12.2.21 Advocacy Alert: BNP Urges Hochul to Maximize Infrastructure Investment
Blog Categories
December 12, 2021
The BNP recently wrote to Governor Kathy Hochul suggesting steps she can take to maximize the incoming infrastructure investment from Washington.
President Biden recently signed into law the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The BNP advocated for this bill, which has the potential for transformative change in Buffalo Niagara. However, in our current landscape, this historic investment may not go as far in New York as it will in other states.
Last year, New York State expanded its prevailing wage law, which significantly increases labor costs on any project that receives public funds.
The Scaffold Law places absolute liability for worksite injuries on employers, a standard that is more strict than any state in the nation. This law makes insurance costs on NYS projects exorbitant, and according to the Buffalo News, there is “no evidence that the Scaffold Law makes construction workers in New York safer than those in any other state.” It does, however, make construction in New York much more expensive.
The growing use of project labor agreements reduces competition and increases costs. Also, New York’s byzantine bureaucratic review processes can slow the pace and add to the cost of projects.
In a letter, BNP President and CEO Dottie Gallagher urged Gov. Hochul to address these cost drivers. By taking steps now to reduce infrastructure construction costs, New York can maximize this historic investment.
Read the full letter here.
Related Posts
8.10.21 Advocacy Alert: Senate Passes Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill
This morning, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan infrastructure bill that will spend $1.2 trillion in total, including $550 billion in new spending.
The bill passed 69-30, with all Democrats and 19 Republicans voting in favor.
8.4.21 Advocacy Alert: Biden Reverses Course, Extends Eviction Moratorium
On Tuesday night, the Biden administration issued a new eviction moratorium – a complete reversal from the President’s assertion this weekend that he lacked the authority to do so.
The new moratorium is in effect through October 3, going beyond New York State’s August 31 deadline. It extends the terms of the original moratorium: tenants cannot be evicted for nonpayment of rent.
BNP Advocacy Insider – August 2021
The August 2021 Advocacy Insider is a roundup of important issues we are monitoring that could you and your business.
8.2.21 Advocacy Alert: CDC Eviction Moratorium Expires; NY’s Still in Effect
With no action taken by Congress or the CDC, the federal eviction moratorium expired July 31.
The expiration will not impact New York until September. Earlier this year, the State Legislature passed S.6362/A.7175, a bill to extend the state’s eviction moratorium through August 31.