Statement from Unshackle Upstate Executive Director Brian Sampson Regarding End to Senate Stalemate

ALBANY, NY (07/10/2009)(readMedia)-- "From the beginning, Unshackle Upstate has pushed for state government reforms designed to make the state's legislative process more transparent to New York taxpayers. That's why Unshackle Upstate enthusiastically supported the Senate's June 8th rule changes that were a positive step toward legislative reform."

"While it is encouraging to read Senator Pedro Espada Jr.'s letter in which he indicates the Democratic Conference's commitment to these historic reforms remains steadfast, we need more. We need to see actual follow-through and real commitment to a reform agenda of responsible, smart and efficient government. Regardless of who has control of the Senate, these reforms must stay in place."

"In addition, the Senate must continue working the rest of this year to pass meaningful legislation to help Upstate taxpayers and businesses - such as Tier V reform and a property tax cap - and to repair the damage inflicted by the Deficit Reduction Plan (DRP) and the final enacted State Budget. After the DRP and the worst budget in recent history, the Senate cannot close out with a do-nothing, end-of-session and call it quits for the year. The Senate must return to Albany and continue working through the rest of the year, or 2009 will go down as one of the worst years in New York legislative history."

Unshackle Upstate is a bi-partisan coalition represents more than 45,000 employers with approximately 1.5 million workers in every region of upstate. The coalition's website www.unshackleupstate.com provides a direct way for citizens to send a message to elected officials in Albany.

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