Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is calling for more business-friendly policies affecting industries within the state. A recent study by the Tax Foundation, called “Location Matters,” compared the impact tax rates have on certain industries in all states. New York is already ranked by a number of studies as one of the least business-friendly states in the country.

“The longer we allow New York to remain unfriendly to businesses, with a high tax burden and layers upon layers of red tape, the more we miss out on the jobs needed to ensure economic recovery throughout upstate, which is lagging behind New York City,” said Blankenbush. “There has been a bout of recent incentives that are favorable to manufacturing, but we must adopt policies that benefit all job-creating sectors.”

According to the Tax Foundation, New York ranked last in attracting corporate headquarters, R&D headquarters and retail stores. New York also ranked as one of the 10 worst states for attracting call centers and distribution centers.

Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli released a report that indicated upstate New York has not grown nearly as fast as New York City in terms of job growth. Despite many recent policy changes to provide relief for manufacturers, job growth in the state decreased by five percent over the last five years. Blankenbush said such figures indicate that the state needs to take a more broad-based approach to improving the climate for all businesses.

Blankenbush sponsors a bill called the “Small Business Full Employment Act” (A.5898). Most small businesses are subject to the Personal Income Tax (PIT), which in this state is exceptionally high and a job killer. The bill would give a 10 percent PIT exemption to small businesses with up to 100 employees. There would be a tax credit up to $5,000 for small firms that maintain their current level of employees for one year. Each new job created by small firms will be eligible for a $5,000 tax credit.

The act also would repeal the energy tax known as the 18-a assessment. Additionally, there would be a credit for small businesses assisting their employees with college tuition. The act further creates amnesty opportunities for businesses to become compliant with regulations and/or catch up on back taxes. Finally, the act requires regular review of taxes, rules and regulations on businesses to ensure they are not impeding economic growth.