News
April 5, 2019The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
As the dust begins to settle in Albany, your Chamber Advocacy team has been reviewing the state budget that was passed last week. We have stayed engaged and fought hard for our business community and region throughout the process. Now, we can report our wins and losses. So, here is the good, the bad and the ugly.
THE GOOD
We successfully pushed for the permanent 2% property tax cap, which was included in the final budget; however, we will continue to fight for mandate relief. For years, we have been fighting to make it part of a permanent tax cap. The Chamber was also successful in keeping the proposed prevailing wage expansion out of the final budget. If enacted, this proposal would mean that almost all construction projects in the state would cost 25% or more. This issue will likely come up during the remainder of the legislative session. The Chamber will continue our strong opposition. The Chamber successfully kept the proposal to legalize recreational marijuana out of the final budget. Although the Chamber has not taken a position on this proposal, we are opposed to including large public policy in the budget. This proposal will most like be addressed during the remainder of the session. We will oppose any attempt to include it in an end of session “big ugly”(everything including the kitchen sink being thrown into one bill). Policy issues should be addressed as stand-alone bills, thoughtfully reviewed, debated, and subject to public comment.
THE BAD
An opioid tax was included in the final budget. We opposed this proposal because it will lead to increased premiums and higher drug costs. Over the objections of the Chamber, the budget included a plastic bag ban. This is yet another unfunded mandate that will be costly to businesses and consumers. Also over the Chamber’s strong objections, the budget included several new mandated health benefits. These mandates will drive up the cost of health care in New York State.
THE UGLY
Once again, the Governor and the Legislature allowed the use of Messages of Necessity in order to pass an on time budget. These messages allows the Governor, Senate and Assembly to bypass the three-day waiting period between when a bill is introduced and when it can be put to a vote. By doing so, they avoid proper debate, public review and comment. The budget is too important to rush through without anyone, except a select few, knowing what is actually in it. The Chamber will continue to oppose the use of these messages for budget bills. Process matters. All stakeholder should have the time and opportunity to review the budget and have their voices heard before the budget is passed.
Your Chamber advocacy team will keep up the fight during the rest of the legislative session. Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber! Because of you, our voice is strong.
