BCW Heading to Albany to Push 2017 Legislative Agenda

The Business Council of Westchester will make its annual trip to Albany next week with its 2017 Legislative Agenda in hand. Among the business community’s top priorities are a long list of items from fiscal reform to housing, economic development, energy and healthcare and others.

“Every year, 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. “In order to make our voices heard, the BCW creates a legislative agenda each year and communicates this to our representatives at all levels of government.”

This year’s Legislative Agenda revisits priorities from year’s past, as well as adds new ones. Among them are proposals to help solve the state’s fiscal problems by adopting reforms and new initiatives to enhance tax credits; make the state pension system more affordable, and reduce the cost of doing business in New York by enacting mandate and regulatory relief. Support for the state’s gaming and biotech/life science industries and higher educational institutions are also at the top of the list.

The closing of Indian Point power plants starting in 2020 will figure prominently in the conversation as the state will have to answer many questions about replacement power, rising energy bills and the loss of tax dollars.

For the Legislative Lobby Day on March 14, BCW members will meet with key legislative leaders, state commissioners, state-wide policymakers and members of the press corps. The day ends with cocktails and dinner at Jack’s, one of Albany’s oldest and finest restaurants. A chartered bus will leave from the BCW offices at 800 Westchester Avenue at 7 am and return by 11:30 pm. Spaces are limited. For more information, contact John Ravitz, jravitz@thebcw.org or call 948-2110.

Click here to read the 2017 Legislative Agenda