April 1, 2016
Wage Hike, Paid Leave Spark Budget Backlash Oneonta Daily Star
Joe Mahoney
He said the Senate Republicans were left in an “untenable position,” after Cuomo put both the higher minimum wage and the most expansive paid-family-leave policy in the nation in budget bills that also dealt with aid to public schools and many other programs.
“Ultimately, some people are going to lose their jobs and some businesses are going to close” as a direct result of the budget measures, Durant predicted.”
April 1, 2016
“The National Federation of Independent Business criticized the package.
“We continue to appreciate the efforts by many lawmakers to stand firm and protect New York’s small businesses and family farms, but continued resolve is necessary,” the group’s executive director Mike Durant said in a statement Wednesday. “This is not a deal worth celebrating, but one which needs to be flatly rejected.”
April 1, 2016
Small Biz Unhappy with Minimum Wage Hike Capital Tonight
March 25, 2016
Minimum Wage Debate Holds Up Budget Talks Time Warner Cable
“Fifteen dollars has not occurred outside of some select municipalities. This would be a statewide $15 an hour minimum wage. So study it,” Durant said.
March 26, 2016
“Business groups concerned about the sharp increase, however, say they don’t want a compromise – they want the proposal to fail.
“We know the issue is on the 1-yard line,” said Mike Durant, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business. “Maybe this deal falls apart.””
January 5, 2016
Local Leaders React to Cuomo’s Proposal Binghamton Press & Sun