Senator David Valesky Named Chairman of Senate Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee

ALBANY, N.Y.—State Senator David J. Valesky, Deputy Leader of the Independent Democratic Conference, was named Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee. 

The committee 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. 

“I am honored to chair the Commerce, Economic and Small Business Committee,” Senator Valesky said. “We have made significant progress working with Governor Cuomo to address the challenges that businesses face in New York State, and there is much more work to be done. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to enact policies that will strengthen our business climate and expand our economic development efforts.” 

“I cannot think of a more qualified and hardworking Senator to take the reins of this critical committee, and I know he will deliver tremendous results,” said IDC Leader and Senate Co-Leader Jeffrey Klein. “As a Senator from one of our state’s most important cities, Senator Valesky knows just how important dynamic and effective economic development programs are to the future of our state's economy. Hailing from upstate New York, Senator Valesky is uniquely qualified to ensure that every region of New York--especially those most in need of a economic boost--are well represented in the decision making process.” 

“The Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee is very important to Central New York  and we are thrilled to hear Senator Valesky is taking on a leadership role,” said County Executive Joanie Mahoney. “We will have a strong and passionate advocate working for us and I congratulate Senator Valesky on his chairmanship.” 

“Senator Valesky’s appointment as chair of the Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee is great news for our region,” said Robert M. Simpson, president of CenterState CEO.  “The Senator is an active champion of innovative approaches to spur economic growth.  His leadership has been instrumental in enacting landmark legislation such as the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit, and the creation of a city-county Land Bank for Syracuse and Onondaga County.  We look forward to working closely with him in this new role to advance economic development here and across New York State.” 

“This is an exciting opportunity for Madison County, Central New York, and all of New York State,” Kipp Hicks, Executive Director of the Madison County IDA, said. “Senator Valesky has been an outstanding  resource to us in economic development over the years, and we look forward to partnering with him as he uses his leadership skills in this important role.” 

Valesky has been a longtime advocate for economic development and job creation, specifically in Upstate New York. He was the Senate sponsor of the original Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit law, which has resulted in millions of dollars in commercial investments in cities across the state. Valesky also authored Land Bank legislation which enables municipalities to convert vacant and abandoned properties back to productive use, encouraging private development and helping revitalize neighborhoods. He has been a strong supporter of Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Councils, and is pleased that the Executive Budget proposal includes funding for a third round of awards. 

In addition to chairing the Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee, Senator Valesky will be a member of the following standing committees: Aging, Agriculture, Banks, Education, Higher Education, and Insurance.