Experts see an uptick in rough road conditions, car repair
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Several mechanics are seeing a boost of cars coming into their shop for repair. Experts say it is because of bad road conditions in Western New York. According to a national research group that oversees road issues both on national and state levels, more money will
Read MoreBNP Advocacy Insider – January 2022
The January 2022 Advocacy Insider is a roundup of important issues we are monitoring that could you and your business.
Read More1.7.22 COVID Bulletin: The Latest on Vax Mandates – OSHA Rule to be Enforced Monday
OSHA is set to begin enforcement of its Vax-or-Test Mandate for organizations with 100+ employees on Monday. After months of litigation, the latest U.S. Circuit Court decision upheld the mandate.
Read More1.5.22 Advocacy Alert: Hochul Lists Priorities in First State of the State
This afternoon, Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her first State of the State address to the Legislature. In the speech, she discussed the top problems the state faces and her plans to address them.
Hochul made bold claims about reigniting New York’s economy, stating, “we are going to jumpstart our economic recovery by being the most business-friendly and worker-friendly state in the nation.”
Read More2022 Albany Preview: 11 Issues We’re Watching
On January 5, state legislators convened in Albany (or, on Zoom) to kick off the 2022 legislative session. All eyes are on Kathy Hochul as she navigates her first session as Governor and jockeys for position in the June gubernatorial primary race. Here are eleven issues we are watching as the session begins:
Read More12.21.21 Advocacy Alert: What’s the Latest on Biden’s Vax/Test Mandate?
Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced she would repeal the state’s mask mandate, effective today. However, her announcement did not proactively address how the repeal coincided with the NY HERO Act, which would have required employees in most workplaces to continue masking.
Read More12.17.21 Advocacy Alert: Canada to Again Require Testing for Entry
Today, Canadian officials announced they would be reinstating a requirement that all entrants present proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
The requirement will take effect Tuesday, according to the Buffalo News.
Read MoreNY’s Tax Climate Again Ranks at National Bottom
Today, the Tax Foundation (an independent tax policy think tank) released its 2022 State Business Tax Climate Index. The report compares all fifty states on various tax policies, then ranks their overall business tax climate. New York ranked below every state except New Jersey.
NY’s rank in the State Business Tax Climate Index
The poor ranking comes as no surprise. New York has oscillated between 48-50 for over ten years. After enacting new tax increases this year, New York dropped from 48th to 49th.
Read More12.13.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: Statewide Mask Mandate Now in Effect
Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced she would repeal the state’s mask mandate, effective today. However, her announcement did not proactively address how the repeal coincided with the NY HERO Act, which would have required employees in most workplaces to continue masking.
Read More12.2.21 Advocacy Alert: BNP Urges Hochul to Maximize Infrastructure Investment
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.
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