Legislative Agenda Full

The association’s legislative agenda is packed full this year. The state budget battle presents us with opportunities – expansion of Quick Draw, retail-to-retail sales of liquor and Native American tax collection; and challenges – sugary beverage and cigarette taxes; and any other initiatives that may emerge from the ongoing budget negotiations. The conversation about the Alcoholic Beverage Control law is also expected to consume a great deal of attention this year. The Senate Committee on Investigations is likely to hold a public hearing on ABC reform later this year. We may very well see a focused effort by the legislature to enact sweeping changes to the Alcoholic Beverage Control law in response to the Law Review Commission’s report.

These are not easy fights in a normal year and this year and the next few years are going to be more difficult than usual. The state’s fiscal picture is dismal and it gets worse over the next two years when the federal stimulus money runs out. We need you to join in the battle this year, more than ever. I encourage you to sign into our online grassroots action center (use link below) if you’re able, or contact your representatives by phone or mail. in support of our legislative agenda.

I also ask you to join us in Albany for the annual Small Business Day on Monday, March 8^th. The 2010 Small Business Day Brochure is attached for your review. Please note that there is no fee for participating in Small Business Day. The format for the day brings together participants from diverse industries throughout New York State to support a broad “Small Business” agenda and to advocate on the issues of concern for their specific industry. Registration will be held from 8:30 am – 9:00 am. The program will begin at 9:00 am and will run through 11:30 am at which point the general session will break up and the individual associations will meet for their industry specific briefing. We will meet briefly over lunch to review the issues we need to focus on and to distribute legislative visit schedules and materials. We will also host a post lobby day gathering at a local member establishment. You can register for Small Business Day by logging onto www.mssbc.org or by completing and submitting the registration form on the brochure.

We'll keep up the good fight, but while we can represent you we cannot replace you and your representatives want to hear from you. Don't dissappoint them - let them know what you think. Send them a message, participate in Small Business Day and let your representatives know how you feel.