Government Affairs Council
Update
January 6, 2006
2006 DRAFT Legislative Program
We urge you to review and provide comments on The Business Council Draft 2006 Legislative Program. The program is the compilation of the priorities and positions of our committee and council structure.
Please review the program carefully.
State
DOT Releases Draft 25-Year-Plan
Staff
Contact: Tom
Minnick
Promoting economic sustainability is one of five priorities identified by state transportation planners in the latest 25-year draft transportation plan for New York State.
Other chief concerns for the drafters of the plan are improving system reliability and mobility, enhancing safety, improving environmental conditions and increasing security, especially along New York State's borders.
Transportation Commissioner Thomas Madison Jr. said shifting trade patterns, advancing technology and increased freight and passenger traffic are all combining to stress the transportation system at several key points. The draft plan is designed to serve as a broad blueprint to guide short- and long-term investments in the state's transportation system.
The draft master plan, entitled "Transportation Strategies for a New Age: New York’s Transportation Plan for 2030," is subject to a 45-day public comment period, which ends Friday, Feb. 24, 2006. The plan is available at the NYSDOT website at www.dot.state.ny.us/tranplan/mp-intro.html.
State
Minimum Wage Increases
Staff Contact: Tom
Minnick
The second of a three step increase in the New York State minimum
wage became law on January 1, 2006.
Last January 1st, the state minimum wage increased to $6.00 per hour
from $5.15 per hour as a result of legislative action in 2004. Earlier
this week, the second increase to $6.75 per hour became effective.
The final step to $7.15 per hour will occur on January 1, 2007.
