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The Business Council Government Affairs Update
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PIT TestimonyThe Business Council delivered testimony to the Senate Select Committee on Budget and Tax Reform on proposals to increase personal income tax rates for upper end income taxpayers, and make the state’s income tax “more progressive.” Our testimony is available here. We illustrated that New York’s PIT is already steeply progressive, with the lowest 40 percent of filers by income with no income tax liability, and the top 25 percent of taxpayers account for more than 89 percent of all PIT tax liability. We also emphasized our overall budget objectives of additional spending constraint, rejection of anti-competitive business taxes, effective use of federal stimulus dollars and – if necessary – reasonable revenue actions. This newly created six member committee is chaired by Senator Liz Krueger.Anti-Payroll Tax Advocacy CampaignThe Business Council continued its efforts in drawing attention to the harmful impact the Ravitch Commission plan to bailout the MTA would have on businesses throughout the 12-county MTA jurisdiction. In addition to the almost $2 billion in taxes currently paid by businesses, the Commission proposed a new payroll tax designed to generate $1.5 billion annually to meet the operating and capital needs of the MTA. Since launching our e-advocacy campaign, over 575 businesses have joined us in letting legislators in both houses know of their opposition to this proposed new tax on wages and benefits. We urge all Business Council members to make their views known on the impact this proposed payroll tax would have on your business. Click here to make your voice heard.Business and Labor Oppose Health Insurance TaxesOn Monday, March 9, Kenneth Adams was joined by Denis Hughes, president New York State AFL-CIO, and Kathryn Wylde, president & CEO, the Partnership for New York City, to oppose health insurance taxes proposed in the Executive Budget that would increase health insurance costs and make it harder for employers and workers to afford coverage. The State Legislature has already approved increasing health insurance taxes by $348 million as part of the Deficit Reduction Plan to help close the current year’s $1.6 billion budget deficit. An additional $481 million in new and increased health taxes that were proposed in the overall Executive Budget await lawmaker action. You may view the news release here.Use of RGGI FundsThe NYS Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has drafted a plan for use of proceeds from CO2 allowance sales under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. The proposal is available here. It is a basic plan for spending an estimated $525 million in allowance proceeds over the next three years. It includes programs addressing commercial and industrial energy efficiency, power supply and delivery, and other sectors. The Business Council will be submitting comments, and would appreciate your input. Contact: Ken Pokalsky, (518)465-7511, ext. 205, ken.pokalsky@bcnys.org to provide input or for more information on this proposal.Federal Card Check AdvocacyThe Employee Free Choice Act, also known as Card Check, was introduced in both houses of Congress. This bill, identical to legislation passed in the House in 2007, proposes to eliminate the secret ballot election process by which unions are recognized; imposes binding arbitration requirements on contract negotiations if a first contract is not reached within an aggressive timeline; and imposes stiff employer, but no union, penalties for violations of the law. The Business Council, working in partnership with trade associations and chambers of commerce across NYS, is circulating a coalition letter for sign-on to be distributed to all members of the New York Congressional delegation. To date, over 300 businesses and trade groups have joined this effort. To add your name to this coalition effort being coordinated by the Manufacturers Association of Central New York, please contact Karyn Burns at kburns@macny.org. Follow Card Check updates provided to our members at the CANYS Issues Page.NY Needs Texas Sized Legal ReformThe Business Council and NYTortRefromNOW participated at the Texans for Lawsuit Reform Legislative Day in Austin, as guest of CNA Insurance, to gain insights on building a comprehensive strategy for tort reform. Over the past 13 years, TLR has helped pass the most comprehensive package of lawsuit reforms in the country. Texas adopted major tort reform from 2003 to 2007, helping to spur job growth 300 percent greater than New York. The Business Council is working with NYTortReformNOW to push pro-business civil justice legislation during the 2009 session. To get involved with The Business Council’s legal reform efforts, please contact Walter Pacholczak at walter.pacholczak@bcnys.org.Capital Business BlogTake a look at the new Capitol Business Blog. The Business Council encourages all GAC members to comment on the topics that interest them. We look forward sharing your posting and opening up a dialog with our members and the public about legislation and ideas that are important to the businesses and the people of New York. |
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