Pushing for Changes That Will Spur Job Creation
One of the significant accomplishments in New York this year has been creation of the Regional Economic Development Councils. The process helped 10 regions across the state to create regional plans and...
View ArticleLet’s Get On Board with Tier VI Reform
Even though I know what all the hoopla is about, I still don’t understand the reason for the fuss. I’m talking about all the controversy around Gov. Cuomo’s Tier VI proposal, which would create another...
View ArticleWith NYS Budget in Place, Time for Regulatory Reform
I don’t mean to be negative. Truth is, I’m more of a glass-half-full type of person. But even with this week’s announcement of a state budget agreement, I’m not ready to start popping any champagne...
View ArticleTime to Focus on Mandate Relief, Before It’s Too Late
When Gov. Cuomo first proposed a 2-percent cap on local property taxes, the predictions of doom and gloom flew fast and furious. So I was pleased to see the recent report by the Empire Center that said...
View ArticleIn This Instance, Quiet is Good
So far, so good. It appears the 2011-12 New York State Legislative session could end without the usual flurry of bad bills that elected officials typically try to jam through in the 11th hour. This...
View ArticleUpstaters: Say Yes to Audit, No to Toll Hikes
We in Upstate need to make more noise about the Thruway Authority’s proposal to hike truck tolls by 45 percent, because frankly, it’s going to hurt. For starters, it’s going to raise the cost of doing...
View ArticleUnfinished Business with Worker’s Compensation Reform
Central to our mission as the regional chamber of commerce is our promise to listen to business and advocate for its needs. Time and again, our member companies have told us that they need a reliable,...
View ArticleWorkers’ Compensation – A Top Concern
Rochester Business Alliance has worked closely with Unshackle Upstate and other business organizations across New York for several years to help foster Workers’ Compensation reform that benefits both...
View ArticleThe Hat Trick
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo recently visited Rochester for a ceremonial signing of the 2013-14 New York State budget. I attended the event with other business, community, and government leaders...
View ArticleThe Wage Theft Prevention Act: Just More Costly Administration
More than 60 employers visited Rochester Business Alliance headquarters earlier this month for a candid conversation with New York State Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle. While discussion was open...
View ArticleA Mixed Bag
The 2013 legislative session produced mixed results for Rochester and the business community. While we are pleased to report that progress was achieved on several agenda items, there are key areas...
View ArticleBausch + Lomb
There is no getting around the fact that the move of Bausch + Lomb corporate headquarters out of Rochester and the loss of 400 jobs is not a good thing for our community. In fact, it’s a shame. When...
View ArticleCore Learning Standards
Rochester Business Alliance recently joined more than 40 business leaders and organizations from across New York in signing an open letter in support of the Common Core Learning Standards. Others from...
View ArticleLegislative Budget Hearings Continue
Last Monday, the Legislature’s Joint Fiscal Committees heard testimony on the Health and Medicaid proposals in the 2014-15 Executive Budget. State Health Commissioner Nirav Shah discussed the state’s...
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