Author Archives: Mike Durant

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.

New York’s Farms Deserve Better

Yesterday, the State Assembly passed the “Farm Worker Fair Labor Practices Act” (A.1792a).  Without getting into the weeds to much on this legislation, it basically would impose factory style labor mandates on family farms.  Those very farms that have faced … Continue reading

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NFIB Says NY Earns it’s Lousy Business Ranking

CEO Magazine is the latest business publication to give New York a failing grade for its economic climate and the state’s leading small business group said it’s time for Governor Cuomo and lawmakers to knock off the public relations gimmicks … Continue reading

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Happy Tax Freedom Day NY!

            A picture that is worth a thousand words (and dollars!).  New York’s “Tax Freedom Day” is the second to last in the nation.  A dubious distinction which, coupled with our stifling regulations,  fully cements … Continue reading

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Help us help you! Tell NFIB/NY Your Small Business Story.

It is no secret that New York is notorious for being one of the highest taxed and least business friendly states in the nation.  Further adding to its reputation for being a less than desirable location to work and live, … Continue reading

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Ad Campaign Alone Can’t Repair New York’s Image

Perhaps you have seen them.  They run constantly.  Whether during the recent NCAA basketball tournament or your evening news, there they are. “…the New New York State…”. Today’s column by Bill Hammond of the NY Daily News captures the essence … Continue reading

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Small Business is Not “Hap-Hap-Happy”

Apparently, Governor Cuomo has proclaimed the recently enacted budget as a “love document”.  Exactly who the love is for and what that means is up for others to interpret.  For small business the answer is obvious, and no, we are … Continue reading

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NFIB Reacts to New Study Showing NY as “Least Free” State in America

Albany (March 28, 2013) A study by George Mason University ranking New York as the least free state in the country confirms what small business owners have known for a long time, said the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) … Continue reading

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Small Business Reacts to Final Budget Deal

After the announced agreement last week, negotiations on a variety of issues continued through the weekend.  Today, we issued the following statement on the final state budget deal. ALBANY (March 25, 2013) – All of the following may be attributed … Continue reading

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NFIB/NY Responds to Announced Budget Agreement

“The announced conceptual agreement on the State budget sends a difficult and regressive message to small business owners across New York. While the agreement allows for tax cuts for small business, it in no way offsets the mandated increase in … Continue reading

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NFIB/NY Member Talks Real Impact of Minimum Wage Hike

Below are excerpts from a letter that an NFIB/NY member sent describing both the personal and real impact of the proposed hike in the minimum wage. In regards to the minimum wage hike, please take a moment to consider how … Continue reading

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