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“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 […]

ROCHESTER, NY – Unshackle Upstate has published a comprehensive review of the New York State’s 2016-2017 enacted budget. The document, which can be viewed on the organization’s website (http://bit.ly/1WrvWLA), covers prominent issues like minimum wage, paid family leave and tax cuts as well as lower-profile measures that will still have a substantive impact on Upstate […]

“Rather than taking the opportunity to make New York more business friendly or grow its economy, this budget agreement imposes additional burdens and challenges for employers – especially those in Upstate communities. This unprecedented minimum wage mandate on employers – in addition to a paid leave program – will ensure that New York’s business climate […]

“The state Labor Department’s ‘analysis’ of a $15 minimum wage falls far short of the thorough, objective analysis that state lawmakers and the public deserves. For example, it does not look at the real impacts that a 67-percent minimum wage increase will have on small businesses, family farms, non-profits, local governments and school districts. It […]

“Today’s report from the Tax Foundation, which finds that New York State’s state and local tax burden is the highest in the nation, helps explain why much of the state continues to trail the nation in job creation since the end of the Great Recession. It also underscores just how difficult it is to start and […]

“We applaud Governor Cuomo for advancing a budget proposal that adheres to a self-imposed 2-percent spending cap. We’re also encouraged by the Governor’s commitment to make significant investments in our crumbling infrastructure. It’s no secret that Upstate communities have struggled to maintain the roads, bridges and water infrastructure – this investment will provide much-needed funds […]

“The reality is that Upstate New York simply can’t afford a $15 minimum wage. The small businesses and farms that power our economy will be devastated, jobs will be lost, consumer costs will skyrocket and taxes will rise. If you truly support the Upstate economy, then you can’t support this unprecedented wage mandate. Unshackle Upstate […]