Skelos Taps Gallivan as New Chair of Commerce, Economic Development, and Small Business Committee

Area Business Leaders Laud Choice of Western New York Senator  

ALBANY - Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos (R-C-I, Rockville Centre) announced today that Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) has been appointed Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business.

 “Senator Gallivan is a proven leader when it comes to job creation, especially in Western New York. He has provided important assistance and input on vital issues such as SUNY 2020, the ReCharge NY energy plan, small businesses tax cuts and agri-business development. I’m confident Senator Gallivan will do an excellent job leading this committee as we work to strengthen our economy and create new jobs across our state,” Senator Skelos said.

 The Senate’s Committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business is responsible for overseeing and developing legislation and policy relating to state regulations, mandates, tax credit programs, and growth incentives for all business sectors in the state.

 “After two years of progress, New York must now focus its attention on its most basic challenge – transforming New York into a place where existing businesses can grow and new businesses want to locate,” said Senator Gallivan. “A long history of regulations, mandates, and taxes on private business have created one of the worst climates in the nation for business growth. As the new Chair of the Senate’s Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee I will be in a position to reexamine and reform New York State’s approach towards economic development, starting in Western New York, where jobs and a reinvigorated private sector are needed most."

While a new report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce showing New York has jumped 11 spots in state rankings for growth, productivity, and livability indicates that the state’s business climate has incrementally improved, Senator Gallivan believes much remains to be done.

“The small business owners, family farmers, and entrepreneurs of New York are still hurting. They’re overtaxed, they’re overregulated, and they’re over-mandated. I will engage the entire business community from Brooklyn to Buffalo, and with their help, seek common sense reforms to grow jobs, attract investment, and move the Empire State forward,” Senator Gallivan said.

“New York State has made good progress the last two years towards addressing the extremely harsh business climate it has created, but there is much more to be done,” said Andrew J. Rudnick, President & CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. “Business regulatory reforms are a 'must-do’ issue that needs to be addressed in order to revitalize our economy and create jobs. The announcement of Senator Gallivan as the new chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business bodes well that these issues will be addressed in prompt and proper fashion. Senator Gallivan has proven that he understands what needs to be done to foster economic development, and it is great news that he will be steering that discussion in the Senate.”

“We are pleased that a senator from our area is chairing one of the most important committees in the state Legislature,” said Sandy Parker, president and CEO of the Rochester Business Alliance, the regional chamber of commerce. “We look forward to working with Senator Gallivan to further job creation and economic development in our region and to find ways to support the growth of businesses big and small.”

“Being in Senator Gallivan’s district we have had the advantage of seeing his leadership firsthand. He has always been committed to meeting with Wyoming County business owners and leaders to listen and learn about their needs”, said Laura Lane, president and CEO, Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce. “Senator Gallivan is a great fit for this leadership position and we look forward to continuing to work with him to advance the needs of New York businesses.”

“I am thrilled by the news that Senator Gallivan has been appointed Chair of the Senate Economic Development Committee. The Senator is a non-partisan leader, focused on the issues, who has made himself accessible to multiple constituencies on the topics that impact business and quality of life in Livingston County and the state,” said Cynthia Oswald, president of the Livingston County Chamber of Commerce. “We are fortunate Senator Gallivan is such a committed advocate for the agriculture and small business sectors that our local economy and New York State rely on for economic stability. I am confident through this new leadership position Senator Gallivan will build consensus and collaboration that will grow our economy, reduce regulations, create jobs and move New York State forward.”