Assemblywoman Addie Russell: New bill brings relief to the North Country, reducing taxes and creating jobs

"Tonight the Assembly passed important legislation which reforms the tax code into a more fair and equitable structure, meaning tax cuts for nearly everyone in the North Country and provisions focused on creating thousands of jobs across the state. The legislation reduces tax rates for nearly 4.4 million New Yorkers and for small businesses. The bill also encourages corporate manufacturers to hire new employees.  The increase in revenue resulting from the reformed tax code – $2 billion for each of the next three years – will provide a significant amount of money to the state, enough to relieve some of the pressure from the state budget.

“This additional revenue stream will allow us to focus our advocacy on important issues facing our communities; instead of our time being dominated by more crippling budget cuts. This legislation puts us on stable fiscal ground going into next year, and in a much better environment to achieve restoration of vital educational funds to suffering schools in the North Country.”

This bill also includes the New York State Works agenda, a provision for job creation through an infrastructure fund. The fund includes investments to replace deficient state and local bridges, rehabilitate dams and flood control structures, renovate parks and rebuild water systems.  For the North Country that will also mean upgrades to our energy infrastructure.  In addition, New York Works also invests in conducting energy retrofits for homes, farms, businesses and schools, as well as pushing forward major SUNY projects. The legislation also designates tax credits to businesses that hire jobless young adults. Funds will also be allocated for job-training programs and can be used to support programs at local school districts and BOCES.

“New York State Works will provide valuable assistance to the North Country’s small businesses, farms and SUNY schools.  Not only will it help put our community back to work, it will also provide our youth with opportunities and training necessary to succeed.  I encourage all local businesses, schools, farmers and manufacturers to take advantage of the assistance made available with these programs.”

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