Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Plattsburgh) held a press conference to discuss the Recovery Tax Credit program, which he fought for in the 2019-20 state budget and was recently made available to businesses by the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.

“Good legislation comes from our constituents; that is how government is supposed to work. This all began with a lunch conversation and an idea from a local businessman. Michael Carpenter knew that New Yorkers recovering from addiction often struggle to find a job, preventing them from gaining the stability they need to begin a new chapter of their lives,” Jones said. “By helping those in recovery return to work, this legislation will give them a better chance at a brighter future while also helping local businesses grow. Those who bravely seek treatment need our support as they work to rebuild their lives, and this measure will go a long way toward accomplishing that.”

The Recovery Tax Credit program was first introduced by Jones in December 2017 and allows businesses that hire New Yorkers in recovery with an Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services approved rehabilitation center to claim a tax credit of up to $2,000 for each qualifying employee in recovery. The tax credit is part of a larger agenda to help individuals struggling with substance use, which took the lives of more than 3,000 New Yorkers in 2017.^[1]

"I've often said the best we can do as legislators is to complement the efforts of the people doing good work in our districts," Little said. "This legislation, now law, is a great example. The idea came from Michael Carpenter, as he and his team understand so well the struggle of addiction and what's needed for a successful recovery. Having a job, a reason to get up and go, to earn money and get one's life back on track is essential. I am very pleased the governor and my colleagues in the State Legislature also saw the value in creating this tax credit and that it became law this year.”

Jones was also joined by Northeast Group President and CEO Michael Carpenter, whose business has been able to expand by hiring New Yorkers in recovery through the tax credit program.

“Kudos to Senator Betty Little and Assemblyman Billy Jones for pushing government to help create a real opportunity for change,” said Carpenter. “This tax credit can help incentivize employers to be part of the solution by providing opportunities to this vulnerable population; people in recovery that need every chance to make connection to community. We all need to be part of the solution.”

Jones has been steadfast in his efforts to combat addiction and help New Yorkers on their path to recovery. He also secured $50,000 in the 2019-20 state budget to help strengthen the Champlain Valley Family Center’s substance use programs. The road to recovery can be long, and I’ll always do everything I can to ensure New Yorkers battling addiction have the resources they need every step of the way, Jones noted.

^[1] drugabuse.gov/opioid-summaries-by-state/new-york-opioid-summary