NFIB New York expresses disappointment over state budget agreement

A group that advocates for small businesses says the agreement on a new state budget signals “the momentum to revitalize the [New York’s] economy has stalled.”

“Unfortunately, our calls to reduce the stifling tax burden, to focus on eliminating assessments on energy use, and to reject a devastating increase in labor costs have fallen on deaf ears,” Michael Durant, New York state director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), said in a statement released Monday afternoon.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders reached the agreement on March 20, according to a report from Reuters. State senators began approving budget bills on Sunday, but the Assembly won’t return to session until Thursday.

Durant believes it’s “increasingly clear” that an agenda “eerily similar to our recent past” is the driving force in Albany and will negate the progress of the past two years.

He acknowledges the agreement includes tax breaks and credits for both employers and the middle class, but Durant maintains Main Street businesses and taxpayers deserve better.

“The token relief does not offset the increased costs associated with the minimum-wage increase or the extension of the 18-a energy assessment,” Durant said.

The state budget is due April 1, the beginning of New York’s 2013-2014 fiscal year.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com