Unshackle Upstate Responds to Legislative Budget Resolutions

March 15th, 2017

“Unshackle Upstate applauds Majority Leader Flanagan and his Senate colleagues for putting forward a budget resolution that follows a path of fiscal discipline and specifically addresses several key items of importance to the Upstate economy – including long-overdue Workers’ Compensation reforms and allowing ride-hailing Upstate.

Last year, Unshackle Upstate and our partners conducted a survey of Upstate employers from across the Upstate region. It found that 84 percent of respondents identified high Workers’ Compensation costs as a significant cost concern. Upstate’s small businesses, large employers, family farms, municipalities and school districts pay, on average, the third highest Workers’ Compensation premiums in the nation. This additional cost burden hampers the ability of existing employers to hire and grow, and dissuades new investment in Upstate communities. We agree with the Senate Majority that now is the time for responsible reforms to this antiquated and costly system.

We are also pleased to see the New York State Assembly advance additional tax relief for small businesses. We encourage the Assembly to support the Senate’s Workers’ Compensation and ride-hailing proposals.

As this budget process continues, we look forward to working with all of our elected officials in Albany to advance policies that will promote growth and vitality across Upstate.”