BNP Advocacy Insider – December 2021
Blog Categories
December 6, 2021
BNP Urges Brownfield Program Renewal
The state’s Brownfield Cleanup Program, which has been essential in cleaning & redeveloping our community, is set to expire in 2022. The BNP wrote to Governor Hochul urging her to include renewal in her upcoming Executive Budget. Partner organization Upstate United also wrote a similar letter including business groups from across the state. Read our letter here.
Biden Signs Infrastructure Bill; BNP Suggests Next Steps
President Biden recently signed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The BNP supported this legislation and thanks Sen. Schumer, Sen. Gillibrand, Rep. Reed, and Rep. Higgins for their support. Learn more about the bill and our efforts here.
However, the bill’s enactment is not the end of the story. Now, the BNP is focused on ensuring this investment is efficiently distributed to meet the needs in our community.
Shortly after the President signed this legislation, the BNP wrote to Governor Hochul suggesting changes she can make to maximize this historic investment. The cost of infrastructure and public construction in New York is extremely high, largely due to state mandates. By relaxing these mandates, New York can stretch this investment as far as possible. Learn more and read the BNP’s letter here.
Erie County Imposes Mask Mandate
County Executive Mark Poloncarz ordered the wearing of face coverings in all public places in Erie County. The move is in response to rising COVID cases in the county, and Poloncarz indicated more restrictions may come if case numbers do not decline. Learn more here.
At this time, no other counties in the region have announced mask mandates, but the BNP will keep you informed should this change.
BNP, Business Groups Continue to Urge Action on Unemployment Insurance
Since Gov. Hochul’s first day in office, the BNP has urged her to stabilize the state’s unemployment insurance system and prevent steep UI rate increases on employers. However, to date, the Governor has not acted on this issue.
The BNP recently partnered with 27 other business groups around the state to urge the Governor to act on this issue. The letter is available here.
To join the fight, use our one-click advocacy tool here.
What Employers Need to Know About Vax-or-Test Mandate
The BNP recently hosted an HR expert to explain the details of OSHA’s “Vax or Test” emergency temporary standard. The event can be viewed here.
The BNP also has a written guide to FAQs on this rule, available here.
OSHA has paused enforcement of this rule due to ongoing litigation. However, employers would be wise to continue to prepare for this rule to take effect should the courts reinstate it.
NYS to Create Small Business Liaisons
Gov. Hochul recently signed legislation designating a “small business liaison” in five state agencies: Agriculture & Markets, Environmental Conversation, Labor, Taxation & Finance, and Transportation. The liaisons are intended to be a direct point of contact for small businesses to help them navigate state bureaucracy. The BNP supported this legislation and will share contact information for the liaisons once available.
Related Posts
9.28.21 Advocacy Alert: NYS To Raise Minimum Wage
The New York State Department of Labor announced a forthcoming increase in the minimum wage across upstate New York.
On December 31, the minimum wage in our region will rise to $13.20 per hour, a 70-cent increase from the current rate.
9/24/21 Webisode: Navigating the New Federal Vaccine Mandate for Employers
President Joe Biden recently announced a new mandate requiring all employers with 100 or more employees to ensure their workforce is fully vaccinated or require weekly testing of unvaccinated workers.
9.20.21 Advocacy Alert: Border Closure Extended Through October
This morning, the U.S. federal government announced that it will be extending its closure to Canadian travelers through October 21.
Non-essential Canadian travelers have been banned from entering the U.S. since March 2020. Despite calls from the BNP, numerous members of Congress, and chambers across the nation to open the border, the Biden administration has not relented in its approach – even after Canada opened its doors to American travelers in August.
9.9.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: Biden To Mandate “Vax or Test” Requirement for Large Employers
Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced she would repeal the state’s mask mandate, effective today. However, her announcement did not proactively address how the repeal coincided with the NY HERO Act, which would have required employees in most workplaces to continue masking.