We have made great strides in jumpstarting the upstate economic engine, but we need to do more to help our local, small businesses get ahead. That’s why I voted for an Assembly budget proposal that would help accomplish this goal, while increasing transparency so New Yorkers know how and where their tax dollars are being spent.
To promote businesses across New York State and the country as a whole, the Assembly plan includes a “Buy American” measure to ensure preference is given to American-made products in state procurements whenever possible. Our economy has changed drastically since the heyday of American manufacturing, but these are still good jobs that help millions of people in our country. Here in Central New York, manufacturing is still an important industry. We must always think local when doling out state contracts so that we can effectively double our investment – funding much-needed projects and helping working families.
In order to boost small businesses, the Assembly budget proposal also provides $10 million for Strategic Investment in Workforce Development initiatives to connect employers to skilled workers and help the unemployed and underemployed. It also includes $1 million for the Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Technical Assistance Program to help New York businesses compete for federal funding. These investments are crucial to train our workforce and help businesses thrive in a 21st-century economy.
The Assembly proposal also extends the Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise program for two years, provides an additional $365,000 in funding and restores $300,000 to Community Development Financial Institutions. This will help reaffirm our commitment to these businesses which do so much to lift up their communities.
However, we can’t simply boost funding in economic development. We must also make sure this spending is more transparent. That’s why the Assembly plan requires Empire State Development and the Department of Economic Development to maintain a database of all funding that flows through these agencies. It also increases transparency for Regional Economic Development Councils by requiring their members to file financial disclosure statements and adhere to the Code of Ethics, Public Officers Law and open meetings law.
Last year, the Central New York REDC invested $62.2 million toward 77 much-needed projects in our backyard. We must ensure this critical economic asset continues to help us move Central New York forward. At the same time, increasing transparency promotes accountability and makes sure these dollars are properly spent.
I’m firmly committed to making sure the work I do in Albany is as transparent as possible. I regularly host town hall meetings to help our community keep up with the budget process and ensure your voices are heard. I’ll always listen to you because that’s my job.
If you have any questions or concerns about this or any other issue, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 315-452-1115or at StirpeA@nyassembly.gov.