Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) has been named by the National Federation of Independent Business New York Chapter as the most pro-business Western New York member of the state Assembly. According to the NFIB/New York, over the last 12 months, Assemblyman Hawley voted in favor of business interests 91% of the time. 79 of the 150 members of the Assembly voted against business interests 80% of the time.

“The health of New York’s economy is my top priority,” said Hawley. “New York’s business climate, especially in upstate and Western New York, has struggled to survive because of onerous taxes and fees imposed by government. We’ve lost many businesses throughout the state and the jobs they provide. Many of my legislative colleagues, almost all of whom are members of the Majority, have looked to pamper their special interest groups, rather than support and protect job creation across the state.”

Earlier this week, the NFIB/New York released its 2009-2010 Voting Record, which outlined legislators’ records on key job creation and economic development legislation. The report examined business related legislation from the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 state budgets, which have increased taxes by more than $9 billion over two years. Assemblyman Hawley voted against both state budgets.

“Supporting the state’s economy and promoting job creation should be Albany’s top priority. Sadly, the Legislature continues to fail in this area. In the last two years alone, the state raised more than $9 billion in new taxes and fees, continued borrowing, and eliminated or reduced economic development programs, all of which make the business climate in New York worse. I will continue to advocate on behalf of the business community and will look to many of my legislative colleagues to do the same,” Hawley concluded.