask Upstate commuters to pay for a bridge that many will […]

“We thank Governor Cuomo and members of the Legislature for speeding up the start date for ride-hailing services across Upstate New York. As visitors and residents enjoy Upstate’s incredible summer tourism destinations, they’ll be able to see and do more thanks to the arrival of modern transportation options. We call on Albany’s leaders to build […]

“As summer tourism season draws near, hundreds of thousands of visitors will flock to enjoy our Upstate communities, lakes, parks and festivals. It’s important for business that residents and visitors have access to modern and reliable transportation options. This will help boost Upstate tourism – a key component of the regional economy. We thank Senator […]

“This year’s state budget achieves some progress on long overdue reforms that will benefit Upstate’s communities and its economy. By green lighting ride-hailing services in Upstate New York, Governor Cuomo and the Legislature have created opportunity for Upstate cities and towns, and small businesses. Upstate New Yorkers will finally have the same modern, reliable transportation […]