Government Affairs Council
Update
January 11, 2008
GAC Meeting Scheduled
Staff Contact: Ken Pokalsky
The first Government Affairs Committee meeting of 2008 will be held Tuesday, February 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at The Business Council’s offices at 152 Washington Avenue in Albany.
Our featured speaker will be the state’s new Budget Director, Laura Anglin. Note that Governor Spitzer’s proposed Executive Budget for 2008-2009 will be released on January 22. Ms. Anglin will be providing an overview of the budget proposal, with an emphasis on “gap closing” measures, and any tax reforms or revenue measures included in the Executive Budget.
Other agenda items will include a staff review of key budget proposals and discussion of Business Council priority issues for 2008
We hope that you can attend this important session. If you plan on participating, it would be appreciated if you could RSVP by return email to janet.carroll@bcnys.org. If you have any questions, or proposed agenda items, please contact Ken Pokalsky at ken.pokalskay@bcnys.org.
Healthcare Budget Presentation at Next Business Council Healthcare & Health Insurance Committee Meeting
Contact: Mark Amodeo
Dennis Whalen, Governor Spitzer's Deputy Secretary for Health and Human Services, will make a presentation on the 2008-2009 Executive Budget at the next meeting of The Business Council's Healthcare & Health Insurance Committee. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at The Business Council in Albany. The Executive Budget will be released on January 22nd. All Business Council members are welcome to attend.
Looking Back at 2007: Governor Spitzer’s Report to the People of NYS
Staff Contact: Maggie Moree
Simultaneous with his delivery of the State of the State, Governor Spitzer issued his first public agency accountability report, noting that “the leaders appointed to our state agencies regularly report to me on what they are doing. That is the very basic level on which I judge their work and on which the public can judge mine.” Beyond the headlines and accomplishments referenced in his State of the State, the 266 page document highlights, agency by agency, self-reported accomplishments. Documented are a number of pro-business actions taken by various public agencies such as efforts to streamline the procurement process and increased availability and use of electronic filing for a variety of purposes. Other accomplishments cited by agencies include aggressive and increased enforcement activities as well as efforts regulated to regulatory reform. The entire document can be found at: http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/2007ReportToThePeople.pdf.
Council President Kenneth Adams to Participate at State Commission to Modernize the Regulation of Financial Services Meeting
Staff contact: Walter Pacholczak
Business Council President Kenneth Adams will participate at the first meeting of The New York State Commission to Modernize the Regulation of Financial Services on Friday, January 18th.
The Commission agenda includes a welcome by Governor Eliot Spitzer; review of the work plan by Executive Director Scott Rothstein; comments by Hector Sants, CEO of the United Kingdom Financial Services Authority; discussion by Insurance Superintendent Eric Dinallo about principals-based regulation; and an open forum for commission members.
Mr. Sants will provide an overview of the FSA’s role in rule-making; investigatory and enforcement powers; and principles of good regulation. The FSA has three strategic goals: promoting efficient, orderly and fair markets; helping retail consumers achieve a fair deal; and improving business capability and effectiveness.
In the months leading to the Commission’s interim and final reports, The Business Council will have stakeholder meetings to discuss the shift towards principles-based regulation and input for the Commission.
Washington Update
Staff Contact: Maggie Moree
Trade issues have emerged as a key policy priority for the Consumer Electronics Association as they seek to reduce tariffs on electronic and information technology products. Trade Representative Schwab appeared by teleconference on Monday in conjunction with the annual CEA electronics show in Las Vegas. The Consumer Electronics Association has allied with the Motion Picture Association of America and the Recording Industry Association of America to urge Congress to approve pending trade deals pending with Columbia, South Korea and Panama. BCNYS President Kenneth Adams added BCNYS support for passage of the Korea FTA in a December 5, 2007, letter to key members of the NY Congressional delegation.
The US Chamber of Commerce outlined its legislative goals for 2008 signaling that some business-related issues – such as cracking down on intellectual property theft and FAA reauthorization – are doable even in an election year. While some issues have little resonance with a Democratic-controlled Congress (lower corporate taxes, fewer business regulations), the group indicated they could find common ground with Democrats on issues such as scaled-down immigration bills, reauthorization of No Child Left Behind, and health-technology issues.
Lawmakers will begin mapping out the next surface transportation reauthorization bill scheduled for 2009. The future of the gas tax is expected to be discussed next week when a 12 member public-private panel led by Transportation Secretary Peters will release recommendations on how to revamp transportation financing and infrastructure over the next three decades. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is holding a January 17th hearing on the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission’s recommendations, which will be released January 15th. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee are expected to follow suit with a hearing on the recommendations the following week.
Finally, the US Chamber of Commerce convened a nationwide conference call with over 300 participants on its “Let’s Rebuild America” initiative. The initiative, which was developed with the support of many national stakeholders, seeks to establish “infrastructure” as a core economic growth and vitality issue and to create a climate within which leaders will commit to an “infrastructure” program. The “Let’s Rebuild America” initiative includes infrastructure policy and investments within transportation, telecommunications/broadband and energy (transmission corridors, refineries and pipelines). The US Chamber will be following up their conference call with events in all regions of the country to get business and leaders energized around infrastructure priorities.
Business
Council Committee Meetings
- Government Affairs Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Business Council Headquarters
152 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12210
Registration Contact: Janet Carroll
- Tax Committee Meeting
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Business Council Headquarters
152 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12210
Registration Contact: Janet Carroll
- Healthcare & Health Insurance Committee Meeting
Thursday, February 7, 2008
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Business Council Headquarters
152 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12210
Registration Contact: Janet Carroll
Business
Council Events for 2008
2008 Legislators' Reception
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Crowne Plaza Albany
Last chance to Sponsor - Your company Logo will be displayed on multiple screens throughout the Reception. The sponsorship levels include: Platinum at $2,500, Gold at $2,000; Silver at $1,500, or Patron at $1,000.
Sign up today to become a sponsor or contact Ellen Muir at ellen.muir@bcnys.org or 1-800-358-1202 for further information.
Register to Attend - Mix and mingle with hundreds of Business Council members, state officials, legislators and their staffs. Name tags will be required. RSVP by phone: 518-465-7511, fax: 518-465-9567, email: events@bcnys.org, or online.
Please respond by January 15, 2008
A limited number of rooms has been reserved at the Crowne Plaza Albany.
Call 518-462-6611 and identify yourself as a Business Council participant to
obtain the special rate of $159.
2008 Homeland Security Conference:
US / Canadian Border Management & Commerce: A View From the Front
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Crowne Plaza Albany
Join this very important discussion on U.S./Canadian Relationships, focusing on Northern Border Management & Commerce Issues.
In today’s global business environment it is important that the public and private sector continue to work together to find ways to improve security at our borders without infringing on business and industry’s economic well being. Conference participants will hear from top officials from the US and Canada about programs facilitating trade while keeping our borders secure. Attendees will also learn about New York State procurement procedures and opportunities.
In addition to a packed agenda, the conference will provide important networking opportunities for U.S. and Canadian companies, to assist you in forging partnerships beneficial to your organization.
