Senator Saland Announces Passage Of Upstate Now -- A Job Growth And Economic Development Plan

Senator Steve Saland (R,C,I Poughkeepsie) today announced the passage of Upstate Now, a comprehensive job creation and economic statewide growth plan that particularly emphasizes revitalizing the struggling upstate economy, generating billions of dollars in new investment, and creating thousands of new jobs for New Yorkers.

The 10-point plan outlined in Senate Bill 5953 would invest a total of more than $3.7 billion into economic development initiatives over the next three years, including new tax relief and incentives, new and existing capital investments and private sector matching funds. More than $2 billion would be invested in the first year of the program alone.

"Young New Yorkers are leaving the State in record numbers due to more enticing opportunities in other states. Business taxes are too high, our infrastructure needs upgrading, energy costs are a major obstacle to business growth -- no wonder too many New York businesses are having difficulty competing and attracting and keeping the best and the brightest", said Senator Saland. "We need a coordinated effort by the State and the business community to stem this tide. Upstate Now is the game plan we need to get the job done".

Among the many provisions of this comprehensive legislation are tax reductions for businesses, infrastructure investment, encouraging emerging technologies, reducing energy and health costs, revitalizing our communities, strengthening our workforce and marketing tourism opportunities. It will generate billions of dollars in new investments and create thousands of jobs for New Yorkers.

"It’s easy to ‘talk the talk’. The real challenge is to ‘walk the walk’. This comprehensive plan does just that", continued Saland. "We need businesses to stay and grow in New York and businesses need New York to step up to the plate and help. When jobs leave New York, every New Yorker suffers. Cities like Poughkeepsie and Hudson, and villages like Wappingers Falls and Valatie need our best efforts -- lowering business taxes, making energy and healthcare more affordable and making our Main Streets a viable destination could not be any more important than it is now. This plan will help stimulate private sector investment, and grow jobs", Saland added.

This comprehensive plan would take effect immediately. The bill has now been sent to the Assembly.