BALCONY New York » News from BALCONY

Governor Paterson Names Advisory Committee to Help Health Care Reform Cabinet

kevin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:14:23 +0000

GOVERNOR PATERSON SELECTS BALCONY TO ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO HELP HEALTH CARE REFORM CABINET

BALCONY this week (Tuesday) was named by Governor David Paterson to the Health Care Reform Advisory Committee, which will provide input to the Governor's Health Care Reform Cabinet on the implementation of federal health care reform in New York State. The Advisory Committee includes 37 organizations representing health care providers, consumers, businesses, organized labor, local governments, health plans and health insurers, and health policy experts.

"Federal health care reform will have a significantly positive impact for New York's residents, families, small business owners and the 2.5 million New Yorkers who are currently uninsured," Governor Paterson said. "It is essential that we get health reform right, making the most of this opportunity to improve access to health care while reducing cost. Our broad advisory group will help us achieve this goal."

"BALCONY is honored to be a participant in the Governor's panel to continue to find common ground between business and labor on the implemental of health care reform in New York State," stated BALCONY Director Lou Gordon. "For the past 3 years we have been working with small businesses, labor unions, health care advocates, providers and trade associations in helping to forge a workable coalition that provides affordable Health Care for New Yorkers. In fact, in April HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius detailed the new Health Care Law to a BALCONY New York City Symposium which featured a broad range of experts, providers and consumers."

BALCONY has in fact held public and private health care forums in Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, White Plains, Nassau County and New York City all designed to provide a positive discourse on the Health Care needs of all New Yorkers," stated BALCONY co-chair Alan Lubin, formerly Executive VP of NYSUT.

"Our BALCONY concerns have focused on the affordability, availability, portability of health care benefits to business and recipients, insuring young adults and the provision of electronic medical records," stated BALCONY co-chair Bruce Ventimiglia, Chairman of Saratoga Capital Management.

BALCONY Celebrates 75th Anniversary of Social Security with Events in NYC

kevin — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:40:12 +0000

From Left to Right (Nancy True, Director, IBT-Local 30 Retirement Division, David B. Roosevelt, Congressman Charles Rangel; Birthday Cake for Social Security; Charles B. Roosevelt, Speaker of the NY City Council, Christine Quinn; Lou Gordon, Director, BALCONY, Bruce Ventimiglia, Co-Chair, BALCONY, Alan Lubin, Co-Chair, BALCONY) New York City (August 19^th, 2010) – Throughout the month of August, BALCONY, the Business and Labor Coalition of New York (www.balconynewyork.com), has worked with the New York State Office for the Aging, AARP, the New York State United Teachers, Hunter College’s Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute, and many others to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of Social Security with events across New York State.

On Thursday, August 19^th, the Social Security Diamond Anniversary Committee, whose members include the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA), the Business and Labor Coalition of New York (BALCONY), AARP, the NYS Alliance for Retired Americans (NYSARA), Local 237/IBT/Retiree Division, Services Now for Adult Persons (SNAP), the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), and the Institute for Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly, Inc. (IPR/HE), convened a series of Social Security birthday celebration events in New York City. The programs included brief speeches by beneficiaries, experts, relatives of the Roosevelt family, and elected officials, as well as entertainment, refreshments, and testimonials - as well as an evening panel moderated by journalist Jane Pauley.

The message of the day was clear: Social Security works for the nation and for the residents of every state and America cannot afford to cut it. Citing Social Security’s $2.6 trillion dollar surplus (projected to grow to $4.3 trillion by 2023) as well as the drastic consequences for beneficiaries were the program to be slashed or benefits reduced (without Social Security nearly half of seniors over 65 would sink below the poverty line) speakers argued that efforts in Washington to cut or privatize Social Security as a means to reduce the nation’s growing federal debt are essentially political posturing and unwarranted. The idea of raising the retirement age from 67 to 70 was universally rejected.

Social Security Works for New York

kevin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:00:56 +0000

A report by Social Security Works and Strengthen Social Security

Debate rages in Washington about how to reduce our nation’s growing federal deficit, and pundits and politicians alike propose cutting Social Security. It doesn’t seem to matter that Social Security has not caused the federal deficit, and the program has a $2.6 trillion surplus today, which is projected to grow to $4.3 trillion by 2023.1 Nor does it seem to matter that the housing equity and retirement savings of many Americans collapsed during the nation’s Great Recession. Cutting Social Security’s protections – especially for middle‐aged and young workers – will undermine Social Security as a financial foundation, and often a financial lifeline. Read the full report by clicking here: SS Works

BALCONY Celebrates 75 Years of Social Security

kevin — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 20:50:13 +0000

New York City (August 19th, 2010) – Throughout the month of August, BALCONY, the Business and Labor Coalition of New York, has worked with the New York State Office for the Aging, AARP, the New York State United Teachers, Hunter College’s Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute, and many others to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Social Security with events across New York State.

BALCONY Announces 21 New Members Since January 2010

kevin — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 19:53:37 +0000

NEW YORK, NY (08/05/2010)-- BALCONY, the Business and Labor Coalition of New York (www.balconynewyork.com), today, Wednesday, announced 21 new members since January 2010. The members of BALCONY include labor unions, businesses, trade associations, not-for-profits, and chambers of commerce.

New BALCONY Members Since January 2010:

Rochester and Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, (www.rgvalf.org), MVP Health (www.mvphealthcare.com), Infrastructure USA (www.infrastructureusa.org), Northeast Securities (www.nesec.com), Concrete Alliance (www.theconcretealliance.com), Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc. (www.tpna.com), Residential Home Funding (www.rhfunding.com), The Advance Group (www.theadvancegroup.com), Transparent Health Network (www.transparenthealthnetwork.com), Impact Plus, HAKS (www.haks.net), Content Critical (www.contentcritical.com), readMedia (www.readmedia.com), Life Line Screening (www.lifelinescreening.com), Entre Computer (www.entrecs.com), GSP Network (www.gspnetwork.com), JuniperHill (www.juniperhillam.com), OTG Management (www.otgmanagement.com), Pulse Marketing (www.pulsemarketinggroup.com), Belluck & Fox (www.belluckfox.com), and BMRx (www.bmr-inc.com)

Governor Paterson Proclaims August Social Security Anniversary Month, BALCONY to Co-Sponsor 75th Anniversary Celebration

kevin — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:27:54 +0000

Layoff Threat Looms Anew

kevin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:08:03 +0000

by Casey Seiler

ALBANY -- As the Legislature prepares to return to Albany, Gov. David Paterson issued some of his toughest words yet for lawmakers and another group he's been at odds with for months: state worker unions.

Love him or hate him, hard to ignore him

kevin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:55:02 +0000

'Living wage' fight brings both positive and negative attention to retail union chief Stuart Appelbaum.

by Daniel Massey

He doesn't boast the money, members or political might of some of New York's heaviest hitters in labor, but these days retail union President Stuart Appelbaum is creating a ruckus that belies his organization's size.

BALCONY and USI Affinity host ‘The Long Goodbye’ in Seattle, A Celebration of the Retirement of NYSUT VP Alan Lubin

kevin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:12:24 +0000

Lou Gordon, Director BALCONY; Alan Lubin, Co-Chair BALCONY;
Mark Sweetland, President USI Affinity; Michael Mulgrew, President UFT

The New York State United Teachers have lost a giant. Alan Lubin, the inveterate Executive Vice President of NYSUT, has officially retired after 17 years at that post. On Wednesday, July 7th, BALCONY, the Business and Labor Coalition of New York, along with co-sponsor USI Affinity hosted a celebration of Mr. Lubin's retirement.

BALCONY Hosts Breakfast Forum with Chris Ward, Executive Director of The Port Authority of NY & NJ

kevin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:53:27 +0000

“ In less than two years, the Port Authority’s forecasted 10-year capital capacity for the period running from 2007 to 2016 has been reduced from $29.5 billion to $24.5 billion. The agency is further challenged by a growing need for long-term transportation capacity-enhancing projects and investment in state-of-good-repair programs, including maintenance of existing bridges and tunnels, the cost of which has risen to more than $500 million per year, while facing mounting security costs since September 11, 2001. The Port Authority’s net capital expenditures and return on investment are inverse, our budgeted operating expenses are well below our annual cpi growth, and our staff headcount is at its lowest in 40 years…this system is choking the capacity of our region - our model has to change .”
-Chris Ward, Executive Director of the Port Authority of NY & NJ, 6/25/10

New York City – On Friday, June 25, BALCONY, the Business and Labor Coalition of New York, hosted a breakfast forum at the Vicinity Carpenters Labor Management Corporation (395 Hudson St.) featuring Chris Ward, Executive Director of the Port Authority of NY & NJ. The theme of the event was 'Building the Region in 2010 and Beyond’ and included expert panelists who discussed the state of infrastructure in New York State and nationally.

BALCONY Praises Passage of $50 Million Revolving Small Business Loan Fund

kevin — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:46:56 +0000

NEWS RELEASE

BALCONY, the Business and Labor Coalition of New York, praised the New York Legislature and Governor David Paterson for their June 21st passage of an economic development budget bill that includes a $50 million revolving small business loan fund. The loan fund, which Governor David Paterson included in his latest budget extender, is supported by BALCONY who lobbied for its inclusion in the 2010-11 New York State Budget.

BALCONY Hails Passage of Domestic Workers Bill of Rights

kevin — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:44:19 +0000

New York City, New York –BALCONY, the Business and Labor Coalition of New York, today (Tuesday) praised the Legislature and Governor Paterson for reaching a deal on the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights (S2311D/Diane Savino) (passed by the State Senate on June 1).

BALCONY Urges Governor Paterson to Sign Domestic Workers Bill of Rights

kevin — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:55:49 +0000

NEWS RELEASE

New York, New York - BALCONY, the Business and Labor Coalition of New York (www.balconynewyork.com), today (Wednesday) announced its endorsement of a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights (S2311D/Diane Savino) passed by the State Senate on June 1. BALCONY urges Governor David Paterson to sign this critical legislation, which would provide long overdue justice to over 200,000 domestic workers who make New York State their home.

Survey: Tax rich to save schools

kevin — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 17:54:23 +0000

State teachers union poll reveals public backs shift of burden to wealthy

By RICK KARLIN, Capitol bureau

ALBANY -- Message to incumbents: Raising taxes could be good for your political health. That's right, good, at least if it's a tax hike for the wealthiest of New Yorkers.

Those are the findings from a poll the state teachers union, New York State United Teachers, recently commissioned.

BALCONY Supports Legislation to Extend Martin Act, Allow Investors to Take on Corporate Fraud at State Level

kevin — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:46:26 +0000

NEW YORK, NY (06/11/2010)-- BALCONY,‭ ‬the Business and Labor Coalition of New York,‭ ‬today‭ (Monday) ‬announced its support of legislation‭ ‬that would give institutional investors the power to bring actions at the state level for damages incurred as a result of corporate violations of the Martin Act.

Parties Clash as Albany Edges Closer to Shutdown

kevin — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:46:23 +0000

By Nicholas Confessore

ALBANY — State officials began preparing on Wednesday for what they said would be the first government shutdown in New York history as prospects for the passage of another emergency budget bill grew cloudy.

BALCONY Calls for Increased Revenue to Balance State Budget

kevin — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:04:23 +0000

BALCONY is dismayed by Governor Paterson's threats to layoff state workers as a means to help balance the budget and recommends that the governor consider other, revenue building, options such as a reduction of the stock transfer tax rebate. BALCONY understands the gravity of New York State's budget crisis but opposes any measure that would seek to balance the budget on the back of our state's workers. BALCONY supports our members, specifically those who represent state employees - PEF, CSEA, and NYSUT - in their efforts to find a common sense, common ground, solution to the state's budget woes.

“PEF remains willing to work with this governor to achieve the savings in state operations necessary to balance this budget,” said PEF President Kenneth Brynien. “Unfortunately, the governor seems less interested in savings and more interested in getting a pound of flesh from state employees."

"It is unfortunate that Governor David Paterson continues to engage in threats and counterproductive rhetoric instead of focusing on securing a budget that will work for all the people of New York." - Danny Donohue, CSEA President

Paterson Now Focuses on Layoffs to Cut Budget

kevin — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:55:07 +0000

by Nicholas Confessore

Days after a state judge blocked his efforts to furlough half the state work force, Gov. David A. Paterson is crafting a plan that would lay off thousands of government workers at the beginning of next year, a move officials say is necessary to help balance the state budget.

BALCONY Offers Solutions, Finds Common Ground in NYS Budget Battle

kevin — Fri, 28 May 2010 19:11:06 +0000

BALCONY, in an effort to continue to influence the New York State Budget Debate, has placed ads in the Capital Newspaper and the Legislative Gazette, featuring articles by its co-chairs Bruce Ventimiglia and Alan Lubin. Mr. Ventimiglia, Chairman of Saratoga Capital Management, called for the restoration of the NYS Stock Transfer Tax estimating that it would result in $3 billion for New York. At the same time, Mr. Lubin, formerly Executive Vice President of NYSUT, hailed the victorious lawsuit blocking Governor Paterson's furlough of state workers, stating "a contract is a contract is a contract" .

Link to the ad: AD2010

BALCONY Hails Judge’s Ruling On Furloughs; PEF, CSEA, UUP Respond

kevin — Fri, 28 May 2010 18:56:26 +0000

Today, May 28, in a major victory for state employees and tax payers, Judge Lawrence Kahn issued a preliminary injunction against Governor Paterson's planned one-day-a-week furlough of state workers, saying it would cause irreparable harm to state employees and interrupt the delivery of vital state services.

BALCONY co-chair Alan Lubin commented, "BALCONY hails Judge Kahn's decision and offers support and solidarity to our members who brought this case against the governor. The governor must not be allowed to unilaterally abrogate contract law. We must find common ground."

BALCONY NEWS RELEASE: Charter Schools a Bad Investment for New York

kevin — Thu, 27 May 2010 18:12:48 +0000

For Immediate Release: 5/27/2010

NEW YORK, NY (05/27/2010)-- BALCONY, the Business and Labor Coalition of New York (www.balconynewyork.com), has joined NYSUT, UFT, and others in calling on the New York State Assembly to oppose a New York State Senate bill to expand the number of charter schools in New York State from 200 to 460 without necessary reforms that address accountability, transparency, over saturation and co-location issues.

The Chief, For the Record

kevin — Thu, 27 May 2010 15:26:26 +0000

May 28th, 2010

A financier who co-chairs a business/labor partnership last week called for reviving the stock-transfer tax, saying it could bring a sorely needed $3 billion in revenue to the state.

Bruce Ventimiglia, the head of Saratoga Capital Management and co-chair of the Business and Labor Coalition of New York (BALCONY), called the reinstitution of the tax a "common sense temporary revenue-enhancer" that would help spare vital government services that face severe cuts as part of the state and local budget-balancing efforts.

WINnyc and 1010WINS Radio Interview BALCONY Business Co-Chair Bruce Ventimiglia on Reducing the Stock Tax Rebate

kevin — Tue, 25 May 2010 17:39:45 +0000

By Doug Cunningham

Bruce Ventimiglia is co-chair of BALCONY- the Business and Labor Coalition of New York. He says with New York facing a budget crisis the likes of which it has never seen, BALCONY is endorsing a 20 percent reduction in the stock transfer tax rebate. That would erase nearly a third of the state budge deficit.

To hear the audio please click on the link below WINnyc Interviews BALCONY Co-Chair

News Release: BALCONY BUSINESS CO-CHAIR SAYS BRING BACK STOCK TRANSFER TAX – NYS GETS $3 BILLION FOR BUDGET

kevin — Wed, 19 May 2010 19:59:58 +0000

New York City - Bruce Ventimiglia, co-chair of BALCONY (www.balconynewyork.com) and chairman and president of Saratoga Capital Management, LLC (www.saratogacap.com), an asset allocation company based in Garden City, New York, today (Wednesday) called for the return of the stock transfer tax as a way to bring an estimated $3 billion into the New York State coffers. The stock transfer tax is already in place in New York State however it is currently rebated in full. Mr. Ventimiglia asserts that were the rebate reduced by a mere 20%, or less than a penny a transaction, New York State would collect enough funds to cover nearly a third of New York State's enormous budget deficit.

TEMPORARILY UTILIZE THE STOCK TRANSFER TAX A GOOD SOLUTION FOR ONE-THIRD OF NEW YORK’S BUDGET DEFICIT

kevin — Wed, 19 May 2010 13:13:01 +0000

By Bruce Ventimiglia, Co-Chair BALCONY, chairman and president of Saratoga Capital Management, LLC, an asset allocation company.

New York State is facing a financial crisis the likes of which it has never seen. In addition to facing a $9.2 billion budget deficit, this year will mark the first time ever that the state's general fund will operate in the red in May and June. The provision of vital state services is in jeopardy. For example, repair and renovation of New York's bridges and roads has largely come to a halt putting thousands of jobs and New Yorkers' safety at risk. In addition, huge cuts to education, health care, and human services are being considered. Furthermore, at a time when our fellow New Yorkers are already choking on their taxes, new taxes on soda, mortgages and vehicles are being proposed.