2012 Legislative Agenda

Stephen J. Jones, Esq. Chairman of the Board Dr. Marsha Gordon President/CEO Cynthia Rubino Vice Chair, Governmental Action John Ravitz Executive Vice President/COO

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White house Barack Obama, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Vice President united states senate Charles E. Schumer Kristen Gillibrand united states house of representatives 17th C.D. Eliot L. Engel 18th C.D. Nita M. Lowey 19th C.D. Nan Hayworth, M.D. new York state statewide Public officials Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor Robert Duffy, Lt Governor Thomas DiNapoli, Comptroller Eric T. Schneiderman, Attorney General state senate 34th S.D. Jeff Klein 35th S.D. Andrea Stewart Cousins 36th S.D. Ruth Hassell-Thompson 37th S.D. Suzi Oppenheimer 40th S.D. Greg Ball state assembly 87th A.D. J. Gary Pretlow 88th A.D. Amy Paulin 89th A.D. Robert Castelli 90th A.D. Sandra R. Galef 91st A.D. George Latimer 92nd A.D. Thomas J. Abinanti 93rd A.D. (Open seat as of printing) 99th A.D. Steven Katz Westchester County Public officials Rob Astorino, County Executive Timothy Idoni, County Clerk Janet DiFiore, District Attorney

Board of legislators 1st District John G. Testa 2nd District Peter Harckham 3rd District Michael J. Smith 4th District Michael B. Kaplowitz 5th District William J. Ryan 6th District David B. Gelfarb 7th District Judith A. Myers 8th District Alfreda A. Williams 9th District Catherine Borgia 10th District Sheila Marcotte 11th District James Malsano 12th District Mary Jane Shimsky 13th District Lyndon Williams 14th District Bernice Spreckman 15th District Gordon A Burrows 16th District Kenneth W. Jenkins 17th District Virginia Perez Mayors Ernie Davis, Mt. Vernon Noam Bramson, New Rochelle Mary Foster, Peekskill Doug French, Rye Thomas Roche, White Plains Mike Spano, Yonkers

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overview The Business Council of Westchester is the countys business membership and advocacy organization. The purpose of The Business Council of Westchester is to help businesses market, learn, advocate and grow. Members set

organization profile

Mission The Business Council of Westchester works to enhance profitability, wealth and economic opportunity for all in Westchester County.

goals and customize their participation to create a powerful business-building strategy. We represent over 1,000 members, ranging in size from multinational corporations and mid-size businesses to professional firms, not-for-profit organizations and small business owners in every sector of the countys diverse economy. Our members represent over 200,000 employees in Westchester County and beyond. Moreover,

our member businesses drive the countys economy and provide the jobs and resources that enhance our standard of living. The Business Council of Westchester has grown to be the largest and most influential business organization in the county because of the open, inclusive and collaborative culture fostered through the involvement of its members and the leadership of a diverse and dedicated Board of Directors. Many of our members, including our Board of Directors, conduct business on a regional, state-wide, national and international level. The alliances we have forged across borders have served to create opportunities for business growth in Westchester. We take great pride that our members fuel Westchesters economy by looking to each other, regardless of location, as sources for employees, products and services, and new businesses. The Business Council of Westchester is a private, not-for-profit corporation funded by annual investments made by its members.

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government action council

The mission of the Governmental Action Council is to provide leadership in public policy and involve constituents in our vision for Westchester.
To accomplish this mission, the governmental action Council will: Educate and inform the business community about relevant federal, state, county and local public policy issues. Review federal, state and county legislation and regulations to assess potential impacts on the business community. Influence public policy outcomes through advocacy when the business communitys interests may be affected. Act as a information resource and clearinghouse for the business community and governmental leaders at all levels. Leverage public policy issues and legislation to promote business growth and create a more competitive business environment. Look beyond the borders of Westchester to solve regional issues impacting the business community. Why a Business Council of Westchester legislative agenda? Because bills passed or not passed in local, state and national legislatures can have a powerful impact on the business communitys ability to serve its stakeholders. Therefore, appropriate responses to the challenges of todays socio-economic environment will be beneficial to Westchesters cities, towns, villages and residents. Business leaders whether they represent large, medium or small-sized companies owe it to themselves, their employees, their shareholders (if they work for a publicly traded company),

their families, their neighbors and society at large to offer their opinion and expertise to all discussions public policy issues and how we are governed. In order to address this criti-

cal responsibility, The Business Council of Westchesters Governmental Action Council shapes a legislative agenda each year to which all members are encouraged to offer their thoughts and energy. It also works diligently with local, state and federal officials to convert legislative goals to reality. Included in this overall effort are an annual visit to Albany at the start of each years legislative session, meetings with lawmakers on the national, state and county level throughout the year, and communicating our positions to the media and other interested parties to ensure that the voice of the business community is heard. This has enabled us to positively influence legislative and regulatory action. For example, The Business Council of Westchesters advocacy efforts in 2011 have been visible at al levels of government in the past year as highlighted below:
federal: Supported the continuation of the

tax cuts enacted under the Bush administration to create a more stable and predictable environment for businesses to grow. At the same time the Business Council pointed out the shortcomings in the newly enacted health care reform package, namely the legislations failure to control costs and placing an undue burden on the business community at a time when job creation is paramount.

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sTaTe: Promoted the Five to Survive cam-

Long-term reforms in government spending and fiscal policy, including mandate relief. The relicensing of the Indian Point Energy Center. Above all, now is the time to act and use public policy to create the conditions that will lead to new jobs and an accelerated and lasting economic recovery. We look forward to meaningful discussions with our representatives in Westchester, Albany and Washington on each issue and ensuring that the collective voice of the countys business community is heard at all levels of government. At the same time, we welcome the participation of all Business Council members in shaping and voicing our views, as well as in forging collaborations with government officials, community leaders and the general public. Were confident that an active member response to the legislative challenges facing Westchester and its business community will enhance our ability to generate positive change for the economy and quality of life in the county.

paign which included financial reforms essential for putting New York back on the path to economic growth and job creation. These reforms included caps on property taxes and state spending, reduction of the tax burden, reform public employee pensions and limiting government borrowing. These reforms have been embraced by Governor Cuomo.
CounTY: Took a leadership position in pro-

moting economic development through the formation of the Westchester Coalition for Business Development and supporting the countys intellectual capital campaign which focuses on Westchesters highly educated workforce to re-energize the countys businesses climate. Current Challenges and goals Governments at all levels are facing unprecedented budget shortfalls that will force difficult choices in how scarce resources are allocated. Providing essential services and making long overdue infrastructure investments must be balanced with prudent fiscal management and without relying on additional borrowing and overburdening the taxpayers. Underlying the current challenges we face is a basic economic premise that the private sector is the source of wealth; it enables government to provide the services our society needs. The Business Council of Westchester will seek to leverage the current economic downturn as an opportunity to make real, fundamental reforms in the way our federal, state and local governments conduct business. Accordingly, the major goals for The Business Council of Westchester in 2012 are: A more competitive and friendly business environment in New York State and Westchester County that fosters economic development.

The Business Council of Westchester looks forward to meaningful discussions with our representatives in Westchester, Albany and Washington.

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legislative agenda

county
improved Business Climate To spur economic development and job creation, The Business Council of Westchester advocates for improvements in the overall business climate and reductions in the broad cost of doing business. The impact of taxes, business fees, burdensome regulatory requirements and lengthy approval processes are of particular concern. Continuing The serious effort To Cut government spending The Business Council of Westchester applauds the fact that the countys approved 2012 Executive Budget did not raise taxes, continued to cut spending, and aimed to deliver essential services in an efficient manner which helped close a $114 million dollar deficit. It was also important to note that the 2012 budget protected the countys AAA bond rating, which is critical to attracting and retaining employers to Westchester County. Westchester needs to continue to pass budgets that are built on fiscal integrity and sound principals. If Westchester is to avoid being the highest taxed county in the nation, sound structural reforms are critical to strengthen the countys long-term financial condition. This will require identifying recurring benefits and savings, concessions from labor unions in future contract negotiations, treating reserve funds judiciously, consensus revenue projections and consolidating/ sharing services between county, local governments and school districts.

The business community supports a streamlined government, with as much privatization as possible and the use of not-for-profit agencies as a more cost effective alternative for delivering services. economic development Expanding and promoting economic development opportunities are key objectives of The Business Council of Westchester. Economic development creates jobs and expands the tax base for municipalities. This mission requires an aggressive and innovative economic development policy that positions Westchester as a premier location in the region to retain, expand and attract business and industry. In a concerted effort to move Westchesters economy in a positive direction, The Business Council of Westchester formed the Westchester Coalition for Business Development. The group consists of a cross-section of Westchesters business leaders who met over 1,000 hours to research, discuss and deliberate in order to identify the critical challenges Westchester County faces when attracting new businesses and retaining existing businesses. The Coalition created sub-committees charged with drafting the initial framework for several imaginative, innovative and exciting recommendations that if implemented, will help strengthen Westchesters economy. The Coalition focused on three key findings: 1 Stopping the Youth Flight: A recent NY1/ YNN Marist Poll highlights the urgency of this agenda; 36% of New Yorkers under the age of 30 said they plan to leave New York State in the next five years. The poll discovered that New Yorkers are feeling the financial squeeze, especially in suburban communities such as Westchester. We must work to stop the flight

Expanding and promoting economic development opportunities are key objectives of The Business Council of Westchester.

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Westchester. Whether its financing opportunities, internship openings; higher education offerings; heat maps of the best places to start a business; or government incentive packages for attracting companies here, Westchester County is not investing enough financial and human resources into spreading the word about Westchester as a businesses engine. The Business Council of Westchesters Coalition for Business Development will continue to work throughout 2012 on these three of youth from Westchester County by creating an environment where it is attractive for young people to grow their careers and their personal lives. 2 Strengthening the Legislative Agenda: We must continue to advocate a pro-business agenda at all levels of government. Encouraging business growth means taking a harder look at existing legislation which stifles expansion and limits development, and then fighting for changes to existing laws, as well as encouraging the passage of helpful legislation. This must be done by working closely with legislators and government officials as representatives of the business community. Speaking in one voice with a message to business owners and entrepreneurs that government will not put obstacles in the way of Westchester County being open for business. 3 Educating The Uneducated: Even in todays 24/7 news cycle and with incredible amounts of data available over the Internet, business owners, executives and even the general public at all levels are woefully uninformed and under-educated when it comes to business in issues as they strive to create a strong public-private partnership to promote Westchesters economy. The Business Council of Westchester supports and works with the Economic Development Office of the Westchester County Executive to create regional cluster development projects. This cluster initiative paved the way for turning Westchester County into a leader in the biomed arena. To date, over 9,600 new bio tech jobs have come into the region. Future regional cluster development projects will include the food and beverage sectors as well as other professional services that have already have a strong foundation in the county. We must continue the practice of economic gardening, helping to grow those businesses in our own backyard. These exciting new alliances, will provide more opportunities to create jobs and build the economy in Westchester County.

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C.W. Brown Inc.s headquarters, the first certified LEED Platinum Commercial Interiors project in New York State (outside of NYC), exemplifies Westchesters sustainable future.

Workforce development The Business Council of Westchester is continuing its leadership role in workforce development through creative programs with the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Investment Boards One-Stop Employment Center to provide a skilled workforce for high-growth knowledge-based industries in the region. The current economic environment makes this the opportune time to establish sector partnerships in targeted industries of great importance to the region.

The Business Council of Westchester will continue to work with the countys local colleges to better link their students and graduates to local corporations who can provide them with internships and full-time jobs. Hopefully this will keep many graduates of Westchester colleges employed in the county. Through the Workforce Academy for Youth, we create opportunities to introduce our young people to employment, through internships and mentoring, investing in the next generation of workers. This program also includes a summer jobs segment, which is a private sector employment initiative.

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green Business Program - The Westchester green Business Challenge Directly confronting global climate change and reducing our carbon footprint are critical to the future success of the business community. The Business Council of Westchester, in partnership with Westchester County, has created the Westchester Green Business Challenge and related website that has attracted a broad spectrum of county businesses. This proactive educational program is aimed at sensitizing the countys businesses to improving the environment and spurring economic development while enhancing operational efficiency and saving money. An interactive scorecard establishes baseline performance and links companies to targeted resources to help improve performance. The Westchester Green Business Challenge, now in its second full year of operation, is open to all 35,000 companies in Westchester. A friendly competition, the program has been expanded to help advance regional economic and workforce development goals, and provides a large umbrella under which green companies throughout Westchester County can promote their products and services. Over the last year the following notable accomplishments of the Westchester Green Business Challenge have occurred: Registration of over 200 companies, spanning all size and business sectors. The launch and upgrade of the Westchester Green Business Challenge website (www. westchestergov.com/greenchallenge) that allows participants to submit and update their scorecards, post case studies, search member profiles from one centralized webbased location. A highly successful recognition event and education breakfast series (sponsored by ConEd) that attracted well over 100 attendees to each event, and highlighted some of the most relevant topics in the area of best green business practices. Launched a new webinar series in 2012 that increases educational opportunities for members and leverages technology to reduce travel while increasing convenience. Published the Westchester Green Business Directory, which highlights over 100 Westchester-based providers of green products and services.

The current economic environment makes this the opportune time to establish sector partnerships in targeted industries of great importance to the region.

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new york state

2011 Business Council of Westchester Lobbying Day in Albany. Photo taken in the well of the New York State Assembly Chamber.

It is incumbent on our state leaders to: 1 Make the pension system more predictable and affordable: The state has to allow local governments and school districts the ability to manage their current and future pension costs. We urge the creation of a plan that allows employees the option of a reduced (affordable) defined benefit plan and defined contribution plan that is controlled by

Presently there are too many state laws and regulations that contribute to the high cost of local government, which are passed down to business owners.

fiscal reform The Business Council of Westchester has taken a leadership role in the Committee to Save New York, a coalition of business, civic and labor organizations, which will inform the public about the

the employees and does not unduly burden taxpayers. 2 Redefine compulsory arbitration: The current binding arbitration system is not affordable and must be fixed. The state must consider the financial capacity of local taxpayers when compulsory arbitration awards are issued. This can be done by prohibiting consideration of non-compensation in all cases and adding transparency to the arbitration process by having the proceedings subject to the Open Meeting Law. 3 Reduce the costs of construction on public/private projects: The state must reduce the cost of construction in both the public and private sectors by adopting the following measures that will help spur building and development such as: supporting alternative project delivery methods like design build, increasing the Wicks Law threshold across the state; enacting the Public Construction Savings Act (S.4121/A.7855) and making the necessary changes to the antiquated Scaffold Law. 4 Freeze step increases when contracts expire: The state must repeal the Triborough Amendment, which allows public employees pay to continue to increase under an expired contract which places huge burdens on school districts and municipalities.

necessary steps to solve the states current fiscal problems. The Committee believes that basic fiscal reforms are essential to returning the states budget to a sustainable level and putting New York back on the path to economic growth and jobs. As a critical element of rebuilding our economy, we must reduce costs for job creators, taxpayers, local government and school districts. To that end, The Business Council of Westchester will forcefully continue to advocate the New York State Legislature to adopt strong mandate relief legislation during the 2012 Legislative Session. Presently there are too many state laws and regulations that contribute to the high cost of local government, which are passed down to business owners. Albany must control state spending and lower the combined tax burden on individuals and businesses.

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5 Establish minimum health insurance contribution levels for employees and retirees: It is time to enact sensible legislation that would require public employees and retirees to contribute something to their health care costs. Since most taxpayers are already contributing to their health costs this common sense change should not be seen as a burden to public employees and retirees. 6 Prohibit new mandates: The state should not impose any new mandates on municipalities, school districts and taxpayers. We support the passage of the Unfunded Mandate Reform Act (S.5379/A.8150). 7 The State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process has been widely seen as causing serious delays to getting projects done in a timely manner and causing local municipalities to lose economic development projects that would create new jobs. It is imperative that many of the rules and regulations under SEQR be amended and in some cases eliminated. In addition, the Article 78 challenges that are used in some cases to delay projects once they have been approved to begin must be based on merit. There also needs to be more transparency in the SEQR process in order to build a stronger sense of confidence to developers who want to start a project in New York State. They cannot be subjected to needless delays and must be provided with definitive timelines and deadlines from the beginning of the process. The Business Council of Westchester calls on Governor Cuomos Spending and Government Efficiency (SAGE) Commission to aggressively review the work of each state agency and look for structural and operational changes that will streamline the organizational structure of state government. SAGE must identify state agencies, commissions and authorities

that have overlapping missions and create a shared services model that will help create savings to the state. In addition SAGE should develop metrics and targets to help improve performance and make government more open, transparent and accountable. health Care The rising cost of health care continues to be a major concern to the business community. Federal health care reform did not provide for meaningful relief to premiums in the community rated/small business market. Health exchanges that will be created through the federal reform legislation will provide access but will not address affordability. The net effect is a new entitlement program imposed upon the states and their communities that must address increasing premiums and higher utilization. Our goal in 2012 is to achieve meaningful reductions in health care premiums and Medicaid spending. We will focus on costcontainment issues, especially in regards to the implementation of the Health Exchange Program. We must create flexibility in New Yorks health insurance regulations to permit more innovative offerings to give businesses more diverse and affordable choices. The Business Council of Westchester supports the following initiatives; Place a moratorium on new mandates due to the changes imposed by the federal health care reform legislation. Evaluate existing mandates to determine how they align with federal mandates and determine if mandate relief is possible. Reduce taxes and assessments that raise the cost of health insurance.

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 Look for more savings in the states Medicaid Redesign effort. Much of the effort to redesign New Yorks complicated Medicaid system calls for fundamental changes to the roles and compensation for many of the providers in the system. The redesign of the Medicaid system can not just be across-theboard provider cuts and manipulated reimbursement rates to achieve real savings and not cost-shifts to the private pay health insurance market. In addition, we support the concept of the Medicaid Redesign Teams efforts to have the state take over the cost of Medicaid financing from local municipalities. Reform Medicaid to resemble the more typical benefits offered by other states and supports a crackdown on Medicaid fraud to restore taxpayer confidence in this program. Endorse the enactment of medical liability tort reform to rein in the costs of medical malpractice insurance. Advocate for restoring flexibility to New Yorks health insurance regulations to permit more innovative and targeted health plan offerings that meet the consumers needs; flexibility in health insurance offerings gives businesses more diverse and affordable choices. Advocate for aligning provider incentives to promote cost-effective primary care; the current reimbursement system rewards providers for high utilization of expensive procedures at the expense of primary and preventive care services. Advocate for the development of pay-forperformance programs and centers of excellence that reward providers for delivering higher quality health care and targeting investments toward results.

Support wellness programs offered by health insurers, featuring incentives and rewards for employers; employee contributions would be voluntary. Create incentives for the use of electronic medical records. energy The rising costs of electricity coupled with the lack of new generating capacity continue to be serious concerns for small and large businesses. On average, 25% of a consumers electrical bill consists of state and local imposed taxes, fees and assessments. A key to revitalizing New Yorks economy is making New Yorks energy costs more competitive. Unfortunately, New Yorks energy future continues to remain unsettled. The New York Independent Systems Operator (NYISO) recently reported that New Yorks power demand is expected to increase as the economy emerges after the recession. Its important to note that NYISO has continued to warn of potential energy demand increases despite implementation of the New York States energy efficiency and demand side management program. The NYISO has also warned of the impact to the downstate region if Indian Point, located in Westchester County, were to close. As articulated in the NYISOs 2011 Power Trends report, retirement of both nuclear units at the Indian Point Energy Center when their current licenses expire would result in violations of reliability standards in 2016. Impacts would include loss of power supply and transmission voltage support affecting the metropolitan New York region.

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To meet these challenges and move New York State forward, The Business Council of Westchester offers the following policy recommendations for 2012: 1 Relicense the Indian Point Energy Center; The Westchester-based Indian Point Energy Center provides 11 percent of New York States total electricity and more than 25 percent of the power used in the lower Hudson Valley and New York City region. Closure of Indian Point would also result in other unintended consequences. With electricity prices in Westchester already well over the national average, the closure of Indian Point would raise rates by $.50 per kilowatt-hour, over three times the national average, by 2017. The closure of Indian Point would eliminate 1,100 high-paying jobs within Westchester County. Furthermore, Westchester County and the State of New York would lose $2.1 billion in cumulative lost wages and nearly $5.5 billion in cumulative lost economic output. Making up for the loss of more than 2,000 megawatts of power through efficiencies, conservation and even a fossil-fuel burning plant on the current site of Indian Point is not feasible or realistic, according to numerous in-depth studies over the years: including from a prominent 2006 study from the National Academy of Sciences, and an independent study by Charles River Associates conducted for the City of New York. The Business Council of Westchester strongly supports the facilitys 20-year license renewal application and opposes any direct or indirect local, state or federal efforts to close the facility.

2 Lower energy costs to spur the economy and benefit consumers: New York consumers still suffer from the impact of excessive taxes, fees and other assessments levied from numerous levels of government. According to the Public Policy Institute of New York States report Short-Circuiting New Yorks Recovery, New Yorks electrical rates are the third-highest in the nation and 66 percent above the national average. The Business Council of Westchester recommends; Elimination of the temporary state energy and utility service commission assessment known as the 18-A on consumers. Imposing a moratorium on new energy taxes, surcharges, levies and assessments as well as any increases in existing energy taxes, surcharges, levies and assessments. 3 Further promote conservation and grow a new generation of green jobs: Use of the Systems Benefit Charge and regional Greenhouse Gas Initiatives (RGGI) funds to ensure funding for cost-effective energy efficiency programs implemented by local utilities and state agencies. Implementation of green job training program.

On average, 25% of a consumers electrical bill consists of state and local imposed taxes, fees and assessments.

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 Tax abatements and other incentives offered by local government and the Industrial Development Agencies for the construction of new facilities in accordance with the US LEED Green Building Rating System. Inclusion of minorities and minority/women owned businesses to ensure all people and businesses benefit from the growing green economy. economic development Comparative employment trends are among the best available indicators of whether the states policies are fostering economic growth. New Yorks long-term performance has been abysmal. From 1990-2010, the private-sector job base in New York expanded by a net 6 percent, a performance that ranked 45th out of 50 states during that period. Nationally, by contrast, private employment in late 2010 was still 19 percent above the 1990 level.

mandates (see Labor and management section). As New York continues to improve its business climate, The Business Council of Westchester will urge Albany to create new economic-incentive programs which will help industries and create activities that will produce important returns to the state investments. We will also continue to highlight the important economic engine the countys institutions of higher education serve in helping to train and create the future employees that we must have for the future. Even though the regions employment picture is stronger than other parts of the state and nation, Westchester County still has not regained the jobs lost during the recession. It is imperative that we continue to create a business friendly environment for the county which promotes the hot spots that Westchester has to offer and not create any additional mandates that will discourage businesses from coming to and growing in Westchester County. Accordingly: We support Governor Cuomos continuation of the States Regional Economic Development Councils, which last year helped create a comprehensive strategic plan that catalyzed job creation and economic recovery.

LONG-TERM UNEMPLOYED IN NEW YORK STATE

50 45

Percent of Unemployed

40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

The Regional Councils helped incent transformational change in New Yorks economy. The momentum gained by last years work of all 10 Regional Councils must continue in 2012. We reject proposals to impose new wage mandates on IDA-assisted projects. We support legislation allowing IDAs to make civic authority financing available to non-profit organizations permanent. We reject IDA reform which is aimed at imposing overburdening procedural requirements and operational costs on businesses.

Note: Long-term unemployed are people who have been unemployed at least 27 weeks as of Novemeber of each year. Sources: Current Population Survey, U.S. Census Bureau; OSC analysis

New York lost more than 300,000 jobs during the Great Recession of 2007-2009, with its unemployment rate peaking at a 15-year high of 8.9 percent. The most effective economic development program is the creation of a more competitive business environment (see Fiscal Reform and Energy sections) by lowering state-imposed taxes, fees and assessments and employer

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 We oppose any delay in businesss recovery of deferred tax-credits, which are to begin in January 2013. We support the continuation of the states qualified emerging technology company tax credit for capital, operational training investments. The program, which targets small research intensive technology business, should enhance its revenue eligibility threshold from $20 million to $40 million; increasing the credit for investment in R&D property from 18-30 percent; and increasing the credit for qualified research expenses from 9 to 15 percent. We support adopting legislation broadening the list of eligible projects for tax increment financing and allow school districts to opt into these local funding mechanisms. labor and employment The Business Council of Westchester opposes the interference of NYS in the relationship between the states private employers and their employees and unions. Issues that should be negotiated between employers and employees are routinely being introduced as legislation and then approved by the Legislature and Governor. In addition, there has been an increase in granting the Department of Labor greater enforecement authority and increased employer penalties without demonstrating that current enforcement authority is insufficient. Collectively these actions create New Yorks anti-business climate and are a detriment to positive economic development. Accordingly we oppose the following legislation: Wage mandates for private sector employees, especially in the area of prevailing wage. Time-off mandates.

Paid family leave, using the disability insurance system for the payment of disability benefits to non-disabled employees (currently excluded by Congress from the federal program) absent from work on family care matters. The automatic indexing of unemployment benefits. Transportation As a leading advocate for a new Tappan Zee Bridge and a member of the Tappan Zee Bridge Futures Task Force, The Business Council of Westchester has fought for the installation of effective transportation infrastructure to move goods, services, and people east/west and north/south. We applaud the Governors role in securing the funding to make this project a reality. The new expedited timeline for the project will create jobs and generate much needed economic development opportunities in Westchester County. By building this new bridge there will finally be a cohesive transportation network for the region. As the work on the new bridge continues, The Business Council of Westchester will continue to advocate for the additional funding to make the bridge ready for mass transit and heavy rail options. Replacing the Tappan Zee Bridge will fulfill one of The Business Council of Westchesters top priorities: to give the residents of Westchester County a guarantee of crossing a bridge that is safe and secure.

The Business Council of Westchester is a leading advocate for a new Tappan Zee Bridge.

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federal
health Care The sweeping health care reform package that Congress passed is now law. What remains is implementation, writing hundreds of rules, setting up new agencies in all 50 states, enforcing compliance, processing lawsuits aimed at stopping the new health plan and dealing with the unforeseen consequences through future legislative fixes. The Business Council of Westchester is committed to ensuring that businesses arent faced with undue burdens of the new law and will advocate for legislation to fix problems as they arise. At the same time the reform law chose to expand coverage rather than control costs, as its primary objective. We support legislation which will fix the underlying cost drivers of the health care system so that premium relief for businesses can be achieved. Accordingly we will focus on the following areas: Get Costs Under Control: Utilize a number of cost-effective strategies such as medical liability reform, health information technology, small business pooling, combating fraud and abuse, consumer-driven health options, wellness prevention, administrative simplification, and allowing individuals and small business to deduct the full cost of health insurance expenses. Create a Vibrant Market Place: Create a national all-inclusive connector/exchange that removes fragmentation, allows businesses and individuals from anywhere in the country to enroll and improves pooling, choice and competition.

employee free Choice act (Card-Check) We opposed this legislation which would end secret ballots in union elections. If a majority of employees sign authorization forms, or cards, a union would be formed and employers would have 120 days to reach a contract. Failing that, the government would appoint an arbitrator to impose contract terms. Card-check legislation as originally proposed undermines the long standing principle of workplace democracy and fairness created through the secret ballot. Its elimination will subject employees to intimidation by unions and peers. Binding arbitration will put substantial cost pressures on businesses, many of whom have little or no experience in negotiating key issues such as wages, benefits and worker productivity. The legislation would also impose fines of up to $20,000 per violation, triple back pay and increase the use of injunctions against employers. Cap-and-Trade The Business Council is committed to the overall goals of climate change regulation that encourages energy efficiencies, cultivates needed renewable energy research and development and spurs a new generation of green-collar jobs. We urge policy makers to ensure that jobs are secured and local interests fortified while implementing federal cap-and-trade. Moreover, any federal legislation must avoid pitting states and regions against each other and provide a uniform, fair standard for all states and regions within the U.S. More than 48 percent of New York States energy portfolio is made up of clean, affordable and sustainable resources, such as hydro and nuclear power. These factors contribute to New Yorks distinction of producing the lowest per capita carbon dioxide emissions in

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the U.S. To avoid putting New York State at a disadvantage, the definition of renewable and sustainable energy at the federal level must endorse the classification of hydro, nuclear and waste energy. immigration reform The U.S. immigration system fails to meet the current needs of our businesses, our workers and our economy. We strongly advocate for comprehensive immigration reform that goes beyond border security and workplace enforcement measures. Comprehensive reform must also create effective legal avenues for people to enter and leave the U.S. and allow those already contributing to our society to earn permanent residence. We support the development of appropriate temporary and permanent employment-based visa categories to encompass a wide range of skills, along with provisions for sufficient number of visas based on market demand. The visa programs, especially the H-1B program for foreign skilled workers, must remain flexible and accessible. We endorse the development of an effective, secure and workable computerized verification system to enable employers to accurately and fairly determine the legal status of potential employees. Medicaid reform Medicaid reform designed to reduce costs to New York State are long overdue and are now even more pressing given the expansion of Medicaid and the cuts in Medicaid spending being considered as parts of the national health care reform legislation. Shifts in Medicaid spending would have greater consequences on New Yorks health care delivery system than they would in most other states since our generous benefits account for one out of every three health care dollars. In addition, since Medicaid expenses are shared with local governments in New York, local property

taxes would increase under the current federal reform legislation. The Business Council of Westchester advocates for a well-justified increase in Medicaid funding to New York State to address the low comparative percentage of federal Medicaid assistance that currently applies. Transportation Funding for a new Hudson River crossing that will include a mass transit component is a huge endeavor that requires the evaluation of many financing alternatives. The Business Council of Westchester appreciates the fact the funding for building the new Tappan Zee Bridge has been fast tracked so that this important project will finally get done. We will continue to pursue Federal funds for infrastructure projects that are critical to creating economic development for the region.

We support legislation which will fix the underlying cost drivers of the health care system so that premium relief for businesses can be achieved.
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2012 board of directors

executive Committee Chairman of the Board Stephen J. Jones, Esq. Jones, LLP President/Ceo Dr. Marsha Gordon The Business Council of Westchester immediate Past Chair/ Chairman of nominating Committee Christopher OCallaghan Cushman & Wakefield vice Chair, area development Warren Lesser H & S Property Management, Inc. vice Chair, Business development Anthony Justic Maier Markey & Justic LLP vice Chair, governmental action Cynthia Rubino Berkeley College vice Chair, small Business Ted Miller Datakey Consulting, LLC Treasurer Wiley Harrison African American Men of Westchester associate Treasurer Dr. Greg Chartier The Office of Gregory J. Chartier general Council Jon Dorf, Esq. The Dorf Law Firm, LLP secretary Ronald Stytzer Antuns of Westchester Catering

Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson Thompson & Bender, Inc. Willa Brody NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Westchester Jean Marie Connolly BNY Mellon Wealth Management Thomas Lalla, Jr. Pernod Ricard Ellen Lynch Yonkers IDA James OToole James P. OToole Consulting directors Sheila Appel IBM Corporation Renee Brown C.W. Brown, Inc. Stacey Cohen Co-Communications, Inc. Daniel Conte Westchester Marriott Hotel John DAgostino KeyBank Joanne R. Deyo Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. Dr. Charles J. DiComo NY BIOHUD VALLEY Advisor Therese Ferretti Collins Brothers Moving Corp. Catherine Gasteyer Verizon James Giangrande Altium Wealth Management Dr. Joseph Hankin Westchester Community College Peter Herrero NY Hospitality Group

Timothy M. Jones Robert Martin Company LLC Marigrace Lalli Kraft Foods Inc. Patrick F. Lynch OLA Consulting Engineers Yuval H. Marcus Leason Ellis LLP Matthew McCrosson OConnor Davies Munns & Dobbins, LLP William McGrath Pace University Nancy Woodruff Ment Andrus Childrens Center Norman Michaels Michaels & Associates, Inc. Shawn Miles MasterCard Worldwide Sandra Miller Con Edison Company of New York, Inc. Glenn J. Pacchiana Thalle Industries Inc. Cathie Schaffer JP Morgan Chase Michael Schiliro Community Mutual Savings Bank Simeon A. Schwartz, M.D. WESTMED Medical Group Stewart Strauss Strauss Paper Co., Inc. Richard Swierat Westchester Arc Stacey Tank Heineken USA Kenneth Theobalds Entergy Patrick L. Vaccaro Jackson Lewis, LLP Peter Wilcox PepsiCo Inc

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DESIGN: JILL SINGER GRAPHICS

DESIGN: JILL SINGER GRAPHICS

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The Business Council of Westchester 108 Corporate Park Drive Suite 101 White Plains, NY 10604 914.948.2110 westchesterny.org

Contact Dr. Marsha Gordon mgordon@westchesterny.org John Ravitz jravitz@westchesterny.org

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