Manufacturing Council

Top Initiatives for 2020:

• TAXES & REGULATIONS

  • Lower Taxes
    • Expand zero percent corporate franchise tax to small
      manufacturers not currently covered under exemption
  • Climate Action Council (CAC)
    • Ensure employer impacts are considered as the CAC implements
      the Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act – the
      most sweeping and aggressive climate law in the country.
      Manufacturers and other industries vital to Buffalo Niagara’s
      economy must continue to have reliable access to affordable
      energy as the state mandates a transition to renewables.
  • Protect Employers in Marijuana Legalization
    • Ensure efforts to legalize the adult use of recreational
      marijuana fully protect an employer’s right to operate a
      drug-free workplace

• ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE

  • Natural Gas Transmission System
    • Support development of New York’s natural gas transmission
      system to improve reliability, keep consumer prices low, and
      spur investment and job creation
  • Power Grid Upgrades
    • Support upgrades to New York’s aging power grid to
      improve reliability and ensure Buffalo Niagara’s economy
      benefits from moving locally produced electricity downstate

  • FREE & FAIR TRADE

    • United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
      • Support the passage of the USMCA to strengthen Buffalo
        Niagara’s bi-national economy and vital trade relationship
        with Canada
    • So-called ‘Buy American’ Policy
      • Oppose protectionist state contracting policies that
        undermine the strength and viability of our integrated crossborder economy

    • WORKFORCE & TALENT ATTRACTION

      • JOBS Act
        • Support passage of the JOBS Act to expand Pell Grant
          eligibility to students enrolled in quality, short-term
          education and training programs leading to employment in
          high-demand industry sectors or careers
      • Immigration Reform
        • Support refugee resettlement in Buffalo Niagara and
          oppose efforts to drastically reduce the number of refugees
          admitted into the United States
        • Support comprehensive H-1B visa reform that increases
          the number of high-skilled visas issued and allows Buffalo
          Niagara to compete for top talent

Programming:

Council meetings will cover such topics as:

• Taxes, Regulation & Compliance
• Innovation
• Process Improvement
• Safety & Security
• Workforce Pipeline
• Initiative Engagement
  • The latest workforce insight through the Partnership’s Talent Pipeline Management program and employer collaboratives
• Best Practices & Learning
  • Business to business work sessions to address key manufacturing issues
• Tour Series
  • Insider tours of unique sites important to area’s manufacturing industry