Cuomo 2013 Budget Designed to Control Spending in New York

ALBANY, NY (01/22/2013)(readMedia)-- "For the third year in a row, Governor Cuomo has presented a budget designed to control overall state spending.

The Governor's budget closes a $1 billion plus spending-gap with no new taxes or fees. It also provides additional mandate relief sending a signal to business leaders that the state is prepared to help control the cost of local government.

We support the Governor's proposals to reduce the cost of major employer mandates including the Workers' Compensation and Unemployment Insurance systems.

However, we have concerns regarding several initiatives outlined today and earlier this session that will impose new costs or new barriers on business. These include: the proposed extension of the section 18a energy tax that would cost New Yorkers $472 million annually; significant new energy initiatives funded, at least in part, through increased rates or assessments; an increased state minimum wage; tighter regional carbon emission limits that will increase energy costs on consumers; and others.

We look forward to working with Governor Cuomo and the legislature as they focus on continuing to restore our state's fiscal health and promote new private-sector investment and job growth."

- Heather Briccetti, President and CEO, The Business Council of New York State, Inc.