Assemblyman Marc Butler (R,C,I-Newport) today participated in the Assembly Minority Small Business Task Force forum in New Windsor to discuss ways to fix workers’ compensation, cut bureaucratic ‘red tape’ and ease the hefty tax burden on small businesses that destroys economic growth with local businesses, industry leaders, and Chambers of Commerce. As part of his position on the Assembly Economic Development Committee, Assemblyman Butler provides critical insight for businesses locating in upstate New York.
“Being the ranking minority member of the Economic Development Committee and due to my service on the Small Business Task Force, I’m particularly well-suited to help businesses survive in the unique environment of upstate New York,” said Butler. “Since this task force was created this year, we have introduced key legislation to help businesses flourish in our state.”
Some of the ideas advanced by the Small Business Task Force are:
- Increased funding for the Main Street Revitalization program
- Restoring the 1 percent lower tax rate for small businesses
- Providing a small business energy tax reduction
- Establishing a small business training tax credit equal to the amount expended by businesses that provide job training
- A prompt payment law for small businesses with state contracts
- Requiring at least 15 percent of state contracts be awarded small businesses
- Provide education grants to business owners and employees for courses necessary to support and advance micro-enterprise businesses.
“With 98 percent of business in New York being small businesses and more than half of all New Yorkers employed by small businesses, we can’t afford not to act,” concluded Butler. “It is my hope the Small Business Task Force will help renew small businesses in my district and attract new business statewide.”
The Assembly Minority Small Business Task Force travels throughout New York to gather input and feedback from small businesses and industrial organizations trying to find out what makes businesses stay in or leave the state. The panel is designed to attract new and retain existing businesses.