ALBANY, N.Y. (Jan. 9, 2024) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, issued the below statement from NFIB New York State Director Ashley Ranslow following Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2024 State of the State address:

“NFIB applauds the Governor for proposals to crack down on retail theft. Too many small businesses have been victims of smash and grab thefts that hurt their bottom lines and put their livelihoods at risk.

“Small businesses, like every New Yorker, are facing an affordability crisis. Inflation remains the top problem for small business owners, utility bills are the third highest in the nation, and labor shortages and mandated wage increases are making it more expensive and difficult to do business in New York. While NFIB appreciates the Governor’s focus on affordability and commitment to spending taxpayers’ money carefully, more must be done to help Main Street. NFIB looks forward and remains hopeful that next week’s state budget proposal will include additional policies that focus on affordability and address unnecessarily high costs, including oppressive Unemployment Insurance taxes and surcharges. Small businesses are essential to New York’s economy and the lifeblood of communities; the state must and can do more to address affordability for New Yorkers and small businesses alike.”