STATEN ISLAND- Yesterday, Senator Andrew J. Lanza had the privilege of welcoming New York State Senate Temporary President and Majority Leader John J. Flanagan to Staten Island. Hosted by The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, Senators Flanagan and Lanza met with Staten Island business leaders to focus on the many issues and opportunities facing small business owners.
The primary focus of the discussion centered on the overburdensome regulatory environment and its negative impact on small businesses. The Senate Republican Majority has advanced the “Jobs and Opportunity Agenda” for 2018. As part of the Blueprint for Stronger New York, the Senate plan focuses on creating jobs and improving New York’s business climate. It would save small businesses more than $1.1 billion in taxes, cut red tape, reduce regulatory burdens, invest in workforce development and strengthen New York’s economic development programs.
Senator Lanza said, “I am grateful to Majority Leader Flanagan for visiting Staten Island to hear firsthand the difficulties small businesses on Staten Island experience every day. I appreciate all of the efforts of the Chamber for being the constant champion of small business. As responsible owners and employers to thousands of Islanders, they remain the critical link to economic stability. Like myself, our local small business owners truly care about Staten Island and they provide the foundation that makes Staten Island a great place to both live and work. It is incumbent on government to foster an environment that allows for job growth. When small businesses thrive, we all do. There is much work ahead and I look forward to continuing to work with our business leaders to bring a new wave of economic opportunity and good paying jobs to Staten Island.”
Senate Majority Leader John J. Flanagan said: “Senate Republicans are focused like a laser on cutting taxes, reducing red tape and eliminating the burdensome regulations that make it difficult for businesses to grow and thrive. Our upcoming budget must encourage opportunity and the creation of new jobs so our citizens can live out their dreams on Staten Island and across this great state. I thank Senator Lanza, who is an outstanding advocate for his district, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, and all of the small businesses who took part in the round table. We learn the most by listening, and Senator Lanza and I are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work on their behalf.”
“It’s getting harder and harder for businesses to operate in the current environment. Keeping up with regulations, new policies, and the many issues small businesses contend with every day takes an enormous amount of time away from running a business,” said Linda Baran, President & CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. “Many business owners have become so disenfranchised they either close shop or look to move to bordering communities. The Chamber is grateful that Senator Flanagan and Senator Lanza recognize this trend, and are eager to engage with our local businesses to identify solutions. Efforts that focus on improving the business climate in New York are essential to the success of our local economy.”
Glen V. Cutrona, Chairman of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, said “While it comes with the turf, the current culture of government over regulating small businesses needs to find a balance that also helps small businesses thrive. Small businesses employ more than half of the nations working population and we are committed to serving our employees, families and communities at large. I am thankful to Senator Lanza and Senate Majority Leader Flanagan for taking the time to meet with business leaders from the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, to share their work on behalf of the small business community and for listening. I am optimistic that together we can effect positive change.”
** Founded in 1895, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce is the largest and most respected business organization on Staten Island. It is comprised of over 700 businesses representing over 20,000 employees from all across the tri-state area. The majority of its members are small businesses, 80% of which have less than ten employees.**
