Mohawk Valley Times

Assemblyman Robert Smullen of Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks recently led a press conference aiming to address the economic challenges facing New York state. Alongside other lawmakers and economic experts, including Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay and Sen. George Borrello, the conference sought to discuss strategies to enhance the state's economic competitiveness and relieve the tax burden on its residents and businesses.

During the conference, Smullen emphasized the importance of actively engaging in discussions to improve the state's financial future, stating, "It is very important we continue to voice our concerns and discuss our ideas on how we can improve our state’s financial future."

One of the key highlights of the event was the presentation by Jonathan Williams, the chief economist of the American Legislative Exchange Council, who shared insights from the 2024 Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index. According to the report, New York state currently ranks 29th in economic performance and 50th in economic outlook. Smullen expressed concern over the stagnant economic outlook ranking, stating, "Our state’s economic outlook ranking has not shifted in a decade... This is unacceptable and needs to change."

Other speakers at the conference, including Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne, and NFIB Director Ashley Ranslow, also highlighted the impact of the state's tax burden on residents, small businesses, and communities throughout New York.

In his concluding remarks, Smullen commended the collaboration between lawmakers and economic representatives, expressing hope that it would lead to effective strategies and solutions to revitalize the state's economy. He stated, "I applaud this collaboration between lawmakers and economic representatives from across the state and country, and I am hopeful it will make a difference in forming strategies and solutions to revitalize our state’s economy. Together, we can improve New York’s financial future."

The conference aimed to shed light on the pressing economic challenges facing New York state and foster a collaborative effort to pave the way for a more prosperous future.