The Business Council to Hold First Regional Legislative Briefing at CenterState CEO

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CenterState CEO

ALBANY, NY (02/01/2013)(readMedia)-- The Business Council of New York State, Inc. will be holding the first of a series of regional briefings on the 2013 State Legislative Session and the FY 2014 Executive Budget at CenterState CEO in Syracuse, Monday, February 4 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

CenterState CEO, a twelve-county business leadership and economic development organization, represents more than 2,000 members. Heather Briccetti, president & CEO of The Business Council, and Ken Pokalsky, vice president of government affairs at the Business Council, will present the briefing.

The Business Council is working with several regional chambers around the state to present information about legislation being discussed in the legislature, as well as The Business Council's legislative and regulatory agenda.

"These meetings are designed to help businesses throughout the state gain a better understanding of our efforts in support of legislation that maintains fiscal discipline and improves the state's overall business climate," said Heather Briccetti, president & CEO of The Business Council. "The local chambers which are hosting the briefings are an integral partner in our on-going effort to keep the business community informed and involved."

"We look forward to hosting The Business Council's Regional Legislative Briefing here in Syracuse, said Robert Simpson, president of CenterState CEO. "This forum provides our members with an opportunity to share and discuss issues that have a direct impact on their businesses. Gaining a better understanding of these issues also enables us advocate more effectively on their behalf."

Attendees will be provided a detailed analysis of The Governor's budget, specifically how it closes a $1 billion plus spending-gap with no new taxes or fees and which also provides additional mandate relief.

The Business Council will also give an overview of the Governor's proposals to reduce the cost of major employer mandates including the Workers' Compensation and Unemployment Insurance programs.

They will hear why business leaders should have concerns about several initiatives outlined by the Governor 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 will also give businesses across the state the opportunity to join the Made In New York Movement, an effort to build New York's economy, one product, one service, one job at a time. Visit www.madeinny.org to learn more.

Click here to see the briefings being held around the state.

Click here to see The Business Council's Fix New York Legislative Agenda.