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
Inside the room: What lawmakers told employers at BNP’s 2025 Policy Perspective
The BNP hosted Policy Perspective, a piece of the BNP’s annual Government Affairs series. The standing-room-only crowd heard from three of our region’s most influential lawmakers: Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Senator April Baskin, and Senator Patrick Gallivan. The lawmakers spoke on a panel moderated by BNP Director of Government Affairs Josh Veronica.
Bridging the Gap Conference Strengthens New York’s Semiconductor Supply Chain
Blog Back to Our Blog The University at Buffalo’s Bridging the Gap: Activating the Semiconductor Supply Chain Network conference connected leaders, manufacturers, and regional stakeholders for a two-day conversation on how to grow New York’s presence in the global semiconductor industry. Held July 15-16 at the UB Center for the Arts and Alfiero Center, the…
Policy focus: Power Trends Report underscores energy concerns
The New York Independent System Operator released its annual Power Trends report, which details the state of New York’s electric grid. The report’s findings are concerning and underscore the need for a more sensible approach to climate and energy policy.
Where the candidates stand: Key economic issues in the Buffalo mayoral race
On Thursday, May 1, the BNP hosted a Democratic Mayoral Candidate Forum. For the first time since 2006, the City of Buffalo is electing a new mayor. The office has drawn considerable interest, leading to a crowded field of candidates running in the June 24 primary election. To help BNP members meet the candidates and learn where they stand on the issues facing our regional economy, the BNP invited the top three fundraising candidates to participate.