Fiscal Restraint, Mandate Relief Are Top Priorities in BCW’s Legislative Agenda

Fiscal restraint and much-needed mandate reforms are at the top of the list of priorities in a report issued by the Business Council of Westchester outlining legislation important to the economic health of Westchester.

Drafted by the BCW’s Government Action Council with input from membership, the BCW Legislative Agenda is presented each year to federal, state and local representatives on behalf of the business community.

“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. “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.”

The BCW will sponsor a trip to Albany on March 13 where members will meet with state legislators and key government officials to present the report and discuss legislative priorities.

This year’s legislative agenda asks for federal, state and county reforms that 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.

Here are some highlights of this year’s report:

On the county level, the BCW reinforces its commitment to continuing to work with government, citing its support of parks, green business initiatives and talent development. It also urges the county’s new administration under County Executive George Latimer to support economic development by:

• Negotiating favorable contracts to hold the line on labor costs;
• Consolidating services;
• Supporting economic growth and talent development

On the state level, the BCW urges legislators to reduce spending and regulations and eliminate burdensome mandates on local municipalities and schools, as well as adopt new small business tax reform policies and enhanced tax credits to help small businesses expand and create jobs.

“New York has too many state laws and regulations that put a burden on businesses,’’ said Ravitz. “By removing these we send a clear message that New York State is removing obstacles that will help them to grow and stay in Westchester County and New York State. According to the report, New York has approximately 140,000 pages of regulations, and from 2006 to 2015, 2,750 new rules were proposed by state agencies, an average of 275 a year.

The BCW also urged the adoption of an on-time budget to provide public participation and transparency.

To download a copy of the BCW’s 2018 Legislative Agenda, visit www.thebcw.org.