Chamber Releases 2013 Legislative Agenda

From The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce:

The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce released its 2013 Legislative Agenda today, which outlines legislative priorities and initiatives planned for the year ahead. The Agenda is developed from an annual survey to membership and from conversations with members throughout the year.

The Agenda identifies where the Chamber will focus its advocacy efforts, including regulatory and mandate reform, lowering taxes and fees and a continued call for natural gas development in New York State.

“There are still a number of issues hurting local businesses,” said Lou Santoni, president & CEO of the Chamber. “We need government to reduce the burdensome regulations and taxes that are preventing business expansion.” Chief among the concerns are minimum wage increase proposals to as much as $8.75 or $9.00 per hour and indexed to the rate of inflation. The Chamber has stated previously that it does not support a wage increase without a number of significant regulatory reforms.

Other legislative concerns include Governor Cuomo’s proposal to extend the 18-a assessment, or surcharge on utility services that was to sunset in 2014 and a proposal to limit the ability for IDAs to offer sales tax exemptions for development projects.

Most recently, the Chamber met with Representative Richard Hanna to discuss the impact of potential sequestration cuts on some of the area’s largest employers. “Uncertainty continues to keep companies from knowing how to plan one year to the next,” Santoni said.

The Chamber has also included the development of natural gas as a top priority this year. “Our members overwhelmingly support gas development,” said Santoni. “A number of members already work with the industry in Pennsylvania and recognize the growth opportunities here in New York.”

The Agenda also identifies a number of initiatives that the Chamber will continue throughout 2013, including efforts to expand air service for the business community. “We’ve worked side-by-side with Broome County and some of our larger employers to stress the importance of additional service out of Binghamton. We will continue this partnership in the months ahead,” Santoni said.

The Chamber shares its Legislative Agenda with federal, state and local elected officials and copies can be downloaded at www.greaterbinghamtonchamber.com.