News

13
Sep
2001
In the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, some National Guard units have been activated to help with rescue and cleanup efforts. It is also possible that military reserves may be pressed into service for the same purpose. In light of these developments, employers should know the relevant employment laws that spell out how such call-ups will affect employers, employees, and jobs
10
Sep
2001
ALBANY—The U.S. Census Bureau released today data on state and local governments' finances for fiscal 1999, with the most commonly used comparative data showing New York's "tax gap" with other states essentially unchanged from the previous year. Combined state and local taxes in New York totaled $4,515 per person in 1999, according to the new Census data
06
Sep
2001
ALBANY— Roland W. Schmitt, one of the world's leading statesmen in science and technology policy and one of New York's most influential leaders of research and development, has been chosen to receive the prestigious Corning Award for Excellence. The award, which is sponsored by Corning Incorporated, will be presented Wednesday, Sept
31
Aug
2001
The state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued its long-awaited draft rules for the state's "green building" tax credit. This $25 million tax incentive program was first approved by the Legislature in 1999, but has yet to be implemented. Public comments on the draft rules will be accepted until October 15, and public hearings have been scheduled for October 1 in New York City and October 10 in Albany
30
Aug
2001
ALBANY—In radio announcements sponsored by The Business Council, former Governor Hugh L. Carey is urging the Legislature to practice fiscal restraint as it seeks to finalize the state budget for the current fiscal year. Excess spending, Gov. Carey warns, "could bring us right back to the big deficits of the past
16
Aug
2001
The Business Council is asking its members what policy issues should be the focus of its advocacy activities in 2002. The Steering Committee of The Council's Government Affairs Council will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, at The Council to discuss The Council's legislative agenda next year
16
Aug
2001
The Business Council has won standing as a party in proceedings in which the state is considering a proposal to site a new power plant in Bethlehem, Albany County. The Council is also likely to win "intervenor" status in a second case, a spokesman for the state Public Service Commission said
16
Aug
2001
The Business Council is seeking a formal role as an advocate for siting new power plants in two separate cases pending before the state Siting Board. "As an advocate for industrial and commercial interests, and as a proponent for sound energy policy that reflects the needs of New York's growing economy, we believe our voice should be added to the record" in these cases, Daniel B
16
Aug
2001
Robert Bellafiore, president of the Charter Schools Institute of the State University of New York (SUNY) and a former public affairs staffer with The Business Council, will discuss the status of New York's public charter schools at the Sept. 19 meeting of The Council's Government Affairs Council (GAC)
16
Aug
2001
New York has made progress cutting workers' compensation costs through reforms - and more reforms can reduce costs further, Business Council President Daniel B. Walsh told the state Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) July 17. Walsh was invited to address the full board to share the perspectives of the business community on the state of workers' comp in New York