Posts by growthzone
5.19.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: NYS Releases Updated Mask Guidance for Employers
As we told you earlier this week, beginning today, New York State adopted CDC public health guidance for fully vaccinated New Yorkers. The new guidance gives employers the choice of adopting the new CDC guidance or maintaining mask/face covering and social distancing policies for both employees and customers.
Read MoreSenate to Consider Innovation & Competition Act
The U.S. Senate has begun formal consideration of the U.S. Innovation & Competition Act (S. 1260), previously known as the Endless Frontier Act. This bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, recently passed the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and a floor vote is expected by the end of May.
Read More5.17.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: Cuomo Lifts Mask Mandate for Vaccinated New Yorkers
Starting this Wednesday, May 19, 2021, fully vaccinated New Yorkers no longer need to wear a mask or face covering outdoors and in most indoor settings.
Read MoreUU Analysis: NYHA Will Add Costs, Eliminate Jobs
Upstate United, a BNP partner organization and non-partisan, pro-taxpayer, pro-economic growth, and pro-Upstate education advocacy coalition, recently analyzed the research on the potential economic impact of the New York Health Act (NYHA).
Read More5.7.21 BNP Advocacy Alert – Extended Producer Responsibility Act Too Costly for New York
For weeks, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership has sounded the alarm on S. 1185, known as the Extended Producer Responsibility Act. This bill would broadly shift the responsibility of recycling packaging material (carton, glass, metal), paper and plastic products from municipalities to businesses, which the BNP suspected would add exorbitant costs onto businesses and consumers.
Read MoreBNP Advocacy Insider – May 2021
The May 2021 Advocacy Insider is a roundup of important issues we are monitoring that could you and your business.
Read More5.3.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: NYS Will Lift Capacity Restrictions
Today, the State Legislature is passing a short-term budget extender, indicating a continued lack of consensus on a budget deal. The extender allows the state government to continue operations while buying time for the Governor and Legislature to reach an agreement on a number of outstanding issues. As we
Read More4/30/21 Webisode: Preparing Your Business for COVID-19 Vaccines #3: Communicating with Employees & Customers
COVID-19 continues to create significant health and economic challenges, but hope is on the horizon as vaccinations are being administered.  As we enter this next phase in the COVID-19 recovery and eradication, employers will have a key role to play in the WNY vaccination efforts because employers are often perceived as more trustworthy than the government.
Read MoreIt’s Time to Reopen the U.S.-Canada Border
The time has come to reopen the U.S.-Canada land border. The border has been closed for non-essential travel since March 21, 2020 – over a full year. After a year of financial devastation, the economies of Southern Ontario and Western New York need a boost, and reopening the border would provide it.
Read More4/23/21 Webisode: Preparing Your Business for COVID-19 Vaccines #2: How To – Creating a Vaccine Policy & Plan
COVID-19 continues to create significant health and economic challenges, but hope is on the horizon as vaccinations are being administered.  As we enter this next phase in the COVID-19 recovery and eradication, employers will have a key role to play in the WNY vaccination efforts because employers are often perceived as more trustworthy than the government.
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