Opinion

Recently, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo gave his State of the State address, and there are many aspects of it that I would like to discuss over the coming weeks. The issues include tax relief, economic development and many others, but this week I would like to discuss education. There are exciting opportunities developing here […]

The unemployment numbers are staggering. While the Obama Administration touts the official unemployment number, which shows a decline from 10 percent in October 2009 to 6.7 percent in the latest month (December 2013), the “real” numbers are substantially higher. If we include those workers who want to convert their part-time jobs into full-time positions and

“While I would love to see 1,000 jobs created in Johnson City as a result of Traditions at the Glen getting a casino license, the simple fact that is that there are not enough people in the area to support a casino and a racino 25 miles apart.  At Tioga [Downs Casino], we currently do

In August 2005, I wrote an op-ed, entitled, “What Are You Selling?” (Subhead: Be like Bob, sell yourself). In the column, I told the story a successful local salesperson, whom I called Bob. The full column is below in italics. Read through it and check back with me on the other side:   Here’s a

New York Governor Cuomo recently signed a number of bills into law. One new law that I sponsored will enable military to receive sales-tax exemptions on vehicles purchased out of state. Another will increase purchasing of locally grown produce in hospitals, prisons, and other state-run facilities. Military tax exemption A.6223 exempts members of the military upon

As an elected official and legislative leader I have always pushed for measures that create jobs, promote growth, and enhance our quality of life. New York state is home to one of the worst tax climates in the nation, and our families and business have paid too much for too long. The Assembly Minority Conference

The Tax Relief Commission issued its final report in December. The commission was established by Governor Cuomo and was charged with providing recommendations to cut $2 billion in state taxes over three years. Included in its final report were property-tax relief recommendations that the governor will consider. Three property-tax relief recommendations were outlined. They include

Max Baucus, the chairman of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, donned his Dracula costume last month, and proposed retroactive taxation on the business community. Unlike Bela Lugosi in the original 1931 film, where Count Dracula says, “I have come to suck your blood,” Max has pulled on his rubber gloves and decided to probe the

Recently, the Tax Relief Commission led by former New York Gov. George Pataki and former Comptroller H. Carl McCall issued its recommendations to save New Yorkers $2 billion in taxes over the next three years. The commission recognized immediately that New York’s tax burden is too expensive for homeowners and is crippling the state’s economy,

On Dec. 10, the U.S. Treasury Department sold off its last shares of General Motors’ stock (NYSE: GM). Both President Obama and the Treasury Secretary Jack Lew touted the company bailouts — Chrysler was also bailed out — as a success. Let’s do a quick review to understand what “success” means in Washington doublespeak. President