The Business Council has identified
its top priorities for the rest of the legislative session now that the 1998
budget is set.
Unemployment
insurance reform: Employers with relatively few layoffs have a higher
UI tax burden than they should. UI tax tables should be revised so rates
better reflect companies' actual employment histories
The importance of manufacturing to the state's economy will be a key theme
of New York State Manufacturing Week May 8-15,
sponsored by The Business Council and regional employer organizations around
the state.
"New York manufacturers produce more than just computers, cameras, medical
instruments, and consumer goods," said Business Council President Daniel B
Assembly panels to examine promotion of exports and jobs
Two Assembly subcommittees will hold a hearing on "Facilitating Exports: Promoting Export-Led Economic Growth and Jobs" at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 12, in Hearing Room B of the Legislative Office Building.
The Assembly Committees on Small Business (chaired by Joseph D
Reforming the state's unemployment insurance
(UI) system will be a key priority for the
current legislative session now that the Legislature
has agreed on a budget, said Elliott
Shaw, director of government affairs for The Business Council.
"The budget deal in the Legislature is the earliest in years," Shaw
said
A plan to force employers to implement
programs to prevent workplace violence is too broad and duplicates ongoing
programs, The Business Council has argued in a memo opposing the bill. The
Assembly has passed the bill. The Senate has referred it to the Senate Labor
Committee. The bill would
force employers to conduct studies, implement policies, and begin new workplace
training - whether or not there is a demonstrated need for these initiatives,
said Minnick
The Business Council's successful effort
to save businesses $420 million in their 1998 unemployment insurance (UI)
taxes may have boosted membership. In the first quarter,
new member enrollment increased over 80 percent compared to the same period
in 1997, he said. Widespread publicity about the pre-pay initiative probably
played a key role in the increase, he added
The following letter from Business Council President Daniel B. Walsh was delivered to Governor Pataki Wednesday, April 15.
Staff Contact:
Honorable George E. Pataki
Governor
Executive Chamber
The Capitol
Albany, New York 12224
Dear Governor Pataki:
RE: Your support for the proposed tax cuts
The new tax reductions approved by the Legislature represent the next giant step forward in the drive to make New York State more competitive for businesses and jobs
Employers in New York State this month will make their first payment on unemployment
insurance (UI) taxes at the lower rate created by The Business Council's pre-payment
initiative of late 1997.
All New York State employers pay UI taxes quarterly. The first quarter's payment
is due on April 30 of each year, explained Richard Schwarz, The Business Council's
tax counsel
Some 350 representatives of small business
heard Governor Pataki and key legislators affirm their commitment to tax
cuts and other policies that would improve the state's business climate.
Governor Pataki, Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, and Assemblyman Robin
Schimminger addressed participants in Small Business Day March 30 in Albany