Monroe County Leads New York in Job Growth for Second Straight Month

James S. Alesi

November 18, 2011

Monroe County and the Rochester Region Lead the State in Job Growth For the Second Straight Month -- Adding Over 10,000 Jobs Since September 2010

A report issued in October by state labor officials showed that Monroe County, and the four surrounding counties, added 10,400 jobs between September 2010 and September 2011, while government payrolls shrank by 200 positions.  As of last month, Rochester saw a 2.1 percent growth rate – leading even New York City on a percentage basis.

 “As Chairman of Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development, I am encouraged by the progress that the State Legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo made during the 2011 Legislative Session,” said Senator Alesi.  “Rochester has become the job-growth engine of Upstate New York and the region continues to experience considerable growth.  Area growth is good news not only for Monroe County, but for all of New York State.”

Senator Alesi is a former small business owner who has brought real experience and common sense to several of this year’s top economic initiatives – most importantly, the 2011 State Budget.  As Chairman of the Joint Budget Conference Committee on Economic Development, Senator Alesi was the prime architect of many key proposals included in final budget negotiations.  The Senator’s report became the blueprint for an historic State Budget that reduces government spending, cuts the deficit without raising taxes, removes crippling, job-killing regulations on New York’s small businesses, and lays the foundation for New York State’s economic recovery. 

“Partnering with Governor Cuomo and Lt. Governor Bob Duffy, we passed an on-time budget that closed a $10 billion deficit without raising taxes, and secured a property tax cap that will relieve hardworking, overburdened taxpayers in Monroe County,” said Senator Alesi.  “Both the budget and property tax cap have given state government credibility that will help move New York – especially Monroe County – in a positive direction toward economic growth, job creation and prosperity.”

Working with Lt. Governor Bob Duffy, Senator Alesi put forth recommendations to create 10 Economic Regional Councils.  Centered in Rochester, the Finger Lakes Council works with the state to eliminate unnecessary barriers to growth and prosperity, streamline the delivery of government services and programs, and stimulate economic development and job creation in Monroe County and neighboring counties. 

“The positive job growth in our region is particularly notable as it reflects the diversity of the regional economy,” Senator Alesi said.  “We continue to see the manufacturing sector an important part of the economy as the Rochester region has proven a sound environment for the industry.  The State Budget expanded opportunities for businesses and manufacturers to receive tax credits for job creation through the Excelsior Jobs Program.  As we work to lower the cost of doing business in New York – through capping local property taxes and enacting important reforms such as Recharge NY – the manufacturing sector will continue its revitalization.” 

“I continue to support legislation that reduces the cost of doing business in New York and saves taxpayer money.  While our region experiences job growth greater than that of other regions within New York State, the growth must continue as this momentum leads into the 2012 Legislative Session.”