NFIB New York welcomes competition from ‘pro-growth’ Texas

The state of Texas is planning a “substantial media buy” to tell New York businesses more about the Lone Star State.

That’s according to Michael Durant, state director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), which welcomed Gov. Rick Perry (R–Texas) to Albany on Tuesday.

The upcoming advertising campaign isn’t “nearly as costly as the star-studded commercials” that Albany hopes will change its anti-business reputation, Durant said in an NFIB New York news release.

The NFIB believes New York policy makers should be trying as “aggressively” as Perry is to accommodate private-sector employers.

Perry has been barnstorming the politically blue-colored states (those whose residents predominantly vote for candidates from the Democratic Party) as part of a national campaign to lure business investors to Texas, Durant said.

Perry’s “aggressive” recruitment campaign has “ruffled feathers” among governors whose “big-spending, pro-union policies” make Perry’s pitch more effective, he added.

“Texas doesn’t have an income tax, which is a huge advantage for small businesses there,” said Durant. “They have a better regulatory climate, a better legal climate, and a lower cost of living.”

Technology and transportation, Durant said, make it easier than ever for businesses to relocate.

“The difference between Texas and New York is that Texas is promoting real pro-business policies. New York is trying to create an image that isn’t matched by the policies,” Durant contends.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com