Murray, Regional Business Leaders Discuss Suffolk County Economic Development

Freshman Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C-East Patchogue), brought together several business and economic leaders today to find ways to increase Suffolk County’s job and business prospects. Murray, a small-business owner and member of the Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry, held the meeting to help turn around the impact of the state and national recession on residents in his district.
“It’s time to get New Yorkers back to work. I want to remove the barriers and red tape that are impeding our economic recovery and growth in this state to help create jobs,” said Murray. “It’s clear that many of our families are feeling the pain of job loss and the lagging employment market
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has ranked New York as the state with the least positive economic outlook. ALEC’s report cited New York’s unbridled tax-and-spend policies as the largest contributor to the state’s lethargic economy. Just this year, the Assembly and Senate Majorities added $1.4 billion in taxes, fees and fines to the enacted budget, many of which will add to the burden already felt by business owners. New York has the highest marginal personal and corporate taxes in the nation, 12.62 percent and 15.95 percent respectively. Even more distressing is the 1.7 million New Yorkers who have left the state over the last decade (absolute domestic migration). CNBC also ranked New York poorly, 36th overall for its business climate due to its costliness, excessive regulations and overall poor economy.
While statewide figures were dismal, Suffolk County figures were mixed, showing signs of recovery but also highlighting areas in need of improvement. Long Island boasts a $137 billion economy and is the 17th largest metro economy in the US. Additionally, Suffolk County’s unemployment rate has improved from 8.3 percent at the beginning of this year to 6.8 percent in May. Suffolk County’s workforce is highly educated and eager for employment, however the county has lost over 62,000 residents, aged 25-44 from 2000-08. Hardest hit in Long Island were construction, information and wholesale sectors.


Working to improve the economic situation on Long Island, Assemblyman Murray contacted leaders at the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Workforce Housing, the Long Island Association, Community Development Corporation of Long Island, New York Business Development Corporation, U.S. Commercial Service-Long Island Export Assistance Center, various chambers of commerce, small business owners and the public.
“Long Islanders need proactive solutions, and they’re saying loud and clear that we need to cut taxes and onerous regulations,” said Murray. “I look forward to taking the suggestions and ideas of these business owners and residents to Albany to accelerate job growth here in Suffolk.”
Assemblyman Murray is continuing to seek public input on the matter. Residents wishing to comment should email ideas to murrayd@assembly.state.ny.us  or call (631) 207-0073.