BNP Advocacy Insider – August 2022
Blog Categories
Josh Veronica
August 5, 2022
Congress Moves on Chips, Climate, Healthcare
After a year of negotiations, Congress progressed on two major pieces of legislation. One package, which President Biden is expected to sign into law next week, will make significant investments into semiconductor manufacturing, research, and innovation. A key Senator also voiced support for a larger climate and healthcare spending package, which will be debated heavily over the next few weeks. Learn what it means for our region on our blog.
Momentum Grows for Action on Unemployment Insurance
The BNP has warned for a year that heightened UI premiums were forthcoming. Now, employers are receiving steep bills and feeling the pain of New York’s inaction. The state had previously ignored the BNP’s calls for action to avert this crisis.
However, the tide may be turning. Members of the Assembly Majority recently voiced support for state investment to offset rising UI premiums. The Senate Minority Conference has also been vocal about the need for action. As the Legislature continued to discuss this issue, the BNP will keep you informed.
In the meantime, let the BNP know how much your UI premium has increased, so we can share your story with policymakers.
Workers’ Compensation Package Would Send Costs Higher
In the 2022 legislative session, the Legislature passed numerous bills related to workers' compensation, which now await Gov. Hochul’s review. While each bill may have merit on its own, the bills collectively would vastly increase the state’s workers' compensation costs, leading to higher premiums for employers. The BNP asked Gov. Hochul to consider this impact and veto the package of legislation. Read the BNP’s letter here.
BNP Asks Hochul for Vetos
The BNP asked Governor Hochul to veto numerous bills that passed this session that would be harmful to our regional economy. During a time of high inflation, employers cannot afford legislation that would send their costs even higher. Read the BNP’s veto requests here.
BNP, Business Orgs Urge State to Skip Contractor Registration
A bill passed by the Legislature this year would require contractors and subcontractors engaged in public work to enter a state registry. This legislation would add barriers to competitive bidding, making public work more expensive and reducing business opportunities. The BNP and many other business organizations called on Gov. Hochul to veto this bill. Read the joint letter here.
BNP to Trudeau: Scrap the App
The BNP recently wrote to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding Canada’s continued use of the ArriveCan app for border crossings. As cross-border traffic remains well below pre-pandemic levels, it is clear that the app is deterring commerce and tourism. The BNP and the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (Ontario) asked the Canadian government to forego use of the app and relax border crossing restrictions. Read the letter here.
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Blog Back to Our Blog Blog Categories This month, a new law regarding pay transparency will take effect in New York. All employers should prepare to comply with this law. Get answers to frequently asked questions below. What does the law require? The law requires employers to disclose the compensation (salary or wage) or range of compensation…
Advocacy Alert: State Legislature Ends Session
The New York State Legislature gaveled out for the final time of the 2023 legislative session. Although a special session is possible before the end of the year, no major legislative push is expected.
Although much of the most impactful legislation being debated was tabled until next year, many important bills were passed in the waning days of session.
Advocacy Alert: End of Session: What We’re Watching
All eyes are on Albany as the Legislature enters the final two weeks of the 2023 legislative session. Amid the hundreds of bills that will pass in the coming days, the BNP is keeping an eye on the following issues:
Advocacy Alert: NYS Budget
State lawmakers recently approved the 2023 state budget. In total, the budget will spend $229 billion – a record amount and a 33% increase in spending since 2019.