The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor of New York State
The New York State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
Dear Governor Cuomo:
For the third straight year, the Executive Budget shows an unprecedented commitment to fiscal discipline. The proposed budget contains numerous provisions intended to address the critical matters of the state.
The associations listed below, which represent numerous interests in New York, are writing to urge the reconsideration of the extension of the Temporary State Energy and Utility Service Conservation Assessment (often referred to as 18-a). The provision (Part N) would extend the 2 percent assessment, which was scheduled to be reduced to 1 percent this year. Extending the fee will cost all energy consumers (businesses, governments, schools, non-profits and residences) in the state $236 million in 2014 and a total of $2.8 billion over the next six years.
When this temporary fee was imposed, there was an explicit promise to the people of the state that this assessment would not be permanent. Please remove TED Part N, from the 2013-14 State Budget.
| Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. | Buffalo Niagara Partnership | The Business Council of New York State, Inc. | The Business Council of Westchester |
| Chamber Alliance of New York State | CEN Manufacturing | The Chamber of Schenectady County | The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County |
| Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce | Council of Industry | Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce | New York State Economic Development Council |
| Farm Bureau | Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce | Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce | Long Island Association |
| The Manufacturers Association | Manufacturers Association | NFIB | Niagara USA Chamber |
| North Country Chamber of Commerce Plattsburgh | Orange County Chamber of Commerce | OC | Rochester Business Alliance |
| Rockland Business Association | Staten Island Chamber of Commerce | Unshackle Upstate |