Federal Issues

  • Alternative Minimum Tax

    The Alternate Minimum Tax (AMT) is a separate tax system originally designed to prevent wealthy people from exploiting loopholes in the tax code to significantly reduce the amount of taxes they have to pay. Since the income levels that trigger the AMT aren't indexed for inflation, more middle class citizens are subject to this tax. AMT reform is especially needed in high tax areas such as New York because it eliminates many common deductions, including those for state and local taxes. It is especially onerous to the business community because business income from S corporations, limited liability corporations or limited partnerships is subject to the AMT on personal income tax returns.

  • Employee Free Choice Act (Card-Check)
    We oppose this legislation which would end secret ballots in union elections. If a majority of employees sign authorization forms, or cards, a union would be formed and employers would have 120 days to reach a contract. Failing that, the government would appoint an arbitrator to impose contract terms.

    This bill undermines the long standing principle of workplace democracy and fairness created through the secret ballot. Its elimination will subject employees to intimidation by unions and peers. Binding arbitration will put substantial cost pressures on businesses, many of whom have little or no experience in negotiating key issues such as wages, benefits and worker productivity. The legislation would also impose fines of up to $20,000 per violation, triple back pay and increase the use of injunctions against employers.
  • Health Care Reform

    Meaningful progress is essential on the federal level to curtail the spiraling increases in health insurance costs to employers including passing medical liability reform, addressing outmoded information technology systems, and launching a wellness and prevention program across all segments of society and other measures. Health care policy reforms must retain current coverage options and create flexible new options for individuals and businesses. The Business Council of Westchester will carefully monitor the impact of proposed legislation on the business community especially small businesses.

  • Immigration Reform
    The U.S. immigration system fails to meet the current needs of our businesses, our workers and our economy. We strongly advocate for comprehensive immigration reform that goes beyond border security and workplace enforcement measures. Comprehensive reform must also create effective legal avenues for people to enter and leave the U.S. and allow those already contributing to our society to earn permanent residence.

    We support the development of appropriate temporary and permanent employment-based visa categories to encompass a wide range of skills, along with provisions for sufficient number of visas based on market demand. The visa programs, especially the H-1B program for foreign skilled workers, must remain flexible and accessible. We endorse the development of an effective, secure and workable computerized verification system to enable employers to accurately and fairly determine the legal status of potential employees.
  • Infrastructure Investment
    Thousands of "shovel-ready" ready infrastructure projects nationwide will be set in motion, creating new jobs and providing a spark to the sluggish economy should Congress approve an economic stimulus plan supported by President Obama. This infrastructure investment will improve U.S. competitiveness, quality of life, and public safety. (See also Transportation).

    The Business Council of Westchester supports this strategic investment to grow the economy and create jobs. The time is right for rebuilding America’s transportation, telecommunications, energy and water networks. New York has a long history of being on the cutting edge of new technologies, innovation and playing a leading role in the shaping of economic trends. Toward this end, our goal is to maximize federal investments in infrastructure investments throughout New York State in general and Westchester County.
  • Medicaid Reform
    Medicaid reform designed to reduce costs to New York State are long overdue. The Business Council of Westchester advocates for a well-justified increase in Medicaid funding to New York State to address the low comparative percentage of federal Medicaid assistance that currently applies.
  • Transportation

    Funding for a new Hudson River crossing that will include a mass transit component is a huge endeavor that requires the evaluation of many financing alternatives. We will reach out to our Congressional delegation to obtain Federal funds for this critical infrastructure project, starting with a request to inject special funding for the Tappan Zee Bridge and mass transit along the I/287 corridor as part of the SAFETEA-LU multi-year transportation bill and/or the planned economic stimulus plan.

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