The
state faces "huge" budget gaps in the future because the state's
2003-2004 budget, although balanced, made already big gaps
in out-year budgets even larger, a new report from state Comptroller
Alan Hevesi concluded
The
2003 legislative session ended Friday, June 20, without definitive
action on a host of issues of interest to New York's business
community. The Senate ceased deliberations just before dawn
June 20; the Assembly wrapped up its business that afternoon
Twenty-seven
New York State school districts, including all of the so-called
"Big 5" districts, have been designated as "in need of improvement"
by the state Education Department (SED), according to a new
analysis by an education reform group
The
Business Council has blasted reports that the Legislature
is considering new government spending that would earmark
more than $100 million for a powerful union leader.
"Another
taxpayer-funded handout for Dennis Rivera? New York doesn't
need it and New Yorkers don't want it," said Business Council
President Daniel B
ALBANYAnother taxpayer-funded handout for Dennis Rivera? New York doesn't
need it and New Yorkers don't want it.
But if reports in the New York Sun and elsewhere are accurate, a "technical
cleanup" bill moving through the Legislature includes new spending in excess
of $100 million
ALBANYThe state Department of Taxation and Finance should "show
mercy" to New York State businesses that received little notice of a
complicated change in the state sales tax and are now trying valiantly to
adjust to the change, The Business Council has urged the department.
"I'm writing to ask that you make a special effort to show mercy to
the merchants all over New York State who are struggling to comply with the
Legislature's sudden increase in the sales tax," Business Council President
Daniel B
State agencies and public authorities must track lobbying
efforts by those seeking state contracts under a new executive
order announced June 15 by Governor George Pataki.
The Business Council is evaluating the executive order to
determine its likely effects on members that sell goods and
services to New York State
The Business Council this week continues to strongly oppose
a proposed new health-insurance mandate that would significantly
inflate insurance costs and imperil coverage for thousands
of New Yorkers by requiring costly, expanded coverage for
mental illness and substance abuse
A
new national study of manufacturing shows that this sector
ir the key factor in the nation's continuing growth and prosperity.
The finding echoes a similar study of manufacturing in New
York released by The Public Policy Institute in September
2002
ALBANYKenneth Adams, president of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce,
has become chairman for the Chamber Alliance of New York State (CANYS). Adams
succeeds Ray San Fratello, former president of the Genesee County Chamber
of Commerce.
Adams has led the Brooklyn Chamber for eight years