Government Affairs Council Update

Government Accountability
Staff Contact: Ken Pokalsky

The Business Council has been calling for increased accountability and transparency in state budgeting, as a way to help get state spending under control.  This week, the Senate announced a package of bills that would advance this agenda.  Its “Accountability in Government Spending” plan would require: detailed, agency specific expenditure reports; a spending cap that would limit the growth in the state budget to the lesser of 120 percent of the Consumer Price Index or four percent; require all state agencies to develop long-term strategic plans and follow performance budgeting principles; and creation of a new Web site that would enable the public to review the performance of government programs, and submit reform recommendations.  The Senate’s press release on this program, which includes a list of specific legislation in their accountability package, is available here.

Paid Family Leave Campaign Underway
Staff Contact: Tom Minnick

Over twenty (20) visits to Legislators to discuss the current paid family leave proposals were made during the April 15th Annual Business Council HR Legislative Conference.  On April 30th, five Business Council members made targeted visits to the offices of Senators Bruno, Robach, Morahan and Maziarz.  During the week of May 11th, display ads opposing the paid family leave bills will begin in the Albany Legislative Gazette.  Op-eds are also planned.  Later next week, an electronic grassroots campaign will begin which will give businesses across New York State the opportunity to communicate their opposition to their local state Legislators as well as Legislative leaders in Albany.  Business Council member companies and allied organizations will be receiving information on this program next week.

Participation in this campaign is critical in defeating the state paid family leave proposals.

Business Council Events for 2008

• Annual Conference on State Taxation
  May 13 – 15, 2008
  Gideon Putnam
  Saratoga Springs, NY
  
  Last chance - register now.
  • Agenda, Registration and Sponsorship Opportunities
  
  
• Spring Environment Conference & Green Business Expo
  June 3, 2008
  Crowne Plaza Albany Hotel
  Albany, NY
  
  
  • First “Green Business” Expo and Conference
    
  • Current Sponsors include: ERM, Inc.; International Paper; Nixon Peabody; Quality Environmental Solutions & Technologies, Inc. 
  • Current Exhibitors include: NYSERDA; New York State Public Service Commission; Pepco Energy Services
  • Agenda, Registration and Sponsorship Opportunities
  • Contact Maribeth Riley for more information
  
  
• Annual Homeland Security Congressional Exchange
  June 18 – 19, 2008
  Washington, DC
  
  Join us in Washington, DC for the 2008 Annual Congressional Exchange.
  
  

  New this year – We will have a special Pentagon Briefing on June 18.  There is limited space available for this event, so be sure to register early to get access to this key opportunity.
  

  • Current Sponsor: Retlif Testing Laboratories
  • Agenda, Registration and Sponsorship Information
  • Contact Maribeth Riley for more information
  
  
• First Annual Business Council Member Golf Classic
  July 23, 2008
  Leatherstocking Golf Course, The Otesaga Hotel
  Cooperstown, NY
  
  Baseball Hall of Famer, Dave Winfield to speak.  Our brochure is on its way to you. Registration information will be available soon.  If you are interested in Sponsorships, contact Ellen Muir.
  
  
  • Save the Date Information

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Conference Development Department.

Phone: 1-800-358-1202
Online: www.bcnys.org/events.htm
Email: Events@bcnys.org