THE BUSINESS COUNCIL OF NYS, NFIB, ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF NYS, UNSHACKLE UPSTATE AND LOCAL BUSINESS LEADERS HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE IN SUPPORT OF TOM BASILE FOR SENATE

NEWBURGH, NY– Citing his experience as an executive, small business owner and government official as well as his commitment to policies that grow our economy, the Business Council of New York State, NFIB, the Associated General Contractors of New York State, Unshackle Upstate and local business leaders spoke out in Orange County today in support of Tom Basile (R,C,I) in the race to succeed Senator Bill Larkin.

Surrounded by business leaders from Newburgh, Cornwall, Montgomery and beyond, the Business Council of NYS and NFIB in New York endorsed Basile, stating that he understands the need to fix New York’s economy. They also blasted Basile’s opponent James Skoufis for his abysmal record in the Democrat Assembly in support of higher taxes, more regulations, higher fees, and a disastrous state-run health care plan that would double state income taxes and eliminate private insurance and Medicare.

“The Business Council and our PAC support candidates who are committed to creating jobs and growing our state’s economy,” said Heather C. Briccetti, Esq., president and CEO of The Business Council of New York State, Inc. “Tom Basile is the only candidate in this race with a pro-growth, pro-jobs message, and the track record to back it up. He’s also the only candidate who is opposed to a $200 billion government-run health care system which would double our state’s budget and cause the loss of tens of thousands of jobs. The Business Council and our members proudly endorse Tom Basile for State Senate.”

“Economic growth, job creation and community revitalization across the Hudson Valley are driven by small, independent businesses. Main Street needs a champion in Albany who will stand up to special interests, reign in out-of-control state spending, provide real tax relief and eliminate costly, bureaucratic red tape. NFIB’s NY PAC is proud to endorse Tom Basile for State Senate because the best way to support small businesses and sustain economic growth across the Hudson Valley is to elect proven, pro-small business candidates this November,” said Greg Biryla, NFIB’s New York State Director. NFIB is the nation’s leading advocate for small businesses.

“Tom Basile understands the importance of infrastructure in supporting our economy and creating jobs. As a candidate, he has proposed serious and thoughtful plans to make much needed investments in our transportation and environmental infrastructure, putting New Yorkers to work in the process. As State Senator, he will fight for the pro-growth policies our vital construction industry needs to grow, thrive and rebuild New York,” said Mike Elmendorf, President & CEO of the Associated General Contractors of New York State.

“Unshackle Upstate is proud to support Tom Basile's campaign for the 39th Senate district,” said Michael Kracker, executive director of Unshackle Upstate. “Tom is committed to fighting for lower taxes, responsible state spending and a better business climate. He will work hard to help overburdened taxpayers and we encourage voters across the district to support him on Election Day."

“We cannot keep our people here and make our state more affordable if we go the direction of Skoufis and his NYC allies, growing government at the expense of the private sector economy. As a small business owner, I know what it means to take the risk of starting a business and meeting a payroll. We need a state government in Albany that’s focused on growing jobs and the economy, and that starts right here with helping small businesses grow in Orange County. Local businesses are the job creators but too often they are on the losing end of New York State policy,” said Basile who is running on the Republican, Conservative and Independence Party lines on November 6, to succeed longtime-Senator Bill Larkin. Basile has announced a real property tax program, reforms for more infrastructure funding, support for additional income tax reforms and a Sustainability Initiative that will help local business districts thrive. Basile also supports workers’ compensation insurance reform, health care reform to lower costs for employers and employees and regulatory reform that will help businesses grow.

For his voting record in the past Legislative Session, both the Business Council and NFIB graded Basile’s opponent, James Skoufis, an “F.” Along with his votes for than $20 billion in additional taxes and billions in failed corporate welfare programs including $420 million annual giveaways to Hollywood producers, Skoufis also repeatedly voted for programs like state-run health care that would require massive tax increases to fund and eliminates employer’s coverage.

“We need a real economic development policy that rewards all job creators, instead of picking winners and losers like we’ve been doing. The Skoufis way and the NYC way is just giving more to Albany. That has to stop. My opponent’s liberal voting record means fewer jobs, less private sector investment in our communities and fewer people finding living wage jobs. Our state’s economic development policy is shot. By the state’s own admission, it isn’t working – yet Mr. Skoufis keeps voting for these giveaways. We need Albany to get out of the way of our success. That means making it easier for local governments to provide meaningful property tax incentives for businesses willing to invest in our communities and relief for everyone from the outrageous property tax burden,” Basile said.