Albany N.Y. — Leaders from Unshackle Upstate, The Business Council of New York State and NFIB of NY were joined by 46th Senate District candidate George Amedore in voicing their opposition to any potential toll increase on the Thruway system.
Citing Assemblyman Amedore's anti-toll hike efforts and his tireless support of pro-taxpayer and pro-business measures, the three organizations also made their first joint endorsement of Amedore's Senate campaign.
“Several weeks ago Assemblyman Amedore stood on this very spot to denounce the proposed toll increase. And every day since then he has worked hard to ensure that it does not happen,” said Brian Sampson, executive director of Unshackle Upstate. “We need more people in the Senate like George Amedore. People that are willing to speak up, speak out, and take action. I am proud to support Assemblyman Amedore's candidacy for the 46th Senate District because he has clearly demonstrated that he is committed to improving the state's business climate, strengthening our economy and returning New York to the Empire State.”
“As a small business owner, George Amedore sees firsthand the need for growth and job creation in New York. He understands that to put New York on a path to economic recovery we need to lower taxes and lower the cost of doing business in this state. As a member of the Assembly, George has been a champion of pro-growth policies and will continue to focus on those policies when he is elected Senator,” said Heather Briccetti, president and CEO of The Business Council of New York State, Inc.
“George Amedore has had a terrific record of fiscal responsibility in the Assembly, and as a small business owner, understands the numerous barriers entrepreneurs face in New York,” said Mike Durant, NFIB/NY State Director. “Assemblyman Amedore has never hesitated to take on the tough issues, like the ridiculously labeled ‘modest' toll hike proposal, and we believe he will be an integral voice in the State Senate for small business.”
Assemblyman Amedore thanked the prominent business organizations for their support and called on the Thruway Authority board to reject any toll increases.
“I am humbled and honored to receive the support from these groups that are the voices and advocates for the thousands of small businesses here in this great state,” said Amedore. “I am proud to stand with the business community and once again call upon the Thruway Authority to reconsider the proposed toll hike that would further weaken the state's economy. We simply can't afford this proposal.”
According to recent press reports, Thruway Authority executive director Thomas Madison signaled that the authority's board will schedule a meeting in the near future and “move forward with some form of a toll adjustment.”
While the rate of the potential toll increase is unknown, the 45-percent increase that was originally proposed in May received heavy criticism by numerous business and trade organizations, employers and elected officials during a recent series of public hearings held across the state.
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