October 5, 2010

I thought last year, with the attempted coup in the New York Senate, that we had seen the ultimate in dysfunction in a state government.  Well this year, they topped themselves again, if only by the sheer futility of the legislative session.  Where should one start – the hugely late state budget, the conviction of Hiram Monserrat of a vicious attack on his girl friend – and his dogged efforts to stay in office?  How about the spectacle of a lame duck governor summoning the legislature back to Albany day after day, only to have both bodies vying to out-do each other in how quickly they could gavel in and out of session without doing anything about the budget, or any other pressing needs that needed attention?   The nastiness surrounding the governor’s race has tongues wagging all around the country.

Our industry has been severely buffeted by the long recession, and while business is up for many, the recovery on which our activity depends remains fragile.  Some argue that New York is still in a recession, a position that upstate staffing firms probably have seen demonstrated with many companies in their markets.  Who knows what havoc nervous legislators, anxious over anti-incumbent sentiments, might wreak in the name of trying to make something happen?  What benefits might be mandated for employees, wage levels that someone thinks are “fair” and a good idea, or reporting requirements established that impact everyone so that a few unscrupulous employers are brought under control?

Your state capital is potentially very dangerous place if you run a small business – or a big one for that matter.  It is for that reason that I write again to ask for your support in helping us keep a watchful eye on the legislature’s activities to help protect all of our interests.  Our lobbying firm Davidoff, Malito, & Hutcher does a great job at a reasonable cost to represent our interests, and we really need to make sure they stay on the job.  I have learned over the years that their reputation among legislators and their staffs is very good, which in turn means that when they bring our positions to the legislative leadership, we get a respectful and thoughtful hearing.  We are gaining credibility in Albany because of the sensible messages we are promoting, and by the professional and responsible way that Davidoff, Malito, and Hutcher help us make them. 

To help NYSA continue to be your effective voice in Albany, I encourage you to contribute what you can to our PAC.  It allows us a continued seat at the discussion table where our views are listened to seriously.  A form has been enclosed for your convenience.  I urge all business owners to protect their investments in their companies, by enabling NYSA to continue its advocacy for our industry.   Thanks very much for your help.

Sincerely,

Alexander A. Courtney, Jr.

President, Tri-City Manpower, Inc.

NYSA Legislative Chair

January 2009

It’s hard to know how to describe the events here in Albany over the past few weeks.  The debacle in the State Senate has turned New York into the laughingstock of the country in terms of its dysfunctional government.  We are the subject of editorial outrage and the butt of late night comedians.  Government in the state has ground to a virtual standstill.

So, if the government isn’t functioning, they probably can’t be doing anything to hurt us, can they?  Wrong!  This is an incredibly dangerous time.  There is all sorts of horse trading and sausage making going on behind the scenes, and when the smoke clears, who knows what the new power arrangements will be.  Already, both houses of the legislature have passed a bill making written confirmation of straight time and overtime pay rates a requirement of all employers, effective almost immediately.  The only reason(s) the Governor hasn’t signed it yet is a) NYSA has been working behind the scenes to try and amend the law to make it less onerous on our industry, and b) the Senate brouhaha has bottled things up because it is not clear who can send bills, and which ones, to Governor Patterson

There are all sorts of bills that will or will not come up this year, depending on how the leadership issues are finally settled.  We need to be able to talk constructively to all sides if we are going to be able to have our interests effectively communicated in Albany.

Now more than ever we need a watchful presence here in the Capital to keep an eye on what is happening, and to make persuasive arguments in support of our interests. That presence is our lobbying firm Davidoff, Malito & Hutcher.  With their assistance and through the vehicle of our Political Action Committee (PAC) we are able to make our case to legislators who can assist us in making our voices heard in the political process. 

NYSA needs your help. Political action is a necessary element to the well being of our businesses.  I hope you will support your industry this year by contributing the resources needed to maintain our presence and dialogue in the Capital.  This is certainly a very tough year of most of us in the staffing community, and money is understandably tight.  As business owners and leaders, though, it is our job to look past the immediate challenges, and act in our long term interests as best we can.

Constant vigilance is an investment we must make in keeping the business climate in New York as hospitable as possible for our industry.  If you cannot contribute as an industry leader there are other contribution levels.  Whatever you can afford this year will be gratefully received.

Please fill out the attached form and send your contribution today.  Thanks for your help.

Sincerely,

Alexander A. Courtney, Jr.

NYSA Legislative chair

January 2008

As I write this annual letter, all seems quiet on the legislative front.  No ruinous bills to oppose.  Our 7-Week bill was passed and signed into law.  This should be a year we can relax a little, right?  As the saying used to go, “NOT!”

The New York Department of Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith testified before Congress last year suggesting a 13-week extension of Unemployment Insurance benefits beyond the statutory 26 weeks as a way to help New Yorkers and stimulate the economy.  There are rumbles that modifications may be sought to the provisions of the 7-Week bill that will undercut some of the cost savings we hoped to realize.  There is enormous tension in Albany, and not all of it is about the budget. 

Now more than ever we need a watchful presence here in the Capital to keep an eye on what is happening, and to make persuasive arguments in support of our interests. That presence is our lobbying firm Davidoff, Malito & Hutcher.  With their assistance and through the vehicle of our Political Action Committee (PAC) we are able to make our case to legislators who can assist us in making our voices heard in the political process.  It is imperative that we are able to have a dialogue with whoever is in charge in Albany.

This year all 212 embers of the NYS Legislature will be up for re-election. NYSA had a very successful year last year in New York. Our seven week bill was signed into law and becomes effective 1/1/09. The "Walmart bill" was defeated, but may be resurrected and our relationship with the AFL-CIO and the NYS Business Council have been enhanced. We have a new Senate Labor Committee Chair in Joe Robach of Rochester who has been a strong supporter. Past Labor Comm. Chair George Maziarz still resides as a member of the Comm. and Assembly Labor Committee Chair Susan John continues to support our industry. This is a good year to further solidify NYSA's support of key legislators.

NYSA needs your help to achieve the above. I am reaching out to a select few individuals who understand how important effective political action is to the well being of our businesses, and asking you to join the NYSA/ASA PAC program at the industry leader level. This requires a contribution to the NYSA PAC of $1,500, of which $750 can be a corporate check and the remaining $750 must be paid in a personal check.

Each year we say that this year is a pivotal year, and in fact each one is.  Constant vigilance is an investment we must make in keeping the business climate in New York as hospitable as possible for our industry.  If you cannot contribute as an industry leader there are four other contribution levels.

Please fill out the attached form and send your contribution today.  Thanks for your help.

Sincerely,

Alexander A. Courtney, Jr.

NYSA Legislative chair