2018 Business Advocacy Resource Guide

The Voice of Business 2018 Advocacy Resource Guide

Our Vision: Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce will be a best-in-class organization, and a trusted voice, partner, advocate, connector, supporter, and leader for all things business in the Finger Lakes Region and New York State.

The Mission: Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce passionately serves, promotes and advocates for its members in order to secure economic prosperity for our Finger Lakes Region.

The Role of Public Policy & Advocacy: To advance policies and positions that contribute to a positive economic climate and member success.

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To our Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Members: Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has established itself as a key champion for our members and community through engagement at all levels of government. We strive to be a powerful and effective voice for business and responsive to members’ needs.

To highlight areas of focus and service offerings on legislative, regulatory, and policy matters, we are pleased to present our 2018 Business Advocacy Resource Guide. Within this Resource Guide you will find our 2018 Advocacy Agenda, which reflects the public policy issues identified by our members as priorities for the Greater Rochester/Finger Lakes Region and New York State. You will also find a directory of elected officials, a session calendar, helpful suggestions for communicating with elected officials, and an overview of some of our policy-related committees and events.

We will support pro-business legislation throughout the session and defend against policies and proposals harmful to members, our community and economy. Wherever possible, we will provide members with constituent support on issues important to the success of their organizations.

We are most effective when we speak with one strong voice and ensure that our elected representatives hear that voice. Our greatest tools are our voices and our votes.

To help advocate or to discuss any public policy issues, please contact me at RDuffy@GreaterRochesterChamber.com or Chris Wiest at Chris.Wiest@GreaterRochesterChamber.com Sincerely,

Robert J. Duffy

Robert S. Sands

President & CEO

Board Chair

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Contents

2018 Greater Rochester Chamber Business Advocacy Agenda – Economic Development – Health Care – NYS Mandates/Taxes Affecting Business – Workforce Development – Workers’ Compensation – Infrastructure

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You Are The Voice of Business

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Policy Matters Event Series

10-11 2018 Greater Rochester Region

Legislative Directory 12

2018 New York State Legislative Session Calendar

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Policy & Advocacy Committees – The Committee for a Strong Economy – PAC – Rochester Chamber Health Care Planning Team – Rochester Chamber Workers’ Compensation Committee

Join the conversation and get timely legislative updates at: GreaterRochesterChamber.com

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2018

Greater Rochester Chamber Business Advocacy Agenda Economic Development • Support Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Agenda Priorities

- Optics, Photonics and Imaging

- Agriculture and Food Production

• Next-Generation Manufacturing and Technology • Support ROC The Riverway • Promote increased cooperation between government entities and streamlined processes/ procedures across all 9 counties to make region more competitive • Reform state contracting and administrative procedures to improve efficiency and access (Minority and Women Owned Businesses) • Support member-specific growth opportunities

Health Care Policy Focus • Oppose taxes, assessments, and mandates that increase health insurance costs

Community Focus • Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Health Care Initiative focused on improving regional health - Support T21 legislation to discourage adolescent smoking - Support Rochester Chamber/FLHSA High Blood Pressure Collaborative - Support efforts to prevent opioid and prescription drug misuse

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NYS Mandates/Taxes Affecting Business • Support broad-based tax reform and hold the line on increased spending • Oppose excessive regulatory legislation and administrative action (Call-In Pay) • Encourage Upstate/Downstate differences be taken into account in policy and legislative decisions to avoid “one-size-fits-all” approach

Workforce Development • Support WD efforts that create greater alignment between job creators and job seekers • Support regional anti-poverty efforts - Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative (RMAPI) - Market Driven Community Cooperatives (OWN) • Increase young professional engagement (CLIMB) • Improve student achievement, access and workforce readiness at all academic levels - College Affordability (Bundy Aid, STEM, TAP)

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Workers’ Compensation • Support reforms to reduce employer workers’ compensation costs • Oppose rollbacks to cost-saving measures • Oppose costly program expansion

Transportation/Infrastructure • Transportation: - Increase upstate investment in surface transportation design and repair - Highway Trust Fund stabilization and funding increase - Increase funding for public transit programs that support job growth - Support Transformative Corridor Investment (Mt. Read Boulevard, NYS Route 77, NYS Route 96) • Information: - Support policies that encourage network infrastructure investment to enhance speed, connectivity and customer experience - Limit or reduce regulations harmful to new technology implementation • Construction: - Reform Labor Law 241 (Scaffold Law) to follow comparative negligence standard comparable to rest of the nation - Oppose expansion of prevailing wage mandates to private projects

For more Information, please visit: GreaterRochesterChamber.com

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This premium event series connects Rochester Chamber members to elected officials and representatives at the federal, state, and local levels to focus on how government action impacts the upstate New York employer community.

Receptions highlight contemporary local venues and feature complimentary beverages and refreshments, while allowing members to engage with key leaders, providing networking opportunities, and information on the latest developments of interest to employers.

“ Rochester Chamber has been instrumental in helping us navigate the political state of affairs in Albany and by introducing us to the appropriate people. Without this guidance we would have spent countless hours trying to connect with the right people and ultimately would not have had nearly the success that we have enjoyed to date.

It was a pleasure working with Rochester Chamber, and we were able to see positive results almost immediately.�

–Scott Reston, President, Coach & Equipment Bus Sales

YOU ARE A VOICE OF BUSINESS

Join us for Small Business Day in Albany, sign onto a letter of support, or reach out to your local legislators to help keep New York and the Finger Lakes region “open for business”.

Rochester Chamber conducts periodic “Policy Pulse” surveys to gain insights from members on public policy matters and legislation of interest to the employer community. We value your feedback, and encourage your participation to help us develop public policy positions.

get involved Learn more at GreaterRochesterChamber.com.

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2018 Greater Rochester Legislative Directory Federal Officials

U.S. SENATOR KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND (D) 478 Russell Senate Bldg. | Washington, DC 20510 202.224.4451 | www.gillibrand.senate.gov @SenGillibrand

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U.S. SENATOR CHARLES SCHUMER (D) 322 Hart Senate Bldg. | Washington, DC 20510 202.224.6542 | www.schumer.senate.gov @SenSchumer

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CONGRESSMAN TOM REED II (R) | 23rd Congressional District 2437 Rayburn HOB | Washington, DC 20515 202.225.3161 | www.reed.house.gov @RepTomReed

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CONGRESSMAN JOHN KATKO (R) | 24th Congressional District 1123 Longworth HOB | Washington, DC 20515 202.225.3701 | www.katko.house.gov @RepJohnKatko

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CONGRESSWOMAN LOUISE SLAUGHTER (D) | 25th Congressional District 2469 Rayburn HOB | Washington, DC 20515 202.225.3615 | www.louise.house.gov @louiseslaughter

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CONGRESSMAN CHRIS COLLINS (R) | 27th Congressional District 1117 Longworth HOB | Washington, DC 20515 202.225.5265 | www.chriscollins.house.gov @RepChrisCollins

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New York State Officials GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO (D) State Capitol | Albany, NY 12224 518.474.8390 | www.governor.ny.gov

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ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC T. SCHNEIDERMAN State Capitol | Albany, NY 12224 518.474.7330 | www.ag.ny.gov @AGSchneiderman

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COMPTROLLER THOMAS P. DINAPOLI 110 State Street | Albany, NY 12236 518.474.4044 | www.osc.state.ny.us

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New York State Senate PAMELA HELMING (R) | 54th Senate District Chair: Legislative Commission on Rural Resources Albany Office | LOB 946 | Albany, NY 12247 518.455.2366 | helming@nysenate.gov

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RICH FUNKE (R) | 55th Senate District Chair: Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation Albany Office | LOB 905 | Albany, NY 12247 518.455.2215 | funke@nysenate.gov

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JOSEPH E. ROBACH (R) | 56th Senate District Chair: Transportation Albany Office | LOB 711 | Albany, NY 12247 518.455.2909 | robach@nysenate.gov

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PATRICK M. GALLIVAN (R) | 59th Senate District Chair: Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Albany Office | LOB 512 | Albany, NY 12247 518.455.3471 | gallivan@nysenate.gov

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MICHAEL RANZENHOFER (R) | 61st Senate District Chair: Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Albany Office | LOB 609 | Albany, NY 12247 518.455.3161 | ranz@nysenate.gov ROBERT ORTT (R) | 62nd Senate District Chair: Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Albany Office | LOB 815 | Albany, NY 12247 518.455.2024 | ortt@nysenate.gov

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New York State Assembly MAJORITY LEADER JOSEPH D. MORELLE (D) | 136TH Assembly District Albany Office | LOB 926 | Albany, NY 12248 518.455.5373 | morellej@assembly.state.ny.us

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MINORITY LEADER BRIAN M. KOLB (R) | 131st Assembly District Albany Office | LOB 933 | Albany, NY 12248 518.455.3751 | kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us

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BOB OAKS (R) | 130th Assembly District Albany Office | CAP 444 | Albany, NY 12248 518.455.5655 | oaksr@assembly.state.ny.us JOSEPH A. ERRIGO (R) | 133rd Assembly District Albany Office | LOB 527 | Albany, NY 12248 518.455.5662 | errigoj@assembly.state.ny.us PETER LAWRENCE (R) | 134th Assembly District Albany Office | LOB 722 | Albany, NY 12248 518.455.4664 | lawrencep@assembly.state.ny.us

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MARK JOHNS (R) | 135th Assembly District Albany Office | LOB 549 | Albany, NY 12248 518.455.5784 | johnsm@assembly.state.ny.us

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DAVID F. GANTT (D) | 137th Assembly District Chair, Committee on Transportation, Commission on Critical Transportation Choices Albany Office | LOB 830 | Albany, NY 12248 518.455.5606 | ganttd@assembly.state.ny.us HARRY B. BRONSON (D) | 138th Assembly District Chair, Commission on Skills Development and Career Education Albany Office | LOB 502 | Albany, NY 12248 518.455.4527 | bronsonh@assembly.state.ny.us

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STEVEN HAWLEY (R) | 139th Assembly District Albany Office | LOB 329 | Albany, NY 12248 518.455.5811 | hawleys@assembly.state.ny.us

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Legislative Calendar January - June 2018

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2018 Legislative Session Convenes

January 8 January 15 January 16

Start of Sessions

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Final Day for Submission of Executive Budget

February 19 Presidents’ Day April 1 Beginning of New Fiscal Year May 28 Memorial Day Indicates session day

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Greater Rochester Chamber Public Policy & Advocacy Committees The Committee for a Strong Economy – PAC Chair: Tim Mason, Mason Marketing

The Committee for a Strong Economy – the Political Action Committee (PAC) of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is comprised of representatives from member organizations. The PAC conducts an intensive interview process each year that results in endorsement of candidates in both local and state races, identifying candidates who are dedicated to the economic wellbeing of our community.

The organizations represented on the PAC include: • Gerard D. DiMarco, Esq. • Hammer Packaging • LaBella Associates, P.C. • Mason Marketing LLC • Precision Grinding & Manufacturing Corporation • RocCity Coalition • Rochester Hispanic Business Association • Rogers Enterprises/Dock Hardware • Small Business Council of Rochester • Women’s Council of Rochester • Zweigle’s Inc.

Rochester Chamber Health Care Planning Team Chair: Becky Lyons, Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.

Engaging members from all facets of health care – including hospital systems, major insurers, and educational institutions – this dedicated group tackles important health care issues impacting employers, employees and the broader community.

Rochester Chamber Workers’ Compensation Committee Co-Chair: Jim Tacci, MD, JD, URMC Co-Chair: Brian Trick, Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.

This group of knowledgeable industry professionals advocates for fair and equitable workers’ compensation practices, limiting abuse of the system. The committee hosts educational sessions for members, NYS legislators, and the Workers’ Compensation Board on behalf of business interests.

For more information on the workers’ comp committee, please visit: www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

“I appreciate how much time and effort Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce spends on advocating for local businesses. The Public Policy and Advocacy team listens and takes action based upon our concerns, like high workers’ compensation costs, to ensure that local, state and federal representatives understand our position. Rochester Chamber also offers networking events, like the Policy Matters series, to give all members and their employees the opportunity to meet government representatives and have their voices heard.

Rochester Chamber advocates on our behalf so we can focus on running our business.”

– Julie Camardo-Steron, President, Zweigle’s

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Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce serves the nine-county Finger Lakes region of New York State.

We’re your one-stop connection to critical, yet affordable, business services. As a Rochester Chamber member, you have access to the expertise and people you need to succeed:

• Advocacy • Networking • Training • Human Resources Services • Staffing • Reference Checking • Health Insurance • Advertising Opportunities

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Officers Robert S. Sands – Chairman of the Board Constellation Brands

John M. Pitton – Vice Chairman Bank of America

Brian G. Flanagan – 2nd Vice Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer Nixon Peabody

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Constituent Support We are there for our members on matters that require support and assistance. We aid in company-specific legislative, regulatory, and funding issues at the regional, state and federal levels.

• Permits/variances • Government agency disputes • Immigration/visas • Legislation

If your business is experiencing a policy or regulatory issue, our Public Policy & Advocacy staff is here to help:

Chris Wiest

Vice President, Public Policy & Membership Chris.Wiest@GreaterRochesterChamber.com 585-256-4626

U.S. Chamber Accreditation As the recipient of 5 Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has been recognized as one of a select group of chambers representing the top 3% of chambers in the United States. In addition to its strong management practices, the U.S. Chamber cited Rochester Chamber for its policy work: “The chamber has established itself as an advocate for the business community and is recognized for its 2017 Business Advocacy Resource Guide, Rochester Chamber Healthcare Initiative, Policy Pulse surveys, active grassroots network, its leadership role in the Unshackle Upstate coalition, and actions of its Committee For a Strong Economy PAC.” – U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Rochester Chamber is a leader in Unshackle Upstate, a nonpartisan coalition of more than 80 business and trade organizations representing upwards of more than 70,000 companies that employ more than 1.5 million people. The goal: To achieve reforms in Albany that make Upstate New York a stronger place to do business.

Learn more at www.UnshackleUpstate.com.

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce p: 585.244.1800 f: 585.263.3679 www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com Thanks to Mason Marketing for the design and development of this guide.