The state Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Senator John DeFrancisco (R-C-I, Syracuse), and the Committee on Investigations and Government Operations, chaired by Senator Carl L. Marcellino (R, Syosset), have scheduled five statewide public hearings on how New York’s tax policies can be changed to reduce the burden on taxpayers and to help businesses create more jobs.

“I believe New Yorkers would be best served by broad-based tax cuts that could help all businesses grow and create jobs in New York State,” Senator DeFrancisco said. “These hearings will give us an opportunity to hear the best ideas for reforming the state’s tax policy and achieving real results.”

“Over the last few years, New York State government has taken steps in the right direction to improve the fiscal health of our state, reduce the tax burden and eliminate obstacles that prevent businesses, both new and established, from thriving,” Senator Marcellino said. “Yet, we should never stop looking for new ways to reform our tax policies, cut our taxes and encourage economic growth. This series of hearings will provide invaluable insight as we shape a new tax reform proposal that fits the 21^st century economy.”

Public hearings are scheduled for the following dates in Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, Mineola and New York City:

> September 4th at 10 a.m. in Hearing Room A of the Legislative Office Building in Albany;
> September 5th at 10:30 a.m. in the Common Council Chambers of Syracuse City Hall, 233 East Washington Street, Syracuse;
> September 12th at 10 a.m. in the Common Council Chambers, 13^th floor of Buffalo City Hall, 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo;
> October 3rd in the Legislative and Executive Chamber in the Nassau County Office Building, 1550 Franklin Avenue in Mineola; and
> October 4th at 10 a.m. in the Senate Hearing Room, 19^th floor, 250 Broadway in New York City.

The Albany kick-off hearing will feature testimony from statewide business organizations including: the Business Council of New York State; National Federation of Independent Business; Unshackle Upstate; the New York State Economic Development Council; the Manhattan Institute; the Tax Foundation; New York Farm Bureau; the Manufacturers Association of Central New York; Associated Builders and Contractors; and the Center State Corporation for Economic Opportunity.

The hearings in Syracuse, Buffalo, Mineola and New York City will feature testimony from regional and local business owners and other individuals from the private sector.

"From the testimony at these hearings, we will develop tax reform proposals that have a realistic chance of becoming state policy,” Senator DeFrancisco said. “We will then present these proposals to the Governor for him to consider, as he puts together his Executive Budget for next year.”