“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve Jobs

The preceding quote from the late Steve Jobs – the trailblazing leader of Apple who envisioned cutting-edge products such as the Macintosh, iPod, iPhone and iPad – captures the essence of why building an “innovation economy” is critically important to New York’s future. If we succeed in constructing this innovation economy, New York will reclaim its rightful place as an economic leader on not only the national level, but also a global scale.

PACE OF TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION IS ACCELERATING

The pace of technological innovation has been breathtaking and accelerating each year. Think of the scope and scale of technological advancement in the past 20 years alone: the rise of the Internet and Google, smaller, faster, more powerful computer chips and microprocessors, the proliferation of smartphones, Wi-Fi, Cloud storage, social media, handheld GPS and countless other breakthroughs. Last week’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Facebook, and its $104 billion valuation by Wall Street, served notice to all that the innovation economy is very real.

BUILDING NEW YORK’S INNOVATION ECONOMY, ONE STEP AT A TIME

Over the past two weeks, I have outlined steps necessary to build New York’s innovation economy. Step one emphasized education and vocational skills development so New York continues to have the high-skilled, well-educated workforce the jobs of tomorrow will demand. Step two, focused on strengthening the spirit of entrepreneurship and free enterprise, along with breaking down government and regulatory barriers. The third step – and the focus of this week’s column – is supporting New York’s emerging high tech, nanotech and biotech industries so we can grow more well-paying jobs and lead the innovation economy.

NEW YORK CAN EMERGE AS HOME TO AN INNOVATION ECONOMY THAT IS THE ENVY OF THE WORLD

Based on more than two decades of building and leading private sector manufacturing companies, I believe that New York can develop an innovation economy that is the envy of the world. Here in the Empire State, we will build it bigger, build it better and build it smarter than India, China or Brazil. We can establish an innovation economy that creates more jobs, opportunities and prosperity for all New Yorkers. Folks, this is no pie-in-the-sky pipe dream – the innovation economy is already underway!

HIGH-TECH, NANOTECH AND BIOTECH ARE THE FUTURE OF OUR ECONOMY

New York is emerging as one of the premier destinations for cutting-edge industries, research facilities and high-tech (microelectronics), nanotech (the study of manipulating matter on an atomic or molecular scale) and biotech (using bioprocesses in engineering, technology, and medicine) incubators. In fact, the TechAmerica Foundation’s 14th annual Cyberstates report listed New York as third in the nation in 2010 for high-tech employment, behind only California and Texas. Here are further statistics regarding the tech sector’s role in New York’s economic future, courtesy of the Empire State Development Corporation and Public Policy Institute (PPI):

IBM, Intel, Samsung, Global Foundries and the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company pledged to invest $4 billion into computer chip research in New York, with the combined private-public sector investment expected to create 2,500 high-technology jobs, 1,900 construction jobs and maintain 2,500 jobs;
New York’s bioscience industry supports 250,000 jobs, generating $309 million in personal State Income Tax and over $5.63 billion in wages; and Two of the world’s most advanced semiconductor fabs are located right here in New York: IBM’s $2.5 billion facility in East Fishkill, and Global Foundries’ $4.2 billion facility in Malta.

POLICIES THAT WILL PRESERVE NEW YORK’S HIGH-TECH EDGE

Based on the above referenced figures, some may think that New York’s innovation economy will simply continue along an upward trajectory. That is a false assumption and could derail New York’s innovation economy locomotive. For New York to keep moving forward with its innovation economy, we should enact recommendations of a recent PPI report “Cultivating the Next Generation of Discoveries and Development in New York Bioscience” available online at www.ppinys.org/reports/2012/Cultivating-the-Next-Generation.pdf. A summary of the Institute’s policy recommendations include the following:

Establish a Governor’s Council to focus the state’s biopharma vision, increase communication between the state and industry and develop a proactive marketing campaign that champions New York’s bioscience industry and the benefits of doing business in the Empire State. This is needed since some biopharmaceutical executives have indicated they receive “mixed messages” from state government; Designate financial resources specifically for bioscience companies. In particular, establish a matching grant program for bioscience companies awarded Small Business Innovation Research grants, and enact a bill to create a dedicated Biosciences Commercialization Assistance Fund; and Increase the amount of affordable incubator and lab space for startups and early-stage companies.

Along with these recommendations, I suggest the following public policy step:

Expand high-tech investment state tax credits to make New York more financially attractive as the place to start or expand a high-tech, nanotech, or biotech-based business or R&D facility;
Keep investing in our high-tech incubators and Centers of Excellence, strengthen public-private partnerships between SUNY and high-tech businesses; and

Support the “National Science and Math Initiative” focused on improving math and science education for America’s children. This is especially important since the “Program for International Students Assessment” ranked U.S. students 17th in the world in science and 25th in math. We must improve our ranking because math and science education are at the heart of the innovation economy.

From the assembly line of Henry Ford, to the personal computing revolution of Steve Jobs, innovation is at the heart of every great American industry, invention and entrepreneurial endeavor. When we build New York’s innovation economy, we are doing more than focusing on next year – we are preparing for the next 50 years, making an investment in a future of more jobs, higher incomes and a better quality of life for everyone. I hope you have enjoyed this series and will join me in supporting policies to ensure our Empire State remains an innovation leader.

NEXT WEEK: Why right now is the perfect time to start a business!

As always, constituents wishing to discuss this topic, or any other state-related matter should contact my district office at (315) 781-2030, or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and informational updates regarding state government and our Assembly Minority Conference.

Leader Kolb says Albany should reject today’s job-killing minimum wage mandate and instead focus on breaking down regulatory barriers to job growth and entrepreneurship to build New York’s “innovation economy”

With the State Assembly later today expected to take up legislation (Assembly Bill A.9148) that would raise New York’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.50 per hour, Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) urged rejection of the job-killing mandate, saying it would increase costs for job creators by more than $2,900 per minimum wage earning employee,[i] making New York’s economy even less competitive.

“Without question, the minimum wage mandate is bad public policy and even worse economics. It will kill jobs, erode competitiveness and damage small businesses that can least afford to absorb higher operating costs,” said Kolb, an entrepreneur, former president of Refractron Technologies, co-founder of the North American Filter Corporation, and the only Leader in state government that has started and run successful businesses.

“New York business owners would face an increased cost of over $2,900 per minimum wage employee if today’s legislation becomes law. A small business with ten employees would bear almost $30,000 in additional labor costs annually, an astronomical sum to companies working harder than ever just to stay afloat. Frankly, today’s consideration of the minimum wage mandate is all about election-year politics and has nothing to do with making our economy stronger or ensuring New York is open for business,” Leader Kolb stated.

“The legislation also contains an ‘escalator’ provision tying automatic future minimum wage hikes to the rate of inflation. This is an escalator to fewer jobs, especially for younger, low-skilled workers. Equally concerning, credible, independent research has pointed to minimum wage hikes increasing the number of poor or near poor families.[ii] Quite simply, hiking New York’s minimum wage is a lose-lose-lose proposition: for workers, job creators and families trying to climb out of poverty,” Leader Kolb said.

Leader Kolb recently authored an Op-Ed in the New York Post – “Dems’ ‘Minimum’ Job-Killer” – outlining how raising New York’s minimum wage will hurt small businesses and low-skilled workers while imperiling the Empire State’s fragile economic recovery.

“Folks pushing the minimum wage mandate have no idea how hard it is to run a successful business in New York, how tough it is to meet a payroll, and how challenging it is to deliver a quality product, while dealing with constant regulatory roadblocks and headaches from Albany. If they did, we would not be voting on this legislation today; we would instead be considering tax credits for businesses and repeal of the job-killing Wage Theft Prevention Act,” Leader Kolb stated.

“Even though things may be getting better in New York, better is not good enough. Albany still thinks it ‘knows best’ and can micromanage the economy, even though most legislators have zero experience running a private sector business. Albany should focus on breaking down regulatory barriers, promoting education and vocational skills development, along with emphasizing high-tech job creation and entrepreneurship to grow New York’s ‘innovation economy.’ These are the steps that will help unemployed New Yorkers find a good job and create lasting prosperity, not Albany-imposed minimum wage mandates,” Leader Kolb concluded.

Last week, I explored the “innovation economy,” defined what it was, why it mattered for New York and how education plus career-skills development were its building blocks. This column is the second part of that series focusing on the role of entrepreneurs who are the heart and soul of New York’s innovation economy. This edition will discuss what state government can do to remove obstacles and unleash the job-creating potential of entrepreneurial start-ups that are so important to our innovation economy.

NEXT FORTUNE 500 COMPANY MIGHT BE IN THE GARAGE NEXT DOOR

Quick question: What do Fortune 500 companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon.com, Harley-Davidson, Walt Disney, Google and Hewlett-Packard all have in common, other than their tremendous success? They all had their origins – in some form or fashion – in someone’s garage (or, in Harley-Davidson’s case, a shed). That’s right, some of the largest, most recognizable and profitable multi-national corporations first started where most of us keep the lawnmower and snow shovel. The larger, original list of garage-to-Fortune 500 success stories referenced above is by writer Nick Tart, located on-line at retireat21.com, a blog founded by Mike Dunlop, a successful entrepreneur who has launched dozens of websites.

ENTREPRENEURS ARE INNOVATIVE THINKERS AND RISK TAKERS

Another trait each of these Fortune 500 companies shares is that, at their earliest point, they were simply ideas that existed in someone’s mind, be it the mind of Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates or Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon.com. Before becoming captains of industry, these individuals were entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs are a different breed: they are innovative thinkers and risk-takers with an idea for a product or service that will fulfill a need and meet a demand. Entrepreneurs don’t wait for someone else to blaze a path – they fearlessly forge ahead, bust through barriers, break new ground and are true pioneers of the innovation economy.

SMALL BUSINESSES EMPLOY MORE THAN 60 MILLION AMERICANS – AND OVER HALF OF ALL NEW YORKERS

While their potential for growth is virtually limitless, the majority of entrepreneurial start-ups are in fact small businesses, defined be the Federal government as having fewer than 500 employees. However, don’t be fooled – small businesses are a big deal! According to the Small Business Administration, in 2006 small businesses employed more than 60 million Americans and over half of all New Yorkers.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP 101: FOUR ESSENTIAL ACTION STEPS FOR SUCCESS

For any aspiring entrepreneur reading this column wondering if they have what it takes to be part of the innovation economy and become the next Steve Jobs or Jeff Bezos, consider the following “4-Step Formula for Guaranteed Success,” by Karl Stark and Bill Stewart for Inc.com. Here are their four action steps that all entrepreneurs must master, each of which I put into practice as the president of Refractron Technologies and co-founder of the North American Filter Corporation:

Develop an understanding of customer value;
Create a better product or solution for a specific customer;
Determine how to scale the product from one customer to many customers; and
Develop a business model that allows you to build scale while generating incremental return on investment.

In addition to Stark and Stewart’s four steps, Inc.com contributor Glen Blikenstaff lists a must-have attribute for all successful entrepreneurs: Optimism! Specifically, in his recent article “Secret Trait of Every Successful Entrepreneur,” Blikenstaff discusses the role of optimism in the business world: “The ability to rebuild the economy rests with you and me. Our voice, optimism and ultimately the power of small business will adapt and overcome.”

AMERICA NEEDS MORE ENTREPRENEURS

The need for optimism among entrepreneurs is more than just feel-good rhetoric; it is crucial because America’s entrepreneurial start-up edge is eroding. Forbes.com reported Census Bureau statistics showing that in 2010, entrepreneurial start-ups as a percentage of all firms had fallen to historically low levels of eight percent in 2010, from a high of 13 percent in the 1980s (“When Will Entrepreneurship Come Out of the Cellar?” by EJ Reedy at the Kauffman Foundation of Entrepreneurship for Forbes.com).

With the number of entrepreneurial start-ups shrinking, we must build a strong pro-growth, pro-jobs, pro-entrepreneur culture, beginning here in the Empire State. We need public policies in place that will unleash the creativity, ingenuity and can-do spirit of the next generation of entrepreneurs. Here are my smart solutions to make this happen by removing bureaucratic obstacles and building New York’s innovation economy:

Enact the “BizBoom” business startup program which will cut all application fees for new businesses by 50 percent, eliminate business income taxes for the first year and reduce income tax rates for the second and third years;
Establish the “Division of Regulatory Review & Economic Growth” (D-RREG), led by a Commissioner who has a fixed term, to review and make binding recommendations for the elimination of burdensome, job-killing regulations on private sector businesses; Increase the Linked Deposit Program to $1 billion (currently $560 million) and designate $200 million to be solely available for business start-ups; Create an “Angel Investment Tax Credit” to encourage private investment in business startups; and Implement an “economic gardening” pilot program known as “GrowNY” providing grants to economic development entities that give assistance to Second Stage companies that employ 5 to 99 individuals.

LET’S MAKE NEW YORK HOME OF THE INNOVATION ECONOMY!

Removing job-killing regulatory and bureaucratic barriers, leveraging private investment to support emerging start-ups to ensure they have access to capital and credit, helping second-stage small businesses with guidance and expert assistance, these are common sense ways we can strengthen New York’s entrepreneurial sector. The emergence of New York’s innovation economy won’t happen by accident – we must make it happen! Pro-education, pro-entrepreneurship, pro-free enterprise public policies are the backbone of this effort I am launching to make New York State home of the innovation economy, more jobs and increased prosperity.

NEXT WEEK: Part III and the conclusion of my series on building New York’s innovation economy focused on developing our emerging high-tech, nanotech and biotech industries.

As always, constituents wishing to discuss this topic, or any other state-related matter should contact my district office at (315) 781-2030, or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and informational updates regarding state government and our Assembly Minority Conference

Willingness to learn. Working well independently and as part of a team. Creative thinking. Effective writing, math and problem-solving skills. Possessing a positive attitude and standing out. According to career consultant, columnist and author Andrea Kay, these are the necessary skills that companies large and small most desire in their employees.

HIGH-SKILLED WORKERS ALWAYS IN DEMAND

Having worked in the private sector as president of Refractron Technologies, and as a co-founder of the North American Filter Corporation, I know that whether they are enjoying an economic boom, or weathering an economic bust, employers have a constant need for highly-skilled and highly-motivated team members. Everything from excellent written and verbal communication to analytical problem-solving skills are important for anyone looking not only to keep their job, but also to grow and get ahead in this ultra competitive economy.

BUILDING NEW YORK’S “INNOVATION ECONOMY” WILL CREATE MORE JOBS

The attributes listed above are more than just career survival skills; they are the fundamental building blocks of what I like to call New York’s “innovation economy.” By innovation economy, I am referring to a new approach, a new way of thinking about how we view and do business in New York State. An innovation economy will empower New Yorkers to start a business, grow a business, and develop the real-world skill set they need to succeed in their chosen career, whether working as a teacher, computer technician, auto mechanic or carpenter. More important, an innovation economy will empower the more than 700,000 New Yorkers who are out of work to not only find a job, but also develop a rewarding career.

The innovation economy is:

•Pro-growth, pro-entrepreneur and rewards risk takers;
•Focused on growing small businesses and entrepreneurial start-ups;
•Emphasizes lifetime learning;
•Values vocational training, places a premium on continued skills development; and
•Seeks to transform government from a command-and-control bureaucratic obstacle into a productive partner that actually helps job creators achieve their goals.

Much like its name implies, innovation – the introduction of something new; be it a new method or a new way of thinking – is at the heart of the innovation economy. Building this innovation economy starts with education and involves new approaches to thinking about what we learn, and most importantly how we learn and how we apply that learning.

CORE COMPETENCIES TO PRESERVE AMERICA’S INNOVATION EDGE

In a recent Forbes article (“Creating Innovators: Why America’s Education System Is Obsolete,” by Erica Swallow) Harvard Innovation Education Fellow Tony Wagner offered his perspective on maintaining America’s innovation edge based on two years of research and extensive interviews with recent college graduates, professors, as well as private and public sector leaders. Wagner recommended transitioning from the current approach of filling children with knowledge through rote memorization of things like state capitals, and moving toward a new approach focused on motivating students and developing their innovation skills.

To accomplish this, Wagner advocates a new education model that, recognizing the availability of and ease of access to information (via the Internet and ubiquitous smart phones), instead focuses on increasing the “skill and will” of students to think creatively and solve problems efficiently. Wagner outlined a set of core educational competencies that every student should have mastered prior to high school graduation in order to continue our culture of innovation including critical thinking and problem solving; initiative and entrepreneurialism; accessing and analyzing information and developing curiosity and imagination.

MY SMART SOLUTIONS TO BUILD THE INNOVATION ECONOMY: EDUCATION REFORM AND THE PROMOTION OF CAREER TRAINING

New York’s schools and teachers are some of the best in the nation. Yet, as good as they are, I want them to be even better so after establishing a strong base of the three “Rs” they develop the core innovation competencies Wagner outlined. My smart solutions include restructuring the State Board of Regents so it is accountable to the Governor, and not New York’s educational bureaucracy. Also, ensuring that state education aid increases go to high-needs districts and that all funding goes directly to the classroom and not administration. Promoting vocational skills – they should be renamed career skills – development so New York has the next generation of high-skilled electricians, carpenters, machinists, engineers, computer programmers and automotive technicians is equally important. Students should know these careers are just as important – and, in some cases, more lucrative – than a traditional two or four-year college path.

Fostering innovation, teaching children the basics, instructing them in applying their education, promoting lifetime learning and skills development – these educational cornerstones are the foundations for building New York’s innovation economy.

NEXT WEEK: Part II of my focus on developing New York’s innovation economy by removing barriers, encouraging entrepreneurship and promoting free enterprise.

As always, constituents wishing to discuss this topic, or any other state-related matter should contact my district office at (315) 781-2030, or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and informational updates regarding state government and our Assembly Minority Conference.

In Case You Missed It (ICYMI): Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) authored an Op-Ed appearing in yesterday’s New York Post discussing why raising New York’s minimum wage is a bad idea that will hurt small businesses, cost job creators $2,900 per full-time minimum wage earning employee and jeopardize the Empire State’s fragile economic recovery. Visit the New York Post’s website www.nypost.com to read Leader Kolb’s Op-Ed online, to contact him about this piece, call (518) 455-3751.

Dems’ ‘Minimum’ job-killer

By BRIAN M. KOLB

Assembly Democrats want to raise New York’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.50 an hour. Gov. Cuomo’s left the door open to this job-killer, so it could yet become law this year. Yet this mandate would make New York’s business climate even more uncompetitive — while harming the people it’s supposed to help. Few if any of the folks pushing the minimum-wage hike have ever run a private-sector business. They have zero understanding of how hard it already is for job-creators in New York to run their businesses.

Unlike the vast majority of politicians in Albany, I’ve actually started and run successful small businesses in the manufacturing sector. I know that a wage hike is not the answer. Democrats claim their minimum-wage hike will somehow create more jobs and lift New Yorkers out of poverty. That is simply not the case. Credible, empirical research — and real-world experience of small-business owners — shows that it’s bad public policy and even worse economics.

First, minimum-wage mandates hurt small businesses, which employ more than half of all New Yorkers: The mom-and-pop store down the block can least afford to absorb the increased labor costs.

The Democrats’ proposal would cost employers an estimated $2,900 a year per full-time minimum-wage-earning employee — an astronomical cost to small businesses throughout our state. Whenever the minimum is hiked, small businesses have to hire fewer workers. It’s usually young, entry-level workers who lose the most opportunities.

Our fragile economy doesn’t need another slap at job-creators. Last year the unemployment rate fell in every state except New York, where it rose to 8.5 percent. Limiting businesses’ ability to grow will only further slow our economic recovery. Worse, this proposed law would keep on taking: It has an “escalator” clause that effectively ties the state minimum wage to the inflation rate. That locks in higher costs for employers for the future — another reason for them not to invest in growing their businesses here, but to cut back instead. But even without that added penalty, minimum-wage hikes are net losers. Independent research even shows that they have the opposite result of what’s promised. They result in more poor families — not fewer.

In a landmark 1998 paper in the Journal of Human Resources, David Neumark, Mark Schweitzer and William Wascher looked at the impact of minimum wages on family incomes. The study is one of the largest and most rigorous explorations of the topic, by a professor of economics and two Federal Reserve researchers. Their core finding: “Minimum wages raise the income of some poor families, but that their net effect is to increase the proportion of families that are poor and near-poor.”

In other words, the job-destruction and other negative effects outweigh the raises that some workers get.
Albany doesn’t know best: Increasing the minimum wage hurts job-creators, decreases opportunities for young, entry-level workers and results in more poor families. Gov. Cuomo must reject the Assembly Democrats’ job-killing mandate — and get to work improving the state economic climate, so that New York can be truly “open for business” once again.

Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua), the Assembly minority leader, is former president of Refractron Technologies and co-founder of the North American Filter Corp.

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/opedcolumnists/dems_minimum_job_killer_htuNQDdgR6mY1XOSFOteIM#ixzz1tp2d4tIu

Friday-May 4, 2012
9:00am-9:30am: Leader Kolb will be attending the
Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of the FLCC Student
Center on the FLCC Canandaigua Campus

Wednesday-May 9, 2012
1:15pm-2:00pm: Leader Kolb will host his regular
Albany TV show to update residents on issues of
importance pertaining to state government

Friday-May 11, 2012
8:35am-9:00am: LeaderKolb will host his regular
live local radio show on Finger Lakes News Radio
to discuss issues and concerns pertaining to state
government (1240 AM WGVA-1550 AM WCGR)

11:45am-12:45am: Leader Kolb will be attending
the Seneca County Office for the Aging Senior
Citizens Day Event in Waterloo

Saturday-May 12, 2012
11:00am-12:30pm: Leader Kolb will be attending
the Dedication Ceremony of the John Decker
Robison MemorialBridge in Phelps, NY

1:00pm-1:30pm: Leader Kolb will be attending the
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Verizon Cellular Sales
at their new location at 4221 Recreation Drive, Canandaigua

Wednesday-May 16, 2012
8:35am-9:05am: Leader Kolb will participate in the
Dr. Russ Jeffery radio show to update residents on
items of interest (1420 WACK)

1:15pm-2:00pm: Leader Kolb will host his regular
Albany TV show to update residents on issues of
importance pertaining to state government

Friday-May 18, 2012
10:30am-12:00pm: Leader Kolb will be attending the
Formal Opening of the new BonaDent Dental Laboratories
Facility at 2495 Bonadent Drive in Seneca Falls

5:00pm-6:30pm: Leader Kolb will be attending the
2012 FLCC Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni
Award Ceremony at the Canandaigua FLCC Campus

Saturday-May 19, 2012
11:45am-1:45pm: Leader Kolb will be attending the
FLCC 44th Commencement Ceremony Luncheon at
Stage 14 of the Student Center, 2nd Floor of the FLCC
Campus

2:00pm-4:00pm: Leader Kolb will be the Commencement
Speaker for the Finger Lakes Community College 44th
Commencement Ceremony

New York State Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) recently toured the Grange Academy Hall restoration project in Cheshire and met with area residents and local elected officials to discuss the project.

Pictured, from left to right, are Wayne Houseman, former Bristol Town Supervisor; Bob Green, current Bristol Town Supervisor; and New York State Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb.

New York State Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) recently toured the Grange Academy Hall restoration project in Cheshire. Leader Kolb is pictured (right) speaking with local Canandaigua resident George Herren (left) about the ongoing project.

Originally constructed in 1874, the Grange Academy Hall served as a meeting place for Civil War Veterans. Left abandoned for many years, the community is rallying together to save the hard wood ceiling, walls, and floor, all of which are still intact. The facility has seen many shows over the years, including musical products in 1912 and 1913.

If your family is like mine, Mother’s Day is one of the most important days of the year. The rest of the family shares ideas in eager anticipation of the opportunity to finally show Mom how important she is. But, you know what Mom always told us she wanted? Not the candy, not the flowers, not the jewelry. Just quality time spent with her family.

Celebrated this year on Sunday, May 13, Mother’s Day is a time that every family sets aside to honor and pay tribute to the often thankless role that mothers play in our society. Celebrated on the second Sunday in May, Mother’s Day was officially named a holiday back in 1914 by our 28th President, Woodrow Wilson.

MAMMOGRAMS: THIS SIMPLE SCREENING IS A LIFE SAVING WAY TO ENSURE MANY MORE YEARS OF FAMILY TIME

Who hasn’t heard a mother remind her children to ‘watch over your brother’ or ‘watch over your sister’? Mom taught us that taking care of one another was one of the basic duties that came with being a part of a family. This year, we can show our mothers that we are honoring the values they instilled in us as children by reminding them to schedule a mammogram. This simple reminder could literally help save her life.

A mammogram is a critical life-saving tool that can lead to the early identification of breast cancer. The good news – 95 percent of all mammograms prove to be normal, which will give your whole family peace of mind. More good news – each year, scientists are making new breakthroughs and innovations in breast cancer treatment and care!

ADELPHI NY STATEWIDE BREAST CANCER HOTLINE & SUPPORT PROGRAM

I am proud to once again join the Adelphi University School of Social Work on Long Island in promoting their free services and support programs as part of the University’s yearly “Mother’s Day Campaign.” The Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program was established in 1980 and is now celebrating 32 successful years of helping New Yorkers.

LOCATE A MAMMOGRAPHY FACILITY AND GET A REFERRAL,
BY CALLING: 1-800-877-8077

If you need information, or just want someone to talk to – calling Adelphi NY’s Statewide Breast Cancer Toll-Free Hotline at 1-800-877-8077 is the first step to preventing breast cancer in your family. Specially trained volunteers are available to offer emotional support, additional information and referrals to a nearby accredited mammography facility so a screening can be scheduled. These volunteers are people who have “been there” – the vast majority are actually breast cancer survivors themselves.

INFORMATION ABOUT BREAST CANCER IS ALSO AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY AT WWW.ADELPHI.EDU/NYSBREASTCANCER AND ON FACEBOOK

Additional informational resources are located on the Support Program’s website and Facebook pages, located at: www.adelphi.edu/nysbreastcancer and www.facebook.com/adelphibreastcancerhotline. Women can find information on breast cancer prevention, a glossary of key terminology, a calendar of events and forums, support groups and questions to ask your health care provider.

MOTHERS ARE ALWAYS CARING FOR US – LET’S TAKE TIME TO CARE FOR THEM

Every kid with a skinned knee knows – a mother’s kiss is magical. When I was a kid, her kiss could heal a cut, and as I grew older, her affection and concern helped me to cope with the problems and anxieties of adulthood. Now is our chance to return that affection and concern.

Diagnosing breast cancer at its earliest stages puts time on our side. Let us ‘watch over’ all the women we know this Mother’s Day and remind them to schedule their mammograms and utilize the free services available from the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program.

As always, constituents wishing to discuss this topic, or any other state-related matter should contact my district office at (315) 781-2030, or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and informational updates regarding state government and our Assembly Minority Conference.

Last week’s column focused on my new “GrowNY” program and outlined how this innovative legislation would provide targeted technical assistance and support services to help grow New York’s “Second-Stage” businesses and, in the process, strengthen our economy without unnecessarily saddling overburdened taxpayers with the bill. The whole point of my GrowNY proposal is to cultivate existing businesses that are already operating in New York State so they can expand their operations and hire more people.

Of course, my GrowNY program is just one of the many job creation initiatives I will be pushing for this session. The ultimate goal of my jobs plan is to ensure our economic recovery continues so more New Yorkers can find good-paying jobs and our state’s business climate can become more competitive with the 49 other states. For this week’s column, I would like to share my recent conversation with leaders at the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) as part of “Small Business Day” and outline my smart solutions for more jobs, right now.

MY MESSAGE: LET’S GET NEW YORKERS BACK TO WORK!

Last Wednesday in Albany, I was invited to speak to the NFIB, which is a non-profit, non-partisan organization representing small and independent businesses. I addressed the NFIB’s Leadership Council – comprised of 16 business owners from across the state – as part of its participation in Small Business Day, which was designed to highlight the importance of supporting New York’s small businesses that employ more than half of all residents.

I listened to the Leadership Council’s concerns and discussed my efforts to expand New York’s economy by leading the fight to cut job-killing taxes and fees, lower energy costs, streamline government regulations and enact my GrowNY program. I said it was more important than ever that private sector job creators, and organizations like the NFIB, make their voices heard on these important issues.

SMART SOLUTIONS TO CREATE MORE JOBS

Instead of being caught up in Albany’s tired blame game or silly partisan politics, my focus has been listening to local job creators and pro-business advocates such as the NFIB, in addition to applying my own extensive private sector experience to develop a jobs plan that really works. My jobs plan includes proven public policies that are pro-growth, pro-taxpayer and pro-New York. Here are a few of my smart solutions for more jobs, right now:

SUPPORT EXISTING BUSINESSES

•Create the GrowNY economic gardening pilot program to provide grants to economic development entities that give assistance to Second-Stage companies that employ 5 to 99 persons;

CLEAR AWAY REGULATORY BURDENS & UNFUNDED MANDATES

•Establish the “Division of Regulatory Review & Economic Growth” (D-RREG), led by a Commissioner who has a fixed term, to review and make binding recommendations for the elimination of burdensome regulations;

•Eliminate Wage Theft Prevention Act’s annual notice requirement;

•Lower workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance costs for employers by eliminating regulatory burdens and assessments;

•Deliver unfunded mandate relief that includes freezing County Medicaid costs at the current level and banning all new unfunded mandates;

CUT JOB-KILLING TAXES & FEES

•Reduce the tax rate for small businesses and manufacturers;

•Establish “BizBoom” business startup program, cutting all application fees for new businesses by 50 percent for the first year, and providing tax relief for the first three years;

•Repeal the 18-A Utility Assessment to cut electricity bills for families and job creators;

•Eliminate State Sales Tax on gas (8 cents/gallon);

BUILDING A HIGH-SKILLED WORKFORCE

•Promote high-tech, nanotech and biotech manufacturing job training through partnerships between private businesses and our community colleges, universities and BOCES.

As mentioned earlier, these smart solutions represent just a portion of the many job creation proposals I will be advancing throughout the remainder of our 2012 Legislative Session. A stronger, more prosperous economy – one that keeps families together and keeps our kids here because there are enough private sector jobs and opportunities – needs to start with these smart solutions.

As always, constituents wishing to discuss this topic or any other state-related matter should contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us. You can also follow me on Twitter and find me on Facebook for the latest news and informational updates regarding state government and our Assembly Minority Conference.

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) is pictured (right) with the Reverend Richard Krapf, Executive Director of Gleaners Community Kitchen in Canandaigua (left), as Leader Kolb donates his Super Bowl 46 winnings to support Gleaners Community Kitchen.

Leader Kolb won the friendly wager he made earlier this year with his Republican counterpart in the Massachusetts House, Minority Leader Bradley Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading, MA). Leader Kolb backed the New York Giants to win Super Bowl 46 while Leader Jones picked the New England Patriots – Big Blue defeated the Pats by a final score of 21-17.

Leader Jones donated $250 to a local charity of Leader Kolb’s choosing, with Kolb ultimately selecting Gleaners Community Kitchen in the City of Canandaigua. Originally, the wager called for the winner to receive some tasty culinary treats from the vanquished team’s home state, but Leader Kolb opted instead for a $250 charitable donation from Leader Jones to support the mission of Gleaners Community Kitchen. Leader Kolb also made a matching charitable donation of $250.

Opened in 1986, the mission of Gleaners Community Kitchen is to serve healthy meals, free of charge, to all who enter its doors. The kitchen serves approximately 70 meals each day, more than 18,000 meals annually, and relies on the continued generosity of local grocery stores, restaurants, service organizations and individuals.

“While it was terrific winning our Super Bowl 46 friendly wager, it was even better donating to a terrific Canandaigua organization like Gleaners Community Kitchen, and I thank Leader Jones for being such a great sport. Gleaners ensures that nobody in our Canandaigua community goes hungry and I am proud to support its mission,” Leader Kolb said.

In addition, Leader Kolb will receive a photograph of Leader Jones wearing a New York Giants jersey on the floor of the Massachusetts House to forever commemorate Kolb’s winning of their Super Bowl 46 friendly wager.

New York State Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) is pictured (top left) addressing the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Leadership Council during its meeting yesterday in Albany as part of “Small Business Day.” The Leadership Council is comprised of 16 business owners from across the state and serves in an advisory capacity to the NFIB. Leader Kolb discussed his efforts to expand New York’s economy by cutting job-killing taxes and fees, lowering energy costs, streamlining government regulations and helping second-stage businesses through his new “GrowNY” program.

Saturday-April 21, 2012
1:00pm-6:00pm: Leader Kolb will be stopping by the
“Veterans helping Veterans” open house at the American
Legion Post 256 in Canandaigua

Friday-April 27, 2012
8:35am-9:00am: LeaderKolb will host his regular
live local radio show on Finger Lakes News Radio
to discuss issues and concerns pertaining to state
government (1240 AM WGVA-1550 AM WCGR)

9:30am-10:00am: Leader Kolb will be taking a tour
of the Cheshire Community Grange and Meeting Hall
on Route 21 in Cheshire

1:00pm-2:00pm: Leader Kolb will be taking a plant
tour of IMS (Immediate Mailing Service) in Liverpool, NY

Saturday-April 28, 2012
5:30pm-8:15pm: Leader Kolb will be attending the Seneca
Waterways Council-Boy Scouts of America 37th Annual
Youth Power Dinner at Finger Lakes Gaming on Route 96
in Farmington

Wednesday-May 2, 2012
1:15pm-2:00pm: Leader Kolb will host his regular Albany
TV show to update residents on issues of importance pertaining
to state government

5:30pm-8:00pm: Leader Kolb will be the guest speaker at the
65th Annual Schoharie Lincoln Day Dinner being held at the
Schoharie Inn & Suites, Garden Terrace Banquet & Conference
Center in Schoharie

Thursday-May 3, 2012
11:30am-12:30pm: Leader Kolb will be attending the 8th
Annual Victor Business Awards Luncheon at the Cobblestone
Creek Country Club in Victor

5:00pm-5:30pm: Leader Kolb will be attending the ribbon cutting
ceremony for Jean-Louis Pasta Shop on South Main Street
in Canandaigua

Friday-May 4, 2012
9:00am-9:30am: Leader Kolb will be attending the Grand Opening
and Ribbon Cutting of the FLCC Student Center on the
FLCC Canandaigua Campus

Your Invited!

Be our guest for a special Town Hall meeting and important conversation about creating a more effective NY. Visit EffectiveNY.org to learn more or call 518-455-3751.

What: Town Hall Meeting on “EffectiveNY”

When: Wednesday, April, 11, 2012
7:00pm

Where: Canandaigua Inn on the Lake
770 South Main Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424

Why: Taxpayers deserve a more
EffectiveNY- go to
EffectiveNY.org to learn more

Join NYS Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb and New Roosevelt Founder Bill Samuels for an honest conversation about how we can fix NY and build a more…
•EFFECTIVE economy that works for all New Yorkers
•EFFECTIVE State government that
serves the taxpayers, not the special interests
•EFFECTIVE State Constitution that moves NY forward
•EFFECTIVE civic process that gives voters a stronger voice

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) invites Geneva residents to attend his “Koffee with Kolb” constituent outreach meeting Wednesday, April 11, from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. at L & R Restaurant in Geneva.

During “Koffee with Kolb,” Leader Kolb will be available to meet with local residents who would like to have a cup of coffee and discuss issues pertaining to their state government. “Koffee with Kolb” is open to the public.

WHO: Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb
(R,I,C-Canandaigua)

WHAT: “Koffee with Kolb”

WHEN: Wednesday, April 11, 2012
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

WHERE: L & R Restaurant,
405 Exchange St., Geneva, NY

CONTACT: Joshua Fitzpatrick
(518) 455-3751
joshuakevfitz@yahoo.com

Last week saw Albany do something that would have been unthinkable just a few short years ago: enact another on-time State Budget. Not only was the 2012-13 State Budget on-time for the second consecutive year, it was early, the first time since 1983 that has happened. In the Assembly, we passed the several bills that comprise the State Budget on Friday, March 30 by 3 p.m., and the State Senate followed suit shortly thereafter. The budget was signed, sealed and delivered ahead of schedule.

DELIVERING ANOTHER ON-TIME, FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE STATE BUDGET WAS WORTH THE FIGHT!

When you consider that less than three years ago, New York was gripped by a perpetual sense of “crisis management” – with Governor David Paterson offering weekly, dire warnings that the state was, literally, out of money – and weigh those days against the recent success we have achieved, it’s clear New York is finally beginning to head in the right direction.

All told, the on-time budget we delivered demonstrated that Albany is capable of working correctly IF there is the will to set aside petty politics and actually get things done on behalf of the people. I was very proud to have helped enact many of the reforms that set the stage for this and last year’s successes. While it can get lonely being a voice in the wilderness, constantly calling for real reform and a better process, all that effort helped lead to this year’s early budget.

LEAD UP TO THE BUDGET IS PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE GREATER TRANSPARENCY AND MORE PUBLIC DISCUSSION

For all the good news about the State Budget, we shouldn’t fool ourselves into believing that the machinery of state government is now operating with 100 percent efficiency because it isn’t. Neither has Albany done enough to bid a fond farewell to the bad old days of secrecy, closed doors and lack of accountability to taxpayers. For as good as the State Budget was, the budget process itself is still a work in progress.

Yes, we finally had public meetings of the General Joint Budget Conference Committee as the Budget Reform Act of 2007 (which is State Law) requires – and I continually called for in 2009 and 2010 – but secrecy, closed-door meetings and an archaic three-men-in-a-room method of deal making are still the norm, not the exception, in Albany. This must change!

QUINNIPIAC OPINION POLL: 76 PERCENT OF NEW YORKERS SAY LACK OF TRANSPARENCY IN ALBANY IS A PROBLEM

Apparently, I’m not alone in recognizing the urgent need to end Albany’s reign of secrecy and ensure it conducts the people’s business in a manner that’s 100 percent open, accountable and transparent. A recent Quinnipiac Opinion Poll reported that 76 percent of New Yorkers agreed with me, indicating that the lack of transparency surrounding Albany’s recent major policy deals is a “very serious” or “somewhat serious” problem. So much for the Albany apologists who say process does not matter! According to 76 percent of New Yorkers, it does matter and, quite frankly, it should matter. You can read the Quinnipiac Poll results hereor view the poll by visiting the following shortened URL: http://tinyurl.com/8xupy9h.

You certainly don’t need an opinion poll to know that more of an effort must be made to ensure that all 212 legislators receive a fair hearing on their ideas, suggestions and amendments in the lead up to budget passage. Likewise, taxpayers, good-government groups and the media deserve real-time disclosure of what is happening behind Albany’s closed doors. Let’s have a real debate on the Assembly Floor about priorities and provide a full accounting of how the taxpayer’s money is being spent within the parameters of the State Budget. Everything I just called for is possible; it just comes down to a question of priorities and the will to make it happen.

MOVING AHEAD, ALBANY NEEDS A PRO-JOBS AGENDA, MUST FIND WAYS TO REDUCE COSTS FOR FAMILIES AND JOB CREATORS

Now that the State Budget has been put to bed, it’s time for Albany to focus on helping New Yorkers realize their dreams. We can do so by growing our economy, creating more private sector jobs, supporting businesses (without asking taxpayers to foot the bill) and reducing costs for families. I have introduced – and will be introducing – legislation to accomplish these goals and build a stronger economy that works for all New Yorkers.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll unveil legislation that will help grow New York’s “Second-Stage” businesses (private businesses that have as few as five, and as many as 99 employees; have maintained their principal place of business in New York for at least two years; and generate at least $750,000, but not more than $50 million, in annual revenue). In addition, I’ll introduce a comprehensive initiative that addresses the need for real regulatory relief to transform our State Agencies from roadblocks to job creation into partners that assist businesses large and small in navigating New York’s regulatory minefield. The end goal of my proposals is to help job creators become more successful, expand their operations and put folks back to work.

These are ambitious goals, but now is not the time for timidity. The successful on-time passage of our State Budget demonstrated that a few committed reformers and the will of taxpayers can move political mountains. It is time to deliver the New York that taxpayers have been waiting for, one with more jobs, greater opportunities and lower costs. This needs to be our mission, our focus and our agenda for the remainder of the 2012 Legislative Session.

NEXT WEEK: My “GrowNY” program to help second-stage businesses and create more jobs!

As always, constituents wishing to discuss this topic, or any other state-related matter should contact my district office at (315) 781-2030, or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us. You can also follow me on Twitter and find me on Facebook for the latest news and informational updates regarding state government and our Assembly Minority Conference.

I am pleased to report that, for the second consecutive year, New York’s budget is on-time – in fact, the spending plan was adopted early for the first time since 1983 – fiscally responsible and makes long-term investments in job creation, economic development and education, while bringing us another step closer to a more streamlined state government. All of these are goals that I have long supported and fought to make happen. After years of dysfunction and gridlock, it was good to achieve real progress at our State Capitol on behalf of hard-working taxpayers.

STATE BUDGET CONTAINS MANY PRIORITIES I FOUGHT FOR: SPENDING RESTRAINT, NO NEW TAXES OR FEES, STEP TOWARD MEDICAID REFORM, LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS IN EDUCATION

The following are some highlights from the 2012-13 State Budget, many of which are long-time priorities I have led the fight for, such as no new taxes or fees, spending restraint, long-term investments in education and important steps toward Medicaid mandate relief. Specifically, here is what the enacted State Budget does:

•Holds the line on spending – spending is expected to come in at 2percent, which mirrors my State Spending Cap proposal;
•Closes a projected $3.5 billion budget deficit, this is on top of last year’s budget that closed a $10 billion deficit;
•Second year in a row for an on-time State Budget;
•“NY Works” program to fix our crumbling roads and bridges, create jobs;
•Phased-in State takeover of the growth of local Medicaid costs;
•No new taxes or fee increases;
•$220 million for continuation of Regional Economic Development Councils to implement their plans and provide a second round of awards;
•$20.3 billion in School Aid, an $805 million increase, with most of that going to high needs school districts across the state;
•Extra $31 million for Community Colleges, $30 million for SUNY2020 Challenge Grants;
•$89 million to fix our State Parks; and
•State Agency mergers and consolidations, such as consolidating the State Division of Lottery with Racing and Wagering.

PROUD TO HELP FIX THE PROCESS – BUT MORE WORK REMAINS BECAUSE ALBANY LACKS TRANSPARENCY, IS STILL TOO SECRETIVE

I am very proud of my contributions – such as insisting on following the Budget Reform Act of 2007 and convening Joint Budget Conference Committees in public, while holding the line on spending and against tax hikes – that laid the groundwork for this year’s early budget success.

However, in terms of achieving 100 percent transparency and ending secrecy, Albany definitely remains a “work in progress.” There is still too much secrecy and not enough transparency at the State Capitol. I will keep working for more openness, transparency and accountability.

SMART SOLUTIONS I OFFERED TO MAKE A BETTER BUDGET

For its many good points, I believe the budget needed a sharper focus on easing the crushing squeeze on families, lifting the burden on taxpayers, growing the private sector and removing regulatory roadblocks to job creation. To make this happen, our Conference offered 15 “Smart Solutions” that would have made this budget better. Our smart solutions, offered as amendments to the budget bills, included:

•Repealing the 18-A Utility Assessment to cut electricity bills for families and job creators;
•Placing a moratorium on unfunded mandates to prevent local property tax hikes;
•Enacting a true State Spending Cap to ensure future budgets limit spending growth;
•Suspending the State’s Sales Tax on gasoline;
•Freezing the entire local share of Medicaid costs;
•Eliminating the Wage Theft Prevention Act’s annual notice requirement;
•Reducing the tax rate for manufacturers by 50 percent;
•Providing aid to school districts for costs incurred from annual teacher evaluations;
•Exempting child car seats from State Sales Tax;
•Enacting the Small Business Relief Act to reduce the tax rate, lower energy costs and provide other savings to job creators;
•Repealing the MTA Payroll Tax;
•Making the 2011 Middle Class Tax Cut permanent;
•Expanding the NY Works youth employment program to all communities statewide;
•Eliminating the Unemployment Insurance Assessment on employers; and
•Ensuring fair and bi-partisan representation on the NYS Gaming Commission.

While our smart solutions did not make the final cut for the State Budget, issues such as job creation, economic development, delivering unfunded mandate relief and cutting costs for families must be front and center on the Assembly’s agenda for the remainder of session. There is still much to do before we deliver the New York State that taxpayers deserve.

As always, constituents wishing to discuss this topic, or any other state-related matter should contact my district office at (315) 781-2030, or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and informational updates regarding state government and our Assembly Minority Conference.

“For the second consecutive year, New York’s budget will be on-time, fiscally responsible and make long-term investments in job creation, economic development and education, while taking another step closer to a more streamlined state government. I am proud of our Conference’s contributions – such as insisting on following the Budget Reform Act of 2007 and convening Joint Budget Conference Committees in public, while holding the line on spending and against tax hikes – that laid the groundwork for today’s success. However, in terms of achieving 100 percent transparency and ending secrecy, Albany remains a work in progress.

Our Conference offered 15 smart solutions on the Assembly floor this week that would have eased the crushing financial squeeze on families, removed roadblocks for job creators and made this a better budget. Our smart solutions, offered as amendments to the budget bills, included:

+ Repealing the 18-A Utility Assessment to cut electricity bills for families and job creators;

+ Placing a moratorium on unfunded mandates to prevent local property tax hikes;

+ Enacting a true State Spending Cap to ensure future budgets limit spending growth;

+ Suspending the State’s Sales Tax on gasoline;

+ Freezing the entire local share of Medicaid costs;

+ Eliminating the Wage Theft Prevention Act’s annual notice requirement;

+ Reducing the tax rate for manufacturers by 50 percent;

+ Providing aid to school districts for costs incurred from annual teacher evaluations;

+ Exempting child car seats from State Sales Tax;

+ Enacting the Small Business Relief Act to reduce the tax rate, lower energy costs and

provide other savings to job creators;

+ Repealing the MTA Payroll Tax;

+ Making the 2011 Middle Class Tax Cut permanent;

+ Expanding NY Works youth employment program to all communities across the state;

+ Eliminating the Unemployment Insurance Assessment on employers; and

+ Ensuring fair and bi-partisan representation on the NYS Gaming Commission.

While our smart solutions did not make the final cut for the State Budget, issues such as job creation, economic development, delivering unfunded mandate relief and cutting costs for families must be front and center on the Assembly’s agenda for the remainder of session. There is still much to do before we deliver what the New York taxpayers deserve.”

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) is pictured (second from right) speaking during a General Budget Conference Committee Meeting on Tuesday, March 13 in Albany. Leader Kolb urged his fellow Legislative Leaders to join him in making statewide economic development, mandate relief and private sector job creation a priority in the 2012-2013 State Budget. Additionally, Leader Kolb called for equitable distribution of school aid to protect low and average wealth school districts and expansion of the DNA databank.

Pictured from left to right are Deputy Senate Majority Leader Tom Libous; Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos; Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver; Assemblyman Herman D. Farrell, Jr.; Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari; Assemblywoman Earlene Hooper; Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb; and Assemblyman Robert C. Oaks, Ranking Minority Member on the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.

Albany, N.Y. – Defend the Second Amendment Constitutional freedoms of all law-abiding New Yorkers — and protect their right to always enjoy New York’s great outdoors!

That will be the message delivered by Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) and the Assembly Minority Sportsmen Caucus as they host the third annual “Sportsmen Day” celebration in the Legislative Office Building in Albany on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. until noon. The event will feature a keynote speech from Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President & CEO of the National Rifle Association (NRA) on the importance of ensuring the Second Amendment Constitutional Freedoms of all law-abiding New Yorkers.

Leader Kolb and LaPierre will be joined by event co-sponsor Tom King, President of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association (NYSRPA), industry leaders and what are expected to be thousands of outdoor enthusiasts from across the state for this FREE event, which is open to the public.

“One of the themes of Sportsmen’s Day 2012 is ‘your rights are in their sites,’ which is a reminder to never take our Second Amendment freedoms for granted. Preserving, protecting and defending the Second Amendment Constitutional freedoms of all law-abiding New Yorkers is more important than ever, given the continued onslaught of costly and unnecessary Albany rules and regulations, such as the micro-stamping mandate or the prosecution of lawful gun owners whose only ‘crime’ was possessing a legal firearm license from another state. The Second Amendment is not a suggestion — it is a Constitutionally guaranteed protection and America’s first freedom, just as important as our freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Sportsmen’s Day 2012 will showcase and celebrate this principle. If you love freedom, if you respect the Second Amendment, I expect you to be standing with Wayne LaPierre and me in Albany on March 20 for Sportsmen’s Day,” Leader Kolb concluded.

“The Second Amendment rights of New Yorkers are under a continued and sustained assault by liberal politicians who treat the Constitution like an afterthought. Our Founding Fathers made it perfectly clear: Americans have the right to keep and bear arms. Period. There is absolutely zero ambiguity in the words ’shall not be infringed.’ Albany’s ongoing attempts to make microstamping the law of the land and the need for a real reciprocity law that protects lawful gun owners visiting New York from other states are going to be front and center at this year’s Sportsmen Day event. The New York State Rifle and Pistol Association and our thousands of members are proud to once again partner with Leader Kolb and sponsor Sportsmen’s Day,” King said.

Sportsmen’s Day (a.k.a., “Sportsmen and Outdoor Recreation Legislative Awareness Day”) is the premiere event in Albany for New York’s outdoor sports enthusiasts. Held annually, the free event gives sportsmen and women the opportunity to talk to their legislators, network with fellow enthusiasts and hear inspirational speeches from nationally-renowned Second Amendment advocates and top heritage sports personalities.

The Sportsmen’s Day formal program will also include remarks from King, Stephen Aldstadt, President of the Shooters Committee on Political Education (S.C.O.P.E.) and Dr. Larry Rudolph, Chief Communications Officer for Safari Club International, Inc. Hunters, sportsmen and outdoor recreation enthusiasts from around the state will have an opportunity to interact with over 20 heritage sports organizations and companies and attend educational presentations by New York State 4H Shooting Sports and the New York State Conservation Fund Advisory Board.

“Sportsmen’s Day is the opportunity for us to speak in defense of the Second Amendment, the noble traditions of hunting and fishing and the importance of ensuring all New Yorkers can always enjoy the Empire State’s great outdoors. Drive, carpool, run, walk, hike — do whatever you need to get to Sportsmen’s Day in Albany on March 20 to help us send a powerful message that the Second Amendment is America’s first freedom that will not be infringed upon by Albany politicians,” Leader Kolb concluded.

Leader Kolb is a proud member of the NRA, NYSRPA and S.C.O.P.E. and has been continually recognized by pro-Second Amendment organizations for his advocacy of the right to keep and bear arms.

Event will focus on defending the Second Amendment rights of all New Yorkers, highlight the economic contributions of sportsmen to New York State’s economy

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) will host the third annual “Sportsmen and Outdoor Recreation Legislative Awareness Day” on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. until noon in the “Well” of the Legislative Office Building in Albany. Sportsmen’s Day will feature a keynote speech by Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President & CEO of the NRA. Sportsmen’s Day is a FREE event, which is open to the public.

Guests will have an opportunity to network with fellow sportsmen from across the state, meet with state legislators, discuss the importance of defending the Second Amendment Constitutional Freedoms of all New Yorkers and highlight the importance of outdoor activities to the State’s economy. There will also be an opportunity to attend breakout sessions on the topics of proposed license fee reductions and recognizing hunter educators.

WHO: Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb
(R,I,C-Canandaigua)

Wayne LaPierre
Executive Vice President & CEO, NRA

Tom King, President
NYS Rifle and Pistol Association

Stephen Aldstadt, President, S.C.O.P.E

Dr. Lawrence Rudolph,
Chief Communications Officer, Safari Club Int’l

Breakout Session Speakers:
Jason Kemper, Chairman,
Conservation Fund Advisory Board

William Schwerd, NYS Coordinator
4-H Shooting Sports

Vendors representing: NYSRPA, S.C.O.P.E., NYS 4-H Shooting Sports, Conservation Alliance of New York (CANY), Capital District Fly Fishers, Greene County Federation of Sportsmen, Harvest Sun Charters, Hudson River Trading Company, Just Right Carbines, New York Houndsmen Conservation Association, North Country ATV, NY Bowhunters, NY Crossbow Coalition, NYS Conservation Council, NYS Trappers Association, New York State Outdoor Writers Association, Inc., Quality Deer Management Association, Remington Arms, Safari Club International, Inc., Sporting Dog Trainers’ Alliance, Sportsmen’s Association for Firearms Education, Inc., Springville Field and Stream Club, The Federated Sportsmen’s Clubs of Ulster County, Taylor and Vadney Sporting Goods, Voorheesville Rod & Gun Club and West Albany Rod & Gun Club.

WHEN: TUESDAY, March 20, 2012
from 9:00 a.m. – noon
Formal speaking program begins at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: “The Well” – Legislative Office Building, Albany

CONTACT: Joshua Fitzpatrick, (518) 455-3751
(518) 542-2413
joshuakevfitz@yahoo.com

ALL MEDIA WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND
PHOTO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE WITH ALL GROUPS LISTED ABOVE

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) will appear on YNN’s “Capital Tonight” with host Liz Benjamin TONIGHT, Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 8:00 and 11:30 p.m. to discuss the possibility of an early State Budget, as well as the importance of a Constitutional amendment to reform the redistricting process.

WHO: Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb
(R,I,C-Canandaigua)

WHAT: Leader Kolb to discuss redistricting and
the possibility of an early State Budget

WHEN: TONIGHT, Tuesday, March 13, 2012
at 8:00 and 11:30 p.m.

WHERE: “Capital Tonight” with host Liz Benjamin
YNN on Time Warner Cable –
or view online at http://capitaltonight.com

CONTACT: Joshua Fitzpatrick, (518) 455-3751
joshuakevfitz@yahoo.com

“The Assembly Majority passed its 2012-13 Budget Resolution during yesterday’s legislative session. While these one-house resolutions are seen as symbolic, they send an important message about priorities. Our Conference opposed the Majority’s Budget Resolution largely because of the priorities it excluded, such as private sector job creation, statewide economic development and mandate relief. More jobs for New Yorkers is ‘job one’ for our state – yet the Budget Resolution missed the mark on this priority. The following are just a few of the critical components not included in the Majority’s Budget Resolution:

Relief from job-killing regulations such as the annual notice requirement of the Wage Theft Prevention Act of 2010;
Lower energy costs for families and businesses through repeal of the state’s 18-A utility assessment;
Mandate relief for local governments and taxpayers;
Freezing the local share of Medicaid costs – not just their growth, but the entire share local governments are forced to pay;
Ban on all unfunded mandates;
Workers’ comp cost control for employers;
Corporate Franchise Tax and Personal Income Tax reductions for manufacturers;
Consolidations and mergers of several State Agencies with overlapping functions that would have saved taxpayers millions; and
Expansion of the state’s DNA Database to keep New Yorkers safe.

Based on these missing pieces, the Majority’s Budget Resolution gets an ‘I’ for incomplete. If our economy is going to make the grade, pro-growth, job creation proposals cannot be an afterthought; they have to be front-and-center on the Assembly agenda everyday until New York’s economy has moved from a fragile recovery to sustained growth.”

Last February, I wrote a legislative column calling for regulatory relief, outlining how Albany’s endless flood of rules, regulations and red tape – the three “Rs” of State government – were hurting job creators and holding back New York’s economic recovery.

WHAT IS NEW YORK’S REGULATORY COST?

My column mentioned how the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reported the total impact of Federal regulations on America’s economy in 2008 as being $1.75 trillion – and that no similar figure was available regarding regulatory costs here in New York State. In the year since my column was published, that figure is still unknown. The lack of a New York regulatory price tag is not because state authorities are withholding information. Instead, it is due to the fact that nobody (and I mean NOBODY) in state government has any idea as to the total cost of rules, regulations and red tape to New York’s business community.

The lack of such basic information gives you some idea as to the Mount Everest-style challenge of transforming Albany’s “regulate now, ask questions later” culture. If nobody in Albany has any idea how much rules, regulations and red tape cost New York’s private sector businesses and taxpayers, maybe state government should spend less time imposing all those regulations and more time trying to determine their price tag.

COST OF STATE REGULATIONS IN CALIFORNIA: $492 BILLION

Calculating New York State’s regulatory costs is not some wild goose chase or pointless academic exercise; it has a direct bearing on understanding the very real regulatory roadblocks holding New York’s economy back and making us less competitive. Our state government can find these answers if there is a willingness to do so. In fact, the State of California already determined this information – and it did so three years ago!

In 2009, two California college professors conducted a study to measure the cost of state regulations on small businesses in the Golden State. Their study, the most comprehensive and complete analysis of the total regulatory burden in California, measured the direct, indirect and induced costs of state regulations to California’s small business community. They found the total cost of regulation to the State of California was $492.994 billion, equivalent to the loss of 3.8 million jobs for that state on an annual basis. Read the study for yourself here: http://tinyurl.com/7xgu54k.

CALIFORNIA’S COSTS GIVE AN IDEA AS TO NEW YORK’S LIKELY MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR REGULATORY PRICE TAG

While the size of California’s economy does not allow for a direct apples-to-apples comparison of regulatory costs with our state, it is not a stretch to estimate the fiscal impact of New York’s rules and red tape in the tens of billions, if not hundreds of billions of dollars. This means billions taken out of our economy as job creators struggle with the crushing costs of New York’s regulatory environment. Imagine the economic boom if instead of going toward regulations, those billions were reinvested and put toward job creation and economic development. New York would have a jobs boom the likes of which we have never seen!

SMART SOLUTIONS FOR REGULATORY RELIEF AND MORE JOBS

The following are some smart solutions that will deliver real regulatory relief to New York’s small businesses and result in more jobs for New Yorkers:

Determine New York State’s True Regulatory Costs: Commission a study, preferably by the private sector and similar to California’s 2009 analysis, to determine the true cost of rules, regulations and red tape to New York’s job creators. Is New York’s regulatory cost $10 billion? $50 billion? $100 billion? Knowing that number is a step closer to regulatory relief;

Prohibit New Rules, Suspend Existing Regulations: Every year, State Agencies and the state Legislature grind out hundreds of costly new regulations without any idea of their cost to businesses. Preventing Albany from issuing new rules, while suspending current regulations unrelated to health and safety, would give the private sector an opportunity to catch its breath from state government’s regulatory onslaught;

Re-establish a Regulatory Review Commission: A big reason why New York’s regulatory problem has gotten much worse is that state government lacks a formal mechanism to review new rules. New York used to have the Governor’s Office of Regulatory Reform (GORR), but it was eliminated in 2011. We need to reinstitute a formal division of regulatory relief with the power to cut red tape. This division should provide a toll-free hotline and website for job creators to share concerns about any harassment from State Agencies; and

Hold a “Regulatory Corrections Day”: Once a week, the state Legislature should take up bills specifically focused on removing, revising and correcting costly and bureaucratic rules, regulations and red tape, call it “Corrections Day.”

These smart solutions are non-partisan in nature and, if given an up or down vote, such a common sense agenda would likely pass by wide majorities in both the Assembly and Senate. The time for real regulatory relief, more jobs and a stronger economy is now!

As always, constituents wishing to discuss this topic, or any other state-related matter should contact my district office at (315) 781-2030, or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and informational updates regarding state government and our Assembly Minority Conference.

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) will be a guest on WAMC’s “Capitol Connection” hosted by Dr. Alan Chartock TONIGHT, Friday, March 9, 2012 at 10:30 p.m., to discuss the 2012-13 State Budget, redistricting and the 2012 Legislative Session.

The interview will be streamed and podcast at http://www.wamc.org/capcon.html. It can also be heard on WAMC/Northeast Public Radio, WAMC, 90.3 FM Albany; WAMC, 1400 AM Albany; WAMK, 90.9 FM Kingston; WOSR, 91.7 FM Middletown; WCEL, 91.9 FM Plattsburgh; WCAN, 93.3 FM Canajoharie; WANC, 103.9 FM Ticonderoga; WRUN-FM, 90.3 FM Remsen-Utica; WAMQ, 105.1 FM Great Barrington MA; WWES, 88.9 FM Mt. Kisco; and WANZ, 90.1 FM Stamford.

WHO: Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua)

WHAT: Leader Kolb will be a guest on “Capitol Connection” with
Dr. Alan Chartock to discuss the 2012-13 State Budget,
redistricting and the 2012 Legislative Session

WHEN: TONIGHT, Friday, March 9, 2012 at 10:30 p.m.
Repeat broadcast on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: “Capitol Connection” hosted by Dr. Alan Chartock
Streamed & Podcast: http://www.wamc.org/capcon.html
Radio coverage map: http://www.wamc.org/coveragemap.html

CONTACT: Joshua Fitzpatrick, (518) 455-3751 joshuakevfitz@yahoo.com

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) is pictured (center, speaking from podium) outlining his 2012 legislative agenda to members of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY) and the Manufacturers Alliance of New York State, Inc., during the “5th Annual Manufacturing Days” in Albany. As the only Legislative Leader in State government that has actually started and run successful manufacturing companies, Leader Kolb was invited to outline his pro-growth legislative agenda that would reinvest in, rebuild and restore New York’s manufacturing sector.

Leader Kolb called for closing America’s multi-billion dollar trade deficit by increasing manufacturing exports; providing a manufacturing tax credit for employee recruitment and retention; eliminating the Corporate Franchise and Personal Income Taxes for manufacturers; creating a High-Tech Manufacturing Job Training program; providing tuition reimbursement for displaced workers and establishing a Manufacturing Wage Tax Credit, along with new tax credit programs, for job creators.

New York State Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) is pictured (center) addressing the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY) and the Manufacturers Alliance of New York State’s “5th Annual Manufacturing Days” recently held in Albany. MACNY and the Manufacturers Alliance invited Leader Kolb to speak to their membership and share his legislative agenda aimed at strengthening New York’s manufacturing sector and creating more private sector jobs.

Last Tuesday afternoon, our Conference released its “revenue forecast” for New York State. A revenue forecast is a lot like a weather forecast: it provides a snapshot of conditions today, analyzes developing patterns and makes a projection as to what could happen in the near future. Just like a weather forecast, financial forecasts are not guarantees; they are educated predictions as to what might occur if current trends continue.

REVENUE FORECAST HELPS ASSESS HEALTH OF NEW YORK’S ECONOMY

However, instead of measuring temperature and precipitation as a weather forecast does, a revenue forecast examines dollars and cents, tax collections and the overall condition of an economy, in this case, New York’s financial system. The data is collected, the numbers are crunched and the outcome provides a roadmap that helps Leaders like Governor Cuomo and me make informed decisions about taxes, spending and the economy.

Our Conference’s revenue forecast analyzed the condition of New York’s economy and closely examined present – and projected – collections of tax revenue by State government from taxpayers, job creators and other sources. The projection of All Fund tax revenue (“All Fund” revenue is exactly what it sounds like: ALL the revenue that state government brings in from taxes and the lottery) for New York is $134 million less than the Governor forecasted for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 fiscal years. We projected Total All Fund revenue at $64.5 billion for 2011-12 and $66.7 billion for 2012-13.

FORECAST: DROP-OFF IN BUSINESS TAX REVENUE

The forecast included higher projected revenues in Personal Income Taxes, as well as Sales and User Taxes, and lower projected revenue in the areas of Business Taxes, other taxes and the MTA Payroll Tax (this is a tax collected to fund the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which oversees/operates transit downstate). On an All Fund basis, our projection anticipates $56.5 million less this year and $89.8 million less next year in State Business Tax revenue.

HOW WE GOT HERE – THE GREAT RECESSION

It is important to remember that a revenue forecast never occurs in a vacuum: it happens in the real world and must account for what is happening today. The revenue forecast was made on the heels of the worst economic downturn in our country since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

At the recession’s peak, there were close to 800,000 New Yorkers unemployed. When you account for the fact that many folks became so discouraged they simply stopped looking for work, New York’s true unemployment figure was likely closer to (or exceeded) one million. Think about that: roughly one in 19 New Yorkers was out of a job at some point over the past three years. That is a sobering statistic.

BETWEEN THE NUMBERS: WHAT THE BUSINESS TAX REVENUE DECLINE MEANS

Based on the available fiscal indicators, New York’s economic recovery appears fragile and incomplete. Private sector job creators have not bounced back as strongly as the Governor anticipates. I believe the decline in Business Tax Revenue illustrates the urgent need for Albany to enact pro-growth job creation policies that will strengthen New York’s economic recovery, especially for upstate.

MY PRO-GROWTH JOBS AGENDA

Albany needs to get off the dime and move forward with an aggressive, pro-growth private sector jobs agenda that strengthens our economic recovery. My pro-jobs agenda includes:

· Lowering the Corporate Franchise Tax for all businesses;

· Repealing the Corporate Franchise Tax and Personal Income Tax for manufacturers;

· Eliminating the State’s Temporary Basic Utility Assessment (18-A) imposed on utility companies that drives up costs for ratepayers;

· Reinvesting in New York’s manufacturing sector, especially in the areas of high-tech, nanotech and biotech;

· Rescinding the job-killing “Wage Theft Prevention Act’s” annual notice requirement that buries job creators in needless paperwork;

· Delivering unfunded mandate relief that includes freezing County Medicaid costs at the current level and banning all new unfunded mandates; and

· Promoting “Economic Gardening” to help expand “second stage businesses” that employ 5 to 99 persons.

Growing the private sector, promoting sensible statewide economic development and cutting job-killing rules, regulations and red tape that act as barriers to job creation are all necessary to ensure a full, balanced and sustained economic recovery that benefits all New Yorkers. With any luck, future forecasts will point to continued recovery, a healthier economy and more jobs.

As always, constituents wishing to discuss this topic, or any other state-related matter should contact my district office at (315) 781-2030, or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and informational updates regarding state government and our Assembly Minority Conference.

“This afternoon, our Conference released its revenue forecast, sharing our fiscal projections and assumptions. Our projection of All Fund tax revenue for New York State is $134 million less than the Governor forecasted for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 fiscal years. Our forecast includes higher projected revenues in Personal Income Taxes, as well as Sales and User Taxes, and lower projected revenue in the areas of Business Taxes, other taxes and the MTA Payroll Tax. On an All Fund basis, our projection anticipates $56.5 million less this year and $89.8 million less next year in State Business Tax revenue.

According to our analysis, New York’s economic recovery is incomplete and private sector job creators have not bounced back as strongly as the Governor anticipates. We believe that the decline in Business Tax revenue is proof positive that Albany must enact policies that will strengthen New York’s economic recovery, especially upstate. Albany needs to move on a pro-growth private sector jobs agenda that should include the following:

· Lowering the Corporate Franchise Tax for all businesses;

· Repealing the Corporate Franchise Tax and Personal Income Tax for manufacturers;

· Elimination of the State’s Temporary Basic Utility Assessment (18-A) imposed on utility companies;

· Rescinding the job-killing “Wage Theft Prevention Act’s” annual notice requirement;

· Delivering unfunded mandate relief that includes freezing county Medicaid costs at the current level and banning all new unfunded mandates; and

· Promoting “Economic Gardening” to help expand “second stage businesses” that employ 10 to 99 people.

Growing the private sector, promoting sensible statewide economic development and cutting job-killing rules, regulations and red tape that hurt job creators are necessary to ensure a full and balanced economic recovery that benefits all New Yorkers.”

Faced with skyrocketing gas prices, property taxes, utility bills, food costs and college tuition expenses – on top of government’s endless taxes, fees, surcharges and assessments – families are feeling the financial squeeze like never before. Every week seems to bring news that some daily staple, be it a gallon of gas, a bag of groceries or the monthly electric bill, is getting more expensive, while the paychecks of working New Yorkers are shrinking or staying flat.

During the 1970’s, economists had a technical term for all this: “stagflation.” Today, it’s casually referred to as the “middle class squeeze.” Of course, what New York’s cost crunch is called is not nearly as important as how we can fix it. I believe we need sensible solutions that will put more money back in taxpayers’ pockets and give families a little extra breathing room.

This week, I bring welcome news regarding the return of a sensible solution that will make your clothing and footwear budget go further: New York’s State Sales Tax Exemption on certain items of clothing and footwear will be reinstated April 1. This is a great deal for families!

WELCOME BACK SAVINGS: STATE SALES TAX EXEMPTION RETURNS!

Beginning April 1, clothing and footwear costing under $110 per item will be exempt from the State Sales Tax of four percent. In addition, the return of the State Sales Tax Exemption means that local governments also can exempt their portion of taxes on clothing and footwear priced under $110. Typically, Local Sales Tax rates range anywhere from three to 4.75 percent.

SALES TAX EXEMPTION MEANS MORE MONEY IN YOUR POCKET

To better understand the money you will save when the State Sales Tax Exemption returns April 1, consider the savings on a pair of shoes costing $100. Prior to the April 1 reinstatement of the State Sales Tax Exemption, that pair of shoes cost $108 because of the four percent State Sales Tax and an average four percent Local Sales Tax added on to the final price. If you bought two pairs of shoes, you ended up paying an extra $16, all of it in State and Local Sales Taxes. None of the extra cost resulted in those shoes fitting any better or lasting any longer.

ALBANY ELIMINATED, THEN WATERED DOWN, SALES TAX EXEMPTION

It has not always been smooth sailing for the State’s Sales Tax Exemption. For a time, the exemption – which had been in effect since April 1, 2006 and was a huge success – became the latest in a long line of casualties caused by Albany’s culture of fiscal irresponsibility.

First, from October 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011, the State Sales Tax Exemption was eliminated. Then, from April 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012, the Sales Tax Exemption was reinstated, but only for clothing and footwear costing less than $55. These actions were nothing more than cheap Albany budgeting gimmicks. As usual, Albany was attempting to balance the State Budget and close its annual deficits on the backs of hard-working taxpayers.

I opposed these proposals because they were bad public policy and even worse economics since neighboring states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania do not impose sales taxes on clothing and footwear, thus giving New York consumers more incentive to shop for these goods out-of-state. By reducing the State Sales Tax Exemption so it only covered items costing less than $55, Albany put New York’s clothing and footwear retailers at a competitive disadvantage.

EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS

At first glance, the savings of four percent in State Taxes on clothing and footwear may not seem like a lot. However, as working families know, every little bit helps. Over the course of a year, the savings definitely add up, meaning more money for gas, groceries or something nice for the kids. Every extra dollar in taxpayers’ pockets is one dollar less liberal Albany politicians and bureaucrats can waste. I support the State Sales Tax Exemption because it’s a sensible solution that eases the “squeeze” on working families. It also forces Albany to become more fiscally responsible in its spending habits and stop trying to grab every dollar possible from taxpayers.

Starting April 1, millions of New Yorkers will be seeing relief from high taxes on clothing and footwear costing under $110. This is one sensible solution that can be appreciated by all smart shoppers!

As always, constituents wishing to discuss this topic or any other state-related matter should contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and informational updates regarding state government and our Assembly Minority Conference.