2010 Legislative Agenda

Listed below are some of the major issues that the Niagara USA Chamber has been involved in as we continue to be advocates for our members.

The “Printers Tax”

This bill seeks to repeal section 1115(n) of the New York State Tax law, which if enacted, will make it difficult for printing companies in NYS to be competitive and could result in the loss of over 3000 jobs (in WNY 350).  The Chamber has lobbied local and state officials against this bill.

Power for Jobs

The Niagara USA Chamber has actively been involved in the drafting of legislation to create a new program that replaced Power for Jobs, which expired in May of 2010.  Working with state officials, NUSAC was instrumental in getting language placed in the bill that protects geographical boundaries so that the local region does not lose out to downstate interests.  Currently, the bill is stalled in the State Assembly.

UB 2020 Empowerment Act

As a leading business organization, The Niagara USA Chamber supports the Empowerment Act as it relates to freeing the SUNY system from some state oversight that is inhibiting the growth and expansion.  This issue has come to the forefront as budget negotiations drag on and a major sticking point is UB 2020.  We will continue to express our support as we push to get this passed.

Prevailing Wage Bill

Working with area businesses, we drafted several memorandums of opposition to the Schneiderman/Gianaris Act (S.7096), which seeks to amend labor laws to extend wage mandates on private businesses and redefine public agencies to include electric and gas utilities.  This bill would add these mandates on top of already high taxes and fees, making NYS even less business friendly.

Niagara County IDA board issues

Working closely with state and local officials NUSAC was successful in negotiating a positive settlement regarding the IDA board.

State Parks Closures

After discussions with State Park officials, we sent letters to the Governor and state officials to register our displeasure with the closing of state parks.  The Chamber felt that this blow to the tourism industry would have a negative impact on many of its members.

Federal Health Care Bill

We have been aggressively monitoring the effects of the federal health care reform bill, and how it will affect our business members.  Through teleconferences with national organizations and roundtable discussions, this is something we will continue to monitor as time goes on.

E-Waste Bill S.6047-A

The Niagara USA Chamber is reviewing this bill as it seeks to create “end of life” management for electronic equipment by the manufacturer.  This bill will increase costs which will no doubt be passed onto the consumer.

NYPA “GLOW” Project

We met with NYPA officials including Sharon Laudisi, head of the Great Lakes Offshore Wind project, to understand the cost/benefits of such a project on the Niagara region.  The Niagara USA Chamber will continue to be active on this matter.

Hoyt/Thompson IDA Legislation

This bill will impose wage mandates on all construction projects in New York State.  The cost of construction projects in NY is already 28% higher than in comparable communities.  While the state is working on incentives to lure business here (like Power for Jobs) they are creating legislation that will certainly drive them away.  We have sent opposition letters to government officials and will continue to speak out against this bill.

Disclose Act

H.R. 5175, the Schumer-Van Hollen Bill has been crafted to undo the Supreme Court’s ruling Citizens United v. FEC.  This fast moving bill will place great restrictions on corporations who participate in political speech and the associations and chambers that represent them.  While stifling the First Amendment right to free speech for these groups, it has special protections for unions.  We are working diligently with the US Chamber of Commerce and many other organizations, businesses, and politicians to stop this bill before it can do any damage.

IDA Retroactive Tax

While the tax on IDAs has been suspended, The Niagara USA Chamber continues to monitor this and other “cash-grab” policies that the New York State Legislature has tried to pass in order to close the state budget gap and secure more revenue for the state on the backs of its businesses and taxpayers.

Aside from the specific topics mentioned above the Niagara USA Chamber has been active in many other issues on behalf of its members.  Wet lands, waste management, tax issues, and county governance are just a few examples.  As we continue to be an advocate for our members we will use our voice as Niagara County’s premier business chamber to enact positive changes in Niagara County and the State.