Statement on Governor Hochul’s Budget Proposal
“We commend the Governor on her 2024-2025 Budget proposal, a presentation that should be applauded on many levels. During her time in office, the governor has been able to balance budgets without raising personal and business taxes, a critical move for the continued growth of our economy
“Today, environmental groups are again calling for an expanded and more expensive bottle deposit law in New York State. The Business Council opposes such legislation for a number of reasons, outlined in our recent memo in opposition.
From a business perspective, we see this bill running contrary to the “affordability” theme being raised by the governor and legislative leaders, as this legislation imposes additional costs on consumers, with a disproportionate impact on low-income consumers
“We commend the Governor for what appears to be a goal of holding the line on taxes in the upcoming year and proposing an agenda focused on affordability. Any efforts to make New York more affordable should consider the challenges facing businesses throughout New York State, including mandated leave policies, unaddressed Unemployment Insurance debt, and rising workers’ compensation policies
“We would like to see a measured approach to expanding Paid Family Leave (PFL) policies before implementing more burdens. Eliminating barriers already in place, beginning with the extended COVID sick leave policy in which New York is the only state remaining to mandate such a program, will make it more manageable for businesses to adjust to anything new the state implements moving forward
The Business Council Applauds Signing of the CPA Ownership Legislation
New Law Will Expand Private Sector Business Activity and Generate Millions in Taxable Income
ALBANY – The Business Council of New York State Inc., on Tuesday, applauded Governor Hochul’s approval of legislation allowing public accounting firms to organize in New York State with a “simple majority” of ownership by CPAs
Statement On Governor Hochul Signing Clean Slate Legislation
"We are pleased this common-sense legislation is now law. Many of The Business Council's members have long supported second-chance initiatives committed to reducing barriers for the formerly incarcerated. This bill allows our state’s economy to grow by giving people from historically marginalized communities a new opportunity and our employers, who are struggling to hire new talent, access to a larger pool of individuals ready to work
The Business Council of New York State, Inc. Launches
National Civics Bee
New York State middle school students will test their civics knowledge and compete for national title
(Albany, NY) — New York middle school students will have the opportunity to compete in the National Civics Bee for the first time during the 2023-2024 school year
Report: Finance Industry Hampered by New York’s Continued Population Decline, Out-Migration, and Stagnation Trends
Decline Began Pre-Pandemic, Accelerated During Shutdowns & Policy Changes
ALBANY – The Business Council of New York State, along with the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) and the New York Bankers Association (NYBA), recently supported an independent report on the financial services sector in New York State and the impact it has on the economy
Unemployment Insurance Debt Clock Reaches 1,000 Days of No Action
Fiscal Burden on State’s Employers Growing
ALBANY – One thousand days have passed without New York State officials addressing the state’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) debt bill. The state borrowed federal funds to pay unemployment benefits following mandated business shutdowns during the COVID pandemic, and the state’s outstanding debt still totals nearly $7 billion
Statement in Response to Public Service Commission Decision
Today’s Public Service Commission decision on increased funding for certain renewable generation projects clearly illustrates the practical and financial challenges New York State needs to address as it implements the CLCPA’s key mandates