A Tale of Two States: NY, NJ Differ in Dealing with Property Taxes
As the New York legislature went home for the 4th of July holiday, Governor Chris Christie and the New Jersey legislature came close to a compromise on a proposal that will slow rising property taxes and reform what New Jersey residents have identified as their number one issue – property taxes.
Like New York, the Garden [...]
Can You Hear Us Now?
Can you hear us now Albany? This is the message that Unshackle Upstate and like-minded business coalitions are bringing to members of the Legislature as they head into the final weeks of session. Unshackle Upstate and its coalition partners will demand from Albany, a budget that reigns in spending, reduces taxes and moves New York [...]
Time To Grit Our Teeth and Make The Tough Calls
New York’s next governor can learn a lot from his colleague in New Jersey about how to make tough calls that will lower taxes and improve the state’s economy.
Unions and the Great Pay Debate
When talking about wages and benefits, the leadership of New York’s public employees union just misses the point.
Never Underestimate the Power of the People
An email from one resident expressing hope for a brighter future for New York makes Unshackle Upstate’s efforts relevant and worthwhile.
NY Taxpayers: Time to Talk About the Budget
A late state budget is better than a bad one, but Unshackle Upstate worries we might get both. Let’s work the lateness to our favor: You still have a chance to voice your concerns about the budget and make sure our elected officials hear them.
The Great NYS Property Tax Debate
Unshackle Upstate agrees with our NYS elected officials that something must be done to lower property taxes. But we differ greatly on the solution – and think their ideas fall way short.
Another Missed Opportunity?
At its core, Unshackle Upstate is about finding solutions. Identify what the short-term needs are and back them up with sustainable, long-term reform. As the saying goes, “if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.” Through its policy agenda, Unshackle Upstate has supported wage freezes and payroll lags as [...]
A Special Thank You To The Unshackle Army
After intensifying our social media efforts less than a year ago, we have shot past 12,000 Facebook fans and are now approaching 13,000. Since launching our 2010 Challenge last July, we’ve averaged 40 new fans a day. That’s incredible! Collectively, Unshackle Upstate is now one of, if not the, largest on-line political movement in New York. I can’t tell you how excited and thankful we are that so many New Yorkers are now engaged in the political battle to save our state.
New week, same old budget story
A new week dawns in Albany, but don’t expect the state Legislature – just back from a 10-day break – to agree to a 2010-11 budget anytime during these next seven days. The budget was due April 1.