Skip to content

Blog

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

9/24/21 Webisode: Navigating the New Federal Vaccine Mandate for Employers

By growthzone | Sep 27, 2021 | Comments Off on 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

By growthzone | Sep 20, 2021 | Comments Off on 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.

Staff Spotlight: Meet Karen Brown

By growthzone | Sep 15, 2021 | Comments Off on Staff Spotlight: Meet Karen Brown

Karen Brown is our Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and our latest staff spotlight!

Her role at the Partnership is to be a champion for developing and implementing programs/initiatives that promote a thriving, diverse, informed, and equitable region.

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.