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For me, personally, there is also a very special meaning to the significance of a black man rising to the presidency of the United States. Growing up as a Jew in the New York of the 1940’s and the 1950’s, I suffered my share of prejudice and bigotry. Working on newspapers in the Deep South of the early 1960’s, I saw things I don’t like remembering. I was, therefore, elated when Jack Kennedy became our first Catholic president and, again, when Joe Lieberman became Al Gore’s running mate. And, I feel that same sense of elation now that an African-American has risen to the presidency of the United States.
I’m a flag waiver. Anyone who knows me knows that. I love this country and I love its promise. And, its promise continues to grow. But, everything comes with a price. And, I’m concerned that it’s the business community that will pay the price for the outcome of both our state and federal elections.
Barack Obama has promised to sign the Employee Free Choice Act if it comes across his desk. And, with the Senate seats gained by the Democrats, it just might. This is an offensive, pro-union bill that would do away with the time honored tradition of the secret ballot in organizing drives; would virtually eliminate management’s ability to participate in the process and would target the small business community. And, our new president has pledged to sign it into law.
He has also pledged to increase the tax burden of our largest business sectors and the personal taxes of those who own and operate those businesses.
At the state level, the shift in power in the Senate exposes us to the onerous consequences of the infamous Hoyt/Maziarz IDA legislation and a generally punitive restructuring (or elimination) of the Empire Zone Program. Also, passage of business-unfriendly environmental legislation such as the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill and the Bigger Better Bottle Bill. And, I believe we will see renewed attempts at paid family leave and hospital redistribution initiatives.
The RBA will be vigilant and we are prepared to advocate in new ways that might be required by the new construct of our state and federal governments. We have friends on both sides of the aisle in the Assembly and we will endeavor to achieve the same in the Senate.
The President-elect has indicated a willingness to give consideration to the needs of our small business community and we will certainly encourage and support such actions. Recently, we had meetings with Congresswoman Nita Lowey and Congressman John Hall. We have been contacted by Sen. Chuck Schumer about addressing our general membership and we are looking forward to hosting him sometime in March. We will also be reaching out to Eliot Engel and Hillary Clinton.
Significant change is about to take place. Be assured that your association will find ways to succeed in this new environment. Your needs, your concerns, your future are the reasons why there is an RBA. We have met the challenges of the past and embrace the challenges of the future. Ours is a strong, mature community. We will come through the current economic crisis and emerge from any legislative assault as an even stronger, more vibrant advocate for the business community. |
