Economy

Jobless Claims Soar In New York

BY Nick Reisman New York State
PUBLISHED 6:24 AM ET Mar. 27, 2020

More than 80,500 jobless claims were filed in the last week in New York, according to the state Department of Labor, amid the deepening public health crisis surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

The initial increase for unemployment insurance is a 520 percent rise. Each of the state's 10 labor markets saw a minimum 284 percent spike in unemployment insurance claims, state officials said.

New York Counties Could Take $1B Hit From Coronavirus

BY Nick Reisman New York State
PUBLISHED 2:05 PM ET Mar. 18, 2020

County governments in New York could face an economic hit of $350 million to $1 billion in lost revenue as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, a report released Wednesday from the New York State Association of Counties found.

The report comes a day after Comptroller Tom DiNapoli in a revenue report found the pandemic will lead to a revenue loss of between $4 billion and $7 billion.

Cuomo Orders Private Sector To Keep Half Its Workers Home

BY Nick Reisman City of Albany
PUBLISHED 12:47 PM ET Mar. 18, 2020

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday ordered businesses to keep at least half of its workforce at home or have them work remotely in order to further prevent the spread of coronavirus.

There are exemptions to the order: Businesses that provide food, shipping, pharmacies, medical services, as well as the media, are not included.

Coronavirus Spread Could Strain Unemployment Insurance

BY Morgan McKay New York State
PUBLISHED 6:57 AM ET Mar. 13, 2020

Unemployment insurance is expected to be strained as workers stay home or are temporarily thrown out of work amid efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus.

The U.S. Department of Labor announced Thursday states can amend their laws to allow for unemployment insurance to be provided for multiple reasons surrounding the coronavirus, even if that person is still employed.

Environmental, Business Coalition Push E-Bike Bill for New York State Budget

BY Nick Reisman New York State

A coalition that is pushing for the legalization of e-bikes and e-scooters, in a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, praised him for including the provision in the state budget, but also urged him to work with the Legislature to get the measure over the finish line.

The budget is due at the end of the month.

Gig-Economy Platform Launches Ad Campaign

BY Nick Reisman New York State

Opposition to a proposal that would reclassify workers in the on-demand or "gig" economy is continuing on Tuesday as the platform Handy will launch a digital ad campaign against the measure.

Lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo are discussing a measure that would provide more traditional labor benefits for companies that provide on-demand services through the web or phone apps like food delivery, ride hailing or handy services.

NYSUT Launches Ad Campaign for Taxing the Rich

BY Nick Reisman New York State
PUBLISHED 7:07 AM ET Feb. 14, 2020

An ad campaign to be launched Friday by the New York State United Teachers union will push for a tax increase for wealthy people in the state in order to add more spending for school aid and education.

The ad being released Friday is part of a half-million dollar buy.

CSEA Elects Mary Sullivan to Full Term as President

BY Nick Reisman New York State
PUBLISHED 6:49 AM ET Feb. 14, 2020

Members of the state's largest public workers union on Thursday handed Mary Sullivan a full term as the labor group's president.

The Civil Service Employees Association re-elected Sullivan, who had been serving on an interim basis after the retirement of longtime leader Danny Donohue.

Del Lago Casino Touts Economic Impact in Seneca County

BY Nick Reisman Tyre
PUBLISHED 6:42 AM ET Feb. 06, 2020

The Finger Lakes-based casino del Lago Resort & Casino last year had a $270 million impact on the economy of the area, a fiscal impact study released by its parent company found.

The money includes $157 million in gambling revenue as well as $113 million in non-gaming sales and revenue -- including assistance to local governments and nearby businesses.

Tax Hike for the Rich? There's Little Enthusiasm From Cuomo Administration

BY Nick Reisman Albany/Capital Region
PUBLISHED 7:04 AM ET Feb. 05, 2020

A straight-up income tax hike for the wealthiest New Yorkers in a final state budget agreement, at the moment, remains little more than a pipe dream.

One of the reasons? Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration remains opposed.

Small Businesses Like Proposed Tax Cut, But Say More Help is Needed

BY Nick Reisman Albany/Capital Region
PUBLISHED 7:15 AM ET Feb. 04, 2020

Small business groups have had little to applaud in Albany in the last 10 years or so.

But Gov. Andrew Cuomo's $178 billion budget proposal includes a tax cut aimed at small business owners, a move the National Federation of Independent Business says is a necessary and welcome step.

Here and Now: January 14

BY Nick Reisman Albany/Capital Region

Good morning! It's going to be a busy first lobby day of the new year in Albany. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, meanwhile, is departing for Puerto Rico. Here's today's schedule: At 8:15 a.m., Gov. Andrew Cuomo will hold a press briefing before departing for Puerto Rico. JFK International Airport, Queens.

At 9:30 a.m., Assembly Real Property Taxation Committee Chair Sandy Galef will take testimony to examine changes to the STAR Program provided in the State Fiscal Year 2019-20 budget. Hearing Room C, Legislative Office Building, Albany.

State AFL-CIO Launches Digital Ad Backing Reclassification Of Gig Workers

BY Nick Reisman City of Albany
PUBLISHED 5:25 PM ET Dec. 09, 2019

The New York AFL-CIO on Monday launched a digital ad campaign in support of changes to how gig economy workers are classified.

The ad is the harbinger of a larger debate coming over the labor benefits of workers in the on-demand field, like Uber and Lyft drivers, and others who provide services through apps.

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