ALBANY Comprehensive civil justice reform proposed in new legislation sponsored
by Senator Dale Volker and Assemblyman Joseph Morelle "is an important step in the
effort to sustain and expand New York's emerging economic comeback," said Daniel
B. Walsh, President of The Business Council.
Tort reform is one of the highest policy priorities identified by New York State's business
community, Walsh noted, adding that The Business Council strongly supports the
Volker-Morelle bill
ALBANY Proposed "reforms" of
managed care in New York State could drive up health care costs by
billions of dollars and leave thousands more New Yorkers with no health
insurance at all, a new study
by The Public Policy Institute says.
The cost savings created by managed care make possible health insurance coverage
for an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 New Yorkers who would otherwise be uninsured,
the Institute says in its report, Managing With
Care
A coalition of small and big businesses, municipalities, and not-for-profit
groups has expanded its effort to convince lawmakers to rein in the state's
lawsuit industry.
New Yorkers for Civil Justice Reform, which
includes The Business Council and 500 others members, is arranging meetings
between tort reform supporters and key legislators in their district offices
The Business Council has identified
its top priorities for the rest of the legislative session now that the 1998
budget is set.
Unemployment
insurance reform: Employers with relatively few layoffs have a higher
UI tax burden than they should. UI tax tables should be revised so rates
better reflect companies' actual employment histories
The importance of manufacturing to the state's economy will be a key theme
of New York State Manufacturing Week May 8-15,
sponsored by The Business Council and regional employer organizations around
the state.
"New York manufacturers produce more than just computers, cameras, medical
instruments, and consumer goods," said Business Council President Daniel B
Assembly panels to examine promotion of exports and jobs
Two Assembly subcommittees will hold a hearing on "Facilitating Exports: Promoting Export-Led Economic Growth and Jobs" at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 12, in Hearing Room B of the Legislative Office Building.
The Assembly Committees on Small Business (chaired by Joseph D
Reforming the state's unemployment insurance
(UI) system will be a key priority for the
current legislative session now that the Legislature
has agreed on a budget, said Elliott
Shaw, director of government affairs for The Business Council.
"The budget deal in the Legislature is the earliest in years," Shaw
said
A plan to force employers to implement
programs to prevent workplace violence is too broad and duplicates ongoing
programs, The Business Council has argued in a memo opposing the bill. The
Assembly has passed the bill. The Senate has referred it to the Senate Labor
Committee. The bill would
force employers to conduct studies, implement policies, and begin new workplace
training - whether or not there is a demonstrated need for these initiatives,
said Minnick
The Business Council's successful effort
to save businesses $420 million in their 1998 unemployment insurance (UI)
taxes may have boosted membership. In the first quarter,
new member enrollment increased over 80 percent compared to the same period
in 1997, he said. Widespread publicity about the pre-pay initiative probably
played a key role in the increase, he added
The following letter from Business Council President Daniel B. Walsh was delivered to Governor Pataki Wednesday, April 15.
Staff Contact:
Honorable George E. Pataki
Governor
Executive Chamber
The Capitol
Albany, New York 12224
Dear Governor Pataki:
RE: Your support for the proposed tax cuts
The new tax reductions approved by the Legislature represent the next giant step forward in the drive to make New York State more competitive for businesses and jobs