BNP Advocacy Insider – December 2021
Blog Categories
Kristine Bieniek
December 6, 2021
BNP Urges Brownfield Program Renewal
The state’s Brownfield Cleanup Program, which has been essential in cleaning & redeveloping our community, is set to expire in 2022. The BNP wrote to Governor Hochul urging her to include renewal in her upcoming Executive Budget. Partner organization Upstate United also wrote a similar letter including business groups from across the state. Read our letter here.
Biden Signs Infrastructure Bill; BNP Suggests Next Steps
President Biden recently signed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The BNP supported this legislation and thanks Sen. Schumer, Sen. Gillibrand, Rep. Reed, and Rep. Higgins for their support. Learn more about the bill and our efforts here.
However, the bill’s enactment is not the end of the story. Now, the BNP is focused on ensuring this investment is efficiently distributed to meet the needs in our community.
Shortly after the President signed this legislation, the BNP wrote to Governor Hochul suggesting changes she can make to maximize this historic investment. The cost of infrastructure and public construction in New York is extremely high, largely due to state mandates. By relaxing these mandates, New York can stretch this investment as far as possible. Learn more and read the BNP’s letter here.
Erie County Imposes Mask Mandate
County Executive Mark Poloncarz ordered the wearing of face coverings in all public places in Erie County. The move is in response to rising COVID cases in the county, and Poloncarz indicated more restrictions may come if case numbers do not decline. Learn more here.
At this time, no other counties in the region have announced mask mandates, but the BNP will keep you informed should this change.
BNP, Business Groups Continue to Urge Action on Unemployment Insurance
Since Gov. Hochul’s first day in office, the BNP has urged her to stabilize the state’s unemployment insurance system and prevent steep UI rate increases on employers. However, to date, the Governor has not acted on this issue.
The BNP recently partnered with 27 other business groups around the state to urge the Governor to act on this issue. The letter is available here.
To join the fight, use our one-click advocacy tool here.
What Employers Need to Know About Vax-or-Test Mandate
The BNP recently hosted an HR expert to explain the details of OSHA’s “Vax or Test” emergency temporary standard. The event can be viewed here.
The BNP also has a written guide to FAQs on this rule, available here.
OSHA has paused enforcement of this rule due to ongoing litigation. However, employers would be wise to continue to prepare for this rule to take effect should the courts reinstate it.
NYS to Create Small Business Liaisons
Gov. Hochul recently signed legislation designating a “small business liaison” in five state agencies: Agriculture & Markets, Environmental Conversation, Labor, Taxation & Finance, and Transportation. The liaisons are intended to be a direct point of contact for small businesses to help them navigate state bureaucracy. The BNP supported this legislation and will share contact information for the liaisons once available.
Related Posts
10.22.21 Advocacy Alert: Hochul Signs Parolee Employment Legislation
Today, Governor Kathy Hochul signed S.2803/A.5707 into law. This legislation reduces barriers to employment for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Curfews are commonly included in probation or conditional discharge sentences. These restrictions can prevent the formerly incarcerated from working second- and third-shift jobs, limiting their job prospects.
10.21.21 Advocacy Alert: HERO Safety Committee Provision Takes Effect 11/1
A new state law goes into effect on November 1, which will change labor relations as they pertain to occupational health.
Earlier this year, the state enacted the NY HERO Act. One provision of the bill, which required employers to have infectious disease prevention plans, took effect this summer.
10.15.21 Advocacy Alert: NYS Dept. of Labor Releases New Adult Use Cannabis & the Workplace Guidance
The New York State Department of Labor (DOL) released a guide to help employers answer questions related to the new Marijuana Regulations and Taxation Act (MRTA). Earlier this year, the MRTA officially designated cannabis as both a legally consumable product and a lawful recreational activity for adults.
10.13.21 Advocacy Alert: Canadian Border to Open in November
Late last night, U.S. officials announced plans to reopen the U.S. border to vaccinated, non-essential travelers from Canada and Mexico beginning in early November.
The administration told reporters last night that it does not plan to require vaccinated travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test, a notable difference from Canada’s policy for American travelers.