Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) has consistently pointed to New York’s out-of-control taxation policies as a driving force behind the lack of new investment in the Southern Tier. A recent study performed by the Tax Foundation and the KPMG accounting firm has found that the state consistently ranks in the bottom 10 states for effective tax rates across several industries.

“The only way we’re going to have an economic revitalization in areas like the Southern Tier and the rest of Upstate New York will be through the government taking a step back and allowing businesses to thrive with limited taxation and a reduced regulatory burden,” Friend said. “This study is part of a long list that consistently ranks our state as an unfriendly place to start and maintain a business. The Southern Tier deserves a chance at success and growth. The only way to accomplish this is to get Albany out of the way and let economic growth happen naturally. Once we are able to reverse course and get these numbers out of the forties, we will begin to see jobs come back to New York in a way we have never seen before.”