To emerge from this historic recession, state government will have to reduce its stranglehold on our economy. Businesses and taxpayers have been squeezed to the breaking point, as illustrated by the vehement opposition to the onerous and unnecessary requirement for all vehicle owners to purchase new license plates. Our conference pushed for the repeal of this indirect tax and it seems our call has been heard.

However, it remains to be seen if this is a sign that state leaders have finally come to grips with the impact that their pro-tax policies have on hardworking New Yorkers, or a mere bump in the road to fiscal insolvency.