The Assembly Minority Manufacturing Task Force today hosted a roundtable forum to discuss ideas with Capitol District area industrial leaders, manufacturing experts and statewide business organizations for improving the business climate in New York State. The forum is part of a statewide Assembly Minority effort to strengthen manufacturing in New York.

"Upstate New York, especially my hometown of Schenectady, has a great tradition of manufacturing and innovation," said Assemblyman James N. Tedisco (R,C,I - Schenectady-Saratoga). "I look forward to partnering with local manufacturers to create a renaissance in this important industry, the backbone of the upstate economy."

Among the manufacturers and industrial experts in attendance were representatives from Plug Power, Arcadia Supply, Windo-Therm, the Business Council, the Center for Economic Growth and the Chief Executives Network for Manufacturing.

Assembly Minority Leader Charles H. Nesbitt (R,C,I-Albion) created the Assembly Minority Manufacturing Task Force in 2004. Last year, the Task Force traveled throughout New York's manufacturing corridors to gain insight into the special challenges facing the industry. Based on feedback from those meetings, Assembly Minority members crafted a comprehensive package of legislation, outlined in the Conference's recently released Excelsior 2005 plan of legislative priorities.

The manufacturing proposals included in Excelsior 2005 were endorsed by the Business Council of New York State, the Manufacturers Association of Central New York and the National Federation of Independent Business.

This year, the Task Force continues its work in other manufacturing hubs of the state, including the Southern Tier, the Buffalo area and the Hudson Valley. Input from the forums will be utilized to enhance and expand the Assembly Minority proposals.

Leader Nesbitt said, "In the Capital Region and throughout New York State, manufacturing has a proud history and a promising future. The industrial sector remains a vital element of our economy, employing almost 600,000 New Yorkers. I created this Task Force to help prepare for its future and to address the unique needs of manufacturers in an era of intense global competition."

Brian M. Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua), Task Force Chairman, said, "As a former manufacturing executive, I know this industry plays a key role in the economy of our state and is critical to the future of communities both small and large. Manufacturing has always held a special place in our economy and I look forward to working with industry leaders to find the best ways to help it thrive."

Manufacturing has a greater impact on growth than any other economic sector, with average wages above all other industries. According to statistics from the National Association of Manufacturers, every dollar of manufactured goods produced generates an additional $1.43 in the rest of the economy. Manufacturers provide almost two-thirds of private sector research and development funding.

"The Capital Region is an ideal place to locate a business, especially one that needs educated workers and the ability to be responsive to the newest technology trends," said Assemblyman Roy McDonald (R,C,I - Wilton). "I welcome the opportunity to work with manufacturing experts to capitalize on New York's resources and to strengthen and renew our industrial base."

"Manufacturing is an essential part of the Upstate New York economy, providing high wage, high skill jobs to local communities," said Assemblyman Daniel Hooker (R,C-Saugerties). "I am pleased to be able to help develop new ways to enable manufacturers to keep and grow jobs in New York."

According to U.S. Department of Labor statistics for the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area, 26,500 people were employed by the manufacturing sector in November 2004.

After the forum, Task Force members toured manufacturing operations at Blasch Precision Ceramics and Solid Sealing Technology in the Watervliet Arsenal.

Other members of the Task Force include:

Assemblywoman Patricia L. Acampora (R,I,C-Mattituck)
Assemblyman Jim Bacalles (R,C-Corning)
Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski)
Assemblyman Joseph A. Errigo (R,C-Conesus)
Assemblyman Bill Reilich (R,C,I-Greece)
Assemblywoman Dierdre K. Scozzafava (R,C-Gouverneur)

Key manufacturing initiatives in the Assembly Minority Excelsior 2005 plan include:

• Community College Workforce Development Expansion and increased utililization of Workforce Investment Board/Workforce Training Funds;

• Manufacturers' State Tax Credit equal to 2.5 percent of a new employee's salary for each new job created;

• Implementing a Singles Sales Factor tax plan, and

• Reforms to the workers' compensation system, including the adoption of objective medical guidelines and a 500 week limit on benefits for permanent partial disability claims.

To obtain a copy of the Assembly Minority Excelsior 2005 plan or for more information, please call the Assembly Minority Office of Public Affairs at (518) 455-5073.