Advocacy Wins

Recent Wins

The advocacy efforts of the BNP have been aligned with a number of ‘wins’ for the Buffalo Niagara region, including:

Earning a federal regional technology hub designation.

Defeating the NY HEAT Act.

Securing funding for Empire AI at UB.

Creating the Great Lakes Regional Authority.

Blocking gas ban in existing buildings.

A winning history

2025

Advocated for the extension of Brownfield tax credits at the Renaissance Commerce Park by identifying it as a Regional Priority Project in the 2024 Advocacy Agenda.
Supported state investment in raw water access for Tonawanda-area manufacturers by raising the issue’s economic importance to policymakers.
Actively opposed the NY HEAT Act due to its cost implications for businesses and homeowners.
Engaged in years-long advocacy urging the state to invest in paying down its pandemic-era UI Trust Fund debt and helped secure a $7 billion investment in the 2024 budget, relieving employers from long-standing surcharges.
Advocated for reduced penalties for first-time violations of the pay frequency law, successfully lowering employer risk exposure and helped shift the penalty from up to 50% of wages to interest-only for first-time infractions.
Raised awareness of potential federal funding losses for the medicaid program and their local impact, positioning BNP to support future legislative response. Monitored Medicaid investment and reimbursement changes affecting employer-supported healthcare providers.
Championed the NY SMART I-Corridor initiative and secured state support for semiconductor job creation, tax credits, workforce training, and site readiness.
Advocated against the expansion of prevailing wage law, which was successfully excluded from the budget.
Supported tax relief measures that lower costs for working families and stimulate local economic activity.
Advocated for expanded childcare funding and tax credits to support working parents and improve workforce participation.Endorsed provider grants and enhanced child tax credits included in the final budget.

2024

2023

2022

2021

Protecting employers from COVID-19 related unemployment costs
Passage of the historic Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act
Expanding workforce opportunities by allowing parolees to work past curfew
Protecting employers from extraneous burden, costs, and liabilities under workplace health regulations
Protecting both building owners and tenants with emergency rental assistance
Preventing employee liens for unsubstantiated claims

2020

2019

2018

Passage of the federal Perkins Career & Technical Education Act
Blocking 3-year deferral of key economic development tax credits
5-year extension of NYS Historic Tax Credit
Blocking new tax on fiber-optic utility companies
Restoring Bundy Aid for independent colleges & universities
Restoring funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
Tripling federal investment in the TIGER grant program
Doubling federal funding for mass transit capital projects

2017

2016

2015

2014

STAFF CONTACT

STAY INFORMED

Grant Loomis
Senior Vice President
716-541-1736
Email

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