There was no lack of small business news yesterday in Albany, as over 130 business owners representing 17 business organizations met with lawmakers to discuss many of the key issues they face today. From the ongoing (and escalating) debate regarding the ill-advised minimum wage proposal to the notorious “scaffold law” and even some talk about the yet to meet Chairmen’s Committee, no rock was left unturned and Main Street New York had their voice heard loud and clear.
I also had the opportunity to sit with Gannett’s news to discuss Small Business Day and a few other issues.
Mike Durant and Jon Campbell
Last night, I was also privileged to appear on Capitol Tonight with NFIB/NY partner Brian Sampson, the Executive Director of Unshackle Upstate.
Mike Durant and Brian Sampson on Capital Tonight
While yesterday was a success, there is far more work to be done, and many lawmakers seem to be willing to advocate legislation that will continue to wage war on New York’s small business owners. The next two months will be interesting, to say the least.
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About Mike Durant
Mike Durant was named New York State Director of NFIB in May 2011.
Prior to joining NFIB as the Assistant State Director in May 2010, Durant began his career in the New York Senate working in the Office of Member Services. From there, he served in a number of positions during former New York Governor George E. Pataki’s administration. As a Research Specialist in the New York State Office of Demographic Policy, Mike was responsible for drafting a redistricting proposal for Governor Pataki. In addition, Mike served as a Research Specialist for the Empire State Development Corporation, as well as the Associate Commissioner of Human Resource Management with the New York Department of Labor. Durant also spent four years working at the Questar III BOCES as a specialist focusing on the complex formulas that drive aid to school districts across the state while also taking a lead role in the state legislative/budget process as it related to education policy. These past positions have given Mike a deep understanding of the complex political economics of the State of New York.
Active in the community, Durant has served on a number of boards in both the village of Ballston Spa and Town of Milton.
Durant received his bachelor’s degree from Siena College in Loudonville, New York and resides in Ballston Spa with his wife and two children.
