IDC Announces Second Round of ThoughtRaisers

The Independent Democratic Conference today announced a second round of ThoughtRaiser forums focused on how to improve New York's small business climate.

The new roundtables, which are all slated for Thursday, Oct. 20, are in response to the high demand and positive reception to the kick-off of the ThoughtRaiser Initiative last month.

“We've had a great deal of interest from residents and small business owners who want to participate in our ThoughtRaiser Initiative and help change this state for the better,”said Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester.) “We're looking to make sure that New York government addresses the issues that New Yorkers care about the most.”

Senator Klein will be holding his ThoughtRaiser noon at Martine’s Fine Bake Shoppe, 10 Fisher Ave., Tuckahoe.

Senator David J. Valesky, (D-Oneida), will be hosting a ThoughtRaiser focused on small business and agriculture, 2 p.m. at Morrisville State College Stadium, Hospitality Room, 80 Eaton St., Morrisville, NY.

“Agriculture is a significant part of the state economy, especially Upstate, and it is important to address the unique and specific issues and challenges faced by those in agri-business,” Senator Valesky said. “This ThoughtRaiser will provide the opportunity to begin the conversation about how we, as legislators, can help make it easier for farmers, producers and the entire industry to thrive in New York.”

Senator Diane J. Savino, (D-Staten Island/ Brooklyn), will host a ThoughtRaiser centering on small medical practitioners noon at 36 Richmond Terrace Suite 112, Staten Island.

“Rising malpractice insurance rates and escalating costs have taken their toll on the medical community in Richmond, Brooklyn, and across New York State, while their reimbursement rates from health insurance companies have remained flat for years,” Senator Savino said. “I look forward to this conversation. The continued health of our communities may just depend on it.”

The ThoughtRaiser hosted by Senator David Carlucci, (D-Rockland/ Orange), will begin at noon, at the Konbit Neg Lakay, 16 East Church Street, Spring Valley.

“Last month’s ThoughtRaiser Initiative was incredibly successful providing an open venue for me to hear directly from local business owners what I can do on the state level to best meet their needs,” Senator Carlucci said.  “Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and must have the full support of state government.  By working together, we can improve New York’s business climate, it’s economy and create jobs.

The IDC launched the ThoughtRaiser Initiative in order to bridge the divide between what's being discussed in the halls of the State Capitol and what people are talking about around their kitchen table.

These events are small by design, in order to facilitate a real conversation on how government can best help. Ideas from these gatherings-big, or small- will be the basis of IDC legislation, Senate hearings, and policy recommendations during the upcoming session.

Other ThoughtRaiser topics, will be announced soon on the IDC's Facebook page and Twitter feed, (@IndeDemNYSenate).

If you have an idea about how to make New York State work for you, email NYSThoughtRaisers@nysenate.gov.

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