The Business Council of New York and New York League Conservations Voters Back Grisanti for Senate

ALBANY, NY (10/22/2012)(readMedia)-- The Business Council of New York State, Inc. and the New York League of Conservation Voters believe that a strong economy and a healthy environment can go hand-in-hand in New York. It is with this in mind that both organizations have come together to endorse Mark Grisanti in the 60th State Senate District.

As a State Senator, Mark Grisanti has proved himself to be an effective leader for the people of Erie County. His common-sense solutions are helping to preserve jobs in Western New York while also protecting our natural resources.

"Mark Grisanti knows that New York doesn't have to choose between a healthy environment and a strong economy," said New York League of Conservation Voters President Marcia Bystryn. "In his first term in Albany, Senator Grisanti amassed an impressive list of accomplishments in both areas. We look forward to even more progress toward a greener, stronger New York with Mark Grisanti in the State Senate."

"Senator Mark Grisanti is a strong supporter of pro-growth initiatives that will create jobs in New York. He understands that we can lower taxes and lower the cost of doing business in this state and still be vigilant in the way we manage our natural resources and conservation efforts," said Heather Briccetti, president and CEO of The Business Council of New York State, Inc.

Senator Grisanti played a key role in passing the Commercial Solar Tax Exemption bill. This legislation exempts the sale and installation of commercial solar energy systems equipment from sales and compensating use taxes and grants municipalities the option to grant such exemption from local sales and use taxes.

Grisanti is also a strong supporter of the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), a dedicated, self-funding program that protects drinking water, parks and family farms. The EPF has huge economic benefits for Western New York. Since 1993, the EPF has put more than $62 million to work in Erie County including $34 million to protect Erie County's land, water and family farms, $5.5 million to create jobs and increase efficiency at local businesses and $4.5 million toward waterfront revitalization.

In addition, Senator Grisanti has brought the business and conservation communities together to identify areas of common ground, to see where they can work collaboratively in the future. It is for this effort and the results listed above that we believe he will continue to be a strong Senator for the people of Erie County.