During the legislative session, I was happy to vote in favor of the extension of what is known as “qualified emerging technology credits.” This is the type of tax break we need at the state level that encourages job growth and helps make it easier for manufacturers to hire.

The bill enables manufacturers that have 100 or fewer employees, have spent a certain amount of their earnings on research and development and have gross receipts that total less than $20 million to qualify for three specific tax credits. These include a research and development property credit, a qualified research expenses credit, and a qualified high technology training credit.

Qualifying manufacturers and businesses are provided refundable investment credits for research and development, testing, inspecting quality control and similar capital expenditures for technology training expenses. This program already is used by businesses. This legislation that passed both houses renews these credits until 2016. The bill is expected to be delivered to the Governor. It is my hope he will renew this commitment to job development and business growth. It is this type of policy that makes our state friendlier to businesses.

Upcoming Out of the Darkness Walk

I will have the privilege to speak at the annual Out of the Darkness walk at Longbranch Park in Liverpool this year on October 8. This walk is organized by the Central New York Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Since 2007, the walk has been held in Syracuse as a way to raise awareness and prevent the loss of life by suicide through education, research, and outreach. According to their website, one in every 25 lives lost to suicide in this country is a resident of New York State.

The AFSP website has a list of suicide support groups and healing conferences throughout the country. The website also lists resources for survivors, including books, practical advice, survivor stories, information about mental illness and suicide and ideas for helping adults to help children. Individual counseling with a mental health professional also can help with the grieving process.

If you would like to get involved, I would encourage you to contact the local AFSP at 315-695-2201 or email Debra Graham at macdag0153@aol.com or visit their website. Also, the crisis hotline is always available through the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

If you have any questions or comments on this or any other state issue, or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my office. My office can be reached by mail at 200 North Second Street, Fulton, New York 13069, by e-mail at barclaw@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling (315) 598-5185. You also can find me, Assemblyman Barclay, on Facebook.