Advocacy

​This week, Governor Hochul announced the Department of Health has designated COVID-19 an “airborne infectious disease," triggering activation of the NY HERO Act. All businesses are immediately required to implement their airborne infectious disease prevention plans required under the HERO Act. Big I NY and a broad-based group of business associations opposed this measure, expressing concerns it will be overly burdensome and unwarranted. Learn more about your compliance requirements hereAlso this week, Governor Hochul signed a bill which will hold construction contractors jointly and severally liable for wage theft violations of their subcontractors, including unpaid wages, benefits, wage supplements, penalties, liquidated damages, attorneys fees, and other…

​Congress has now begun working on the details of the $3.5 trillion reconciliation package that addresses issues like climate change, federal paid leave, Medicare expansion, childcare assistance, free community college and much more. To pay for such a large expansion of the federal government, Congressional Democrats are considering numerous tax changes that would impact your agency and your clients. Tax increases currently “on the table” include: a significant increase in the corporate tax rate, raising the top individual tax rate, nearly doubling the capital gains tax rate, potential elimination of “stepped up” basis, and modification/elimination of the Section 199A 20% small business tax deduction for pass-throughs.REQUESTED…

​​On August 31st, Governor Hochul nominated Adrienne Harris as Superintendent of Financial Services, the head of the Department of Financial Services. Harris replaces Linda Lacewell, who resigned on August 24th.Harris brings extensive experience in economics and financial services. She served as a special assistant for economic policy for President Obama at the National Economic Council, and previously worked for the Brunswick Group as a senior advisor to financial companies, venture capital firms, and fintechs. Since leaving the White House in January 2017, Harris went on to serve as General Counsel and Chief Business Officer, and presently as Advisor at States Title, Inc. (now DOMA), which…