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.

Small Business Has Big Influence

New York Times columnist Paul Sullivan recently wrote an article entitled, “What the Small Player Can Expect When Using a Lobbyist,” and suggested that small businesses are at a disadvantage when it comes to having their interests represented before lawmakers. … Continue reading

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Is Flu Season Causing Havoc to your Small Business?

The NFIB Legal Center has produced these tips for small businesses on how to keep employees healthy during flu season. Flu Season Arrives – Prepare Now to Keep Businesses & Employees Healthy Even though nightly news stories warn of an … Continue reading

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Nuance Within New York’s Budget Proposal

As we continue to review Governor Cuomo’s budget proposal, a few things jump out right away.  The first is that, at the macro level, the plan is sound financially and does not increase taxes.  The second, is that there are … Continue reading

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NFIB/NY Reaction to Governor Cuomo’s Proposed Budget

“For the third year in a row, Governor Cuomo’s proposed fiscal plan maintains the theme of fiscal responsibility continues to right-size state government and closes the current budget gap while rejecting any new tax increases.  Financially, this budget proposal is … Continue reading

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Upstate Agenda Doesn’t Align Well With Minimum Wage Push

Revitalizing the upstate economy has been a goal for policymakers in New York for decades.  Many of the jobs once provided by a booming manufacturing industry are gone from the region.  Gone as well, according to demographic research, are many … Continue reading

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Governor’s Address Cause for Hope and Concern

Is the glass half full or half empty?  With yesterday’s State of the State address by Governor Cuomo, once fully digested, it is fair to say that this simple little question could be difficult to answer. On the one hand, … Continue reading

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State of the State Response

“NFIB is pleased that Governor Cuomo remains committed to fiscal responsibility and economic development.  NFIB remains staunchly opposed to any and all efforts to increase the minimum wage and we are disappointed that the Governor used his address to make … Continue reading

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In the Starting Gate Filled with Uncertainty and Pessimism.

On the eve of the start of New York’s legislative session, it is alarming to look at the state of affairs for small business owners. They are concerned.  They are not confident.  They do not feel that better days are … Continue reading

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A Holiday Gift for Small Business in New York! Toll Hike Averted!

You have seen me discuss the proposed (and insensitively called “modest”) toll hike.  Well, for small business owners, toll payers, and consumers in New York, a holiday gift for you. The Governor and Thruway Authority have announced that the toll … Continue reading

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New York Cannot Afford Directional Shift

The past few weeks have been dominated by the formation of a new “Senate Majority Conference”.  This unprecedented formal “marriage” between the Senate Republican Conference and the Independent Democratic Conference, on the surface, has the opportunity to put partisan bickering … Continue reading

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