Jean McPheeters

"As I listened to the Governor's State of the State address today, I was pleased to hear the Governor articulate a strategy for upstate revitalization. Capital investment is absolutely critical and has been lacking for many years. The $1 billion Upstate Revitalization fund should be instrumental in helping us build our local economy.

"I was also pleased to learn about the Higher Education Endowment Fund. Higher education is the leading sector in our local economy and the Governor clearly understands its importance for stoking our economic engine and for creating new technology and new leaders for our future. Former President Hunter Rawlings of Cornell served as the chair of the Governor's Task Force on Higher Education and I want to thank and commend him for the work he did on behalf of the people of our state.

"There was significant progress last year in Albany on several matters that are absolutely crucial to business. Workers' compensation was significantly changed saving businesses $1 billion while raising benefits for injured workers. And Medicaid spending was cut for the first time in a decade.

"The Chamber's Board of Directors and Government Affairs Committee will continue to keep a close watch on Albany and urge our members to support an agenda for economic growth and continued opportunity."

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