In the wake of this year’s chaotic budget negotiations, Gov. Cuomo has declared his work complete and his job done. His recent comments about there “not being much to do in Albany” are unsettling. It seems he is continuing to forget the stagnant upstate economy and the ailing small businesses that have received no relief this legislative session, and the fact that New York continues to rank near the bottom in economic friendliness in the U.S. While he may believe that his work is done, I am certain that mine is not, and I am shifting focus to the struggling small businesses across this state.

This year, the governor found $420 million a year for film and TV tax credits, while the small-business owners of this state continue to struggle in making ends meet. Our governor should be less focused on appeasing Hollywood elites and more focused on repaying the New Yorkers who continue to foot the bill for his politically driven ambitions.

With just over two months left in this year’s session, I want to focus on moving forward with multiple bills that will ease these economic burdens. I currently co-sponsor two bills proposed by the Assembly Minority Conference, A.6936 and A.6555, which would have monumental impacts on cutting the bureaucratic red tape that have tied the hands of our state’s small-business owners. Both A.6936 (Work-NY) and A.6555 (Invest-NY) would implement tax credits for small businesses across this state, and allow for economic freedom and prosperity to flourish in the Empire State once again. Unfortunately, these proposals have fallen upon deaf ears, with the Assembly’s main focus on issues facing New York City.

If we are to combat the poor economic conditions in Upstate New York and the continued migration of New Yorkers to other states with lower taxes, we need to not only keep our small businesses afloat, but attract new ones. This can only be done through tax relief, and by creating an environment that is economically beneficial.

Small business in New York are the lifeline and job creators for many of the towns across this state, and it is crucial we pass legislation that will revive many of the great business hubs that have been so successful in the past. Let me know your thoughts on tax relief for New York’s small businesses, and any other legislative matters that come to mind. Please contact me by emailing blankenbushk@nyassembly.gov or by calling my office at 315-493-3909.