BCW Members Visit Albany to Discuss Legislative Priorities

The Business Council of Westchester delivered its 2019 Legislative Agenda during its Annual Lobby Day in Albany last week, where it met with State Legislators in advance of this year’s budget adoption.

Once again, The BCW Legislative Agenda called on county, state and federal governments to enact reforms that would reduce taxes, business fees, regulatory requirements and lengthy approval processes that act as obstacles to creating new jobs in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley.

The BCW Legislative Agenda is presented each year to all federal, state and local representatives on behalf of the business community.

To download a copy of the BCW’s 2019 Legislative Agenda, visit www.thebcw.org.

“Legislative bills that are passed or not passed in local, state and federal legislatures have a powerful impact on the Westchester business community’s ability to serve its stakeholders,’’ said John Ravitz, Executive Vice President and COO of the Business Council of Westchester. “The mission of the BCW’s Government Action Council is to provide leadership in public policy and involve our members in helping to advocate for economic opportunity in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley.”

Twenty-eight members of the BCW attended the annual BCW Albany Lobby Day on Feb. 27, where they met with state officials. Among those they spoke with were Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea-Stewart Cousins, and the entire Westchester Senate delegation, members of the Westchester Assembly delegation, Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Budget Director, and the Deputy New York State Comptroller. In addition, the group heard from the Wall Street Journal’s Albany Reporter Jimmy Vielkind about the issues he is covering during the 2019 legislative session.

BCW members said the day provided them with the unique opportunity to make their voices heard.

 “It was a powerful day that helped me as a business owner understand how important lobbying and issues can impact my business, said Wendy Wollner, CEO if Balancing Life’s Issues Inc. “I’m thankful to the Business Council for organizing an amazing day with meaning and great participants.”

“The BCW legislative trip is an important venue for learning about how our state government works and bringing the voice of Westchester’s business community, including our vital not for profit businesses, to Albany.” – Susan W. Fox, PhD, President & CEO, WIHD

“It was both informative and helpful to hear from leaders in Albany about key pieces of legislation. Being part of the BCW delegation representing my business and Westchester small business owners, and making our voices heard, was empowering.” – Jann Mirchandani, Westchester Marketing Café. 

 “We believe that “Knowledge Is Power” and thanks to the BCW and our participation in the legislative trip to Albany, we realized how important it is as business owners, to get involved and learn how government can work to help all of us succeed.” – Gina Cappelli, Founder and President Formé Medical Center & Urgent Care.

“The annual BCW Lobby Day provides me the opportunity to learn more about the current state of affairs in Albany and the impact on the business community.” – James D. Schutzer, Vice President, JDM Benefits.

“Business leaders must be involved in what is happening in government today.  Sound policy can only be formed when those affected by it are involved in the process.” – Cynthia Delfino, President & CEO, YMCA of Central & Northern Westchester.

“It is vitally important that the nonprofit community interact with our elected officials so that we can work together to make NY State a model for the country.” – Dominick Balletta, Managing Director, Jacob Burns Film Center.