For all the recent talk that “New York is open for business” and how the last two legislative sessions have been “transformative” for New York’s economic future…some cold water.
The new CNBC survey on the top states for business shows that New York has moved from 26th overall to 34th. That’s right….the wrong direction. Consider some of these statistics:
- 50th in Business Friendliness
- 47th in Cost of Living
- 47th in Cost of Doing Business
Now New York did score 1st overall in education and innovation/technology, but the fact remains the same. The work is not done, lawmakers and the Governor have not done enough, and the cry by NFIB for more mandate relief/regulatory reform is serious.
Plain and simple, regardless of the property tax cap, our state and local tax burden is too high. In spite of advertising campaigns, our regulatory environment is stifling our economic future. I understand that political season is upon us, and little in the immediate future is going to happen. But it is imperative that the next time lawmakers return to Albany and as Governor Cuomo begins putting next year’s legislative agenda and fiscal plan together – the focus is on our businesses and taxpayers.
Time is growing short and patience is running thin.
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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.
So .. let’s deregulate .. Air – Water – Health – Polluting Regs .. the Big Big Money Corporatist Concerns .. move Fracking priorities up the chain of Forced Mandates .. ?
How about You Move to Louisiana & leave Our State out of this Racketeering Legislative Push .. hmmm?
Sensible regulation is the call, not total deregulation. New York regulates in a variety of areas that far exceed the federal standards. The simple question is why? It puts the state at a competitive disadvantage with the rest of the country and drives the cost of doing business up. The status quo is unsustainable.