BNP Advocacy Insider – December 2022
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December 14, 2022
Uneventful Election Season Wraps Up
Locally, Election Day did not bring any surprises. The only incumbent to lose was state Sen. Ed Rath, who was redistricted into a battle against fellow incumbent Sen. Sean Ryan. Victories by new Congressional representatives Nick Langworthy and Claudia Tenney were expected, and despite the hype, all statewide officials were reelected.
Republicans Gain the House
Because of Republican house gains around the country, Congress will look very different in January. Rep. Kevin McCarthy is the favorite to become the next House Speaker, but a thin margin for error and some conservative resistance means it’s not a guarantee. Brooklyn Rep. Hakeem Jeffries will take over as leader of the House Democrats. Sen. Mitch McConnell and Sen. Chuck Schumer will retain their leadership posts. Congress has a busy agenda planned for December.
Hochul Begins Acting on Legislation
In Albany, now that elections are over, Gov. Kathy Hochul has finally begun reviewing bills passed earlier this year. Hochul imposed a two-year moratorium on cryptocurrency mining, an effort the BNP opposed. Hochul vetoed a duplicative workforce reporting bill that the BNP opposed.
New State Tax Credit for COVID Expenses
The state is offering tax credits to smaller employers to help offset the cost of COVID-related investments. Learn about the program and how to apply on our blog.
DiNapoli: State Wasted Billions of UI Funds
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released a devastating report detailing just how much the state wasted on Unemployment Insurance through improper and fraudulent payments. The BNP set up a one-click tool to help employers communicate with lawmakers in response. Contact your lawmakers here.
State Expands Rights for Nursing Mothers
Effective in June, a new state law will require employers to establish lactation spaces when requested by an employee. Employers should be aware of new obligations this law creates. Learn more on here.
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6.29.22 Advocacy Alert: Primary Wrap Up
Last night, New York voters selected party nominees for Governor, Lt. Governor, and Erie County Clerk.
Primaries for U.S. House and State Senate seats will be held on August 23. No Assembly candidates in Erie or Niagara counties faced primaries.
6.27.22 Advocacy Alert: Coming Soon: Your Next Cost Increase
In the next few months, prepare to receive a much higher bill for unemployment insurance (UI). The BNP spent over a year warning state leaders that this was coming. The state failed to act, and now, the chickens are coming home to roost.
6.21.22 Advocacy Alert: Primary Election #1 Next Week
One set of primary elections will take place on Tuesday, June 28. Early voting is open now. Look up your polling place and sample ballot here: (Erie County) (Niagara County). Note that primary elections are only open to voters registered in that party.
6.3.22 Advocacy Alert: How Albany is Ending the 2022 session
The New York State Legislature is concluding its 2022 legislative session. The final week included a flurry of legislative activity on numerous issues of importance. Legislation that passed both houses will go to Governor Hochul’s desk for consideration. Legislation that did not pass both houses is stalled for the