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We pride ourselves on being thought leaders and a go-to source for information on issues affecting the region.  Some items you’ll find here include:

  • Perspectives on important issues
  • Guest blogs from industry experts
  • Notifications about key political happenings
  • Updates/recaps on our events
  • Member achievements and spotlights
  • Significant news and press announcements

Check back often or subscribe to the BNP Brief for updates.

Looking for Advocacy Alerts and the Advocacy Insider? Login to the Member Portal or Click Here

9.9.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: Biden To Mandate “Vax or Test” Requirement for Large Employers

By growthzone | Sep 9, 2021 | Comments Off on 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.

9.7.21 Advocacy Alert: Hochul Triggers HERO Act – Employer Checklist

By growthzone | Sep 7, 2021 | Comments Off on 9.7.21 Advocacy Alert: Hochul Triggers HERO Act – Employer Checklist

Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul designated COVID-19 as a “highly contagious communicable disease,” citing rising case numbers and concerns about the delta variant. This declaration is significant because it triggers the NY HERO Act.

BNP Advocacy Insider – September 2021

By growthzone | Sep 7, 2021 | Comments Off on BNP Advocacy Insider – September 2021

The September 2021 Advocacy Insider is a roundup of important issues we are monitoring that could you and your business.

9.2.21 Advocacy Alert: NYS Extends Eviction Moratorium

By growthzone | Sep 2, 2021 | Comments Off on 9.2.21 Advocacy Alert: NYS Extends Eviction Moratorium

Last night, the New York State Legislature convened for a special session to extend the state’s eviction moratorium.

The moratorium, which prevents the eviction of tenants declaring financial hardship, will remain in place though January 15.

The move represents Gov. Kathy Hochul’s first legislative action. The bill passed 38-19 in the Senate and 80-60 in the Assembly.

8.27.21 Advocacy Alert: SCOTUS Tosses Federal Eviction Moratorium

By growthzone | Aug 27, 2021 | Comments Off on 8.27.21 Advocacy Alert: SCOTUS Tosses Federal Eviction Moratorium

Last night, the Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration’s latest eviction moratorium. In a 6-3 decision, the Court ruled that Biden and the CDC do not have legal authority to issue the moratorium without a specific act of Congress.

8.26.21 Advocacy Alert: Hotel & Commercial Conversion Bill Signed Into Law

By growthzone | Aug 26, 2021 | Comments Off on 8.26.21 Advocacy Alert: Hotel & Commercial Conversion Bill Signed Into Law

In the final days of his tenure, Governor Cuomo signed the Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act (HONDA) into law. The law aims to convert “distressed” hotels and commercial properties into affordable housing options.

8.24.21 Advocacy Alert: Hochul Takes Oath; BNP Suggests Priorities for First 100 Days

By growthzone | Aug 24, 2021 | Comments Off on 8.24.21 Advocacy Alert: Hochul Takes Oath; BNP Suggests Priorities for First 100 Days

Today, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul was sworn in as Governor of the State of New York. The Buffalonian takes the reins after Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned, amid a storm of bipartisan criticism. Hochul will be the state’s 57th Governor and the first woman to hold the office.

Staff Spotlight: Meet Ann Brooker

By growthzone | Aug 12, 2021 | Comments Off on Staff Spotlight: Meet Ann Brooker

Ann Brooker is our Manager of Member Engagement. Ann works to communicate the value of the Partnership to our member companies and build strong relationships within the Buffalo Niagara community. Learn a little bit more about Ann in this brief Q&A. Q: What is your background in/what type of work

8.10.21 Advocacy Alert: Cuomo Resigns, Hochul to Assume Office

By growthzone | Aug 10, 2021 | Comments Off on 8.10.21 Advocacy Alert: Cuomo Resigns, Hochul to Assume Office

This afternoon, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his impending resignation, effective in 14 days.

Cuomo’s resignation comes after the Attorney General’s report that detailed sexual assault and harassment allegations from eleven women. After the report, Cuomo received nearly unanimous calls to resign from lawmakers and Democratic party officials. The Assembly Judiciary Committee was also in the process of conducting an impeachment investigation.

8.10.21 Advocacy Alert: Senate Passes Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill

By growthzone | Aug 10, 2021 | Comments Off on 8.10.21 Advocacy Alert: Senate Passes Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill

This morning, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan infrastructure bill that will spend $1.2 trillion in total, including $550 billion in new spending.

The bill passed 69-30, with all Democrats and 19 Republicans voting in favor.