NFIB

CONTACT: Mike Elmendorf, 518-434-1262 or Jason Brewer, 202-406-4435

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos was honored by the National Federation of Independent Business/New York as a 2008 "Guardian of Small Business," recognizing the senator's strong support of small business and his 100 percent voting record with NFIB over the past two years.

"Senator Skelos has long been a friend of New York's small business owners, job creators and entrepreneurs, fighting for tax relief, more affordable health insurance and regulatory reform. He has been a consistent voice in favor of measures to lower New York's second-highest in the nation cost of doing business -- and has stood against legislation that would harm small business and further weaken New York's economy. Most recently, Senator Skelos demonstrated his leadership by securing Senate passage of a property tax cap -- a measure backed by 83 percent of NFIB/New York members in our most recent Member Ballot. We are grateful for Senator Skelo's support and leadership, and are proud to name him a 'Guardian of Small Business,' NFIB's highest honor," said Mike Elmendorf, New York state director of the National Federation of Independent Business.

NFIB is New York and the nation's leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C., and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small and independent business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB's powerful network of grassroots activists send their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America's free enterprise system. NFIB's mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses.