News

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Non-Profit, Local Government, Economic Development and Business Groups Say Legislative Impasse is Costing Jobs and Money ALBANY, N.Y. -- A broad coalition of not-for-profit, municipal, economic development and business groups today urged the Governor and state lawmakers to act immediately on dozens of stalled construction projects across the state totaling over $2 billion

ALBANY— “New York's state and local governments need budget transparency and fiscal discipline to control costs and lower taxes but this legislation does exactly the opposite. This bill would prevent any changes in public retiree health benefits until a task force completes a study in 2009. At a time when government needs all options available to balance spending with revenues, it should not tie its own hands

ALBANY— The Division of Budget's new fiscal forecast for New York shows the state facing unprecedented budget deficits over the next four years. Kenneth Adams, Business Council of New York State president and CEO made this statement in response: “The shocking numbers in the latest fiscal forecast should make it clear to everyone that New York government needs a huge change to dig out of this hole

ALBANY— The Business Council of New York State, Inc. will hold its annual conference on State Taxation May 13- 15 at the Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa in Saratoga Springs. Registration is still available. Robert Megna, commissioner of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance will be the keynote speaker during dinner on Wednesday, May 14

ALBANY—Responding to the comptroller's preliminary analysis of the 2008-09 state budget which was released on Friday, April 25, Business Council president and CEO Kenneth Adams said, “The Business Council agrees with Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli when he says the 2008-09 state budget spends more than the state takes in and borrows too much

ALBANY—The Business Council of New York State today announced that Michael P. Moran has joined the staff as director of communications. He will be responsible for the Council's external communications function. “Michael's experience in New York state government, media relations and journalism will be an asset to the Council as we work to promote economic growth, good jobs and strong communities,” said Kenneth Adams, Business Council president and CEO

ALBANY—Property tax relief for business is an essential component of any reform recommendations, Business Council Senior Director of Government Affairs Ken Pokalsky has told a commission studying ways to lessen the state's real property tax burden. “Outside of New York City, business pays nearly $9 billion in total property taxes – 40% of the total,” Pokalsky told the New York State Commission on Real Property Tax Relief at an April 23 hearing

ALBANY—Business Council president & CEO Kenneth Adams said, "While we recognize the unique and difficult circumstances that accompanied this year's budget process, it was disappointing to the Business Council and our members that the FY 2009 budget approved this week contains both spending increases and new taxes

ALBANY— “The Business Council believes that the plan to impose new taxes and fees on New York's financial services industry is an ill-timed decision that could seriously impact this important sector at a time when it can least afford it. While we understand the unique and difficult circumstances facing the Governor and the Legislature this budget season, the state's business community remains extremely concerned that the budget's proposed combination of increased spending and new taxes and fees will make New York less competitive at this critical juncture