In 2025, the Putnam County Business Council (PCBC) will strengthen its commitment to closely monitor the activities of the New York State Legislature. Amid mixed national election results this past November, our state legislature returns with a mandate to continue the work it set out to do in 2019. But with a new administration coming into Washington, uncertainty will be a challenge to our local economy. However, New York has proven that it can and will protect its businesses and residents.

In an Op-Ed entitled New York Has Never Been A State To Back Down in the “Empire Report” dated January 8th, NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins set the tone for the new year when she said: “When others seek to divide, we stand united and tall. We do not just endure challenges; we meet them head-on and lead the way for the nation.”

She listed several initiatives as priorities for 2025 that are important to us locally:

1.   Expanding universal pre-kindergarten and taking it one step further by moving towards universal childcare.

2.   Continuing to fully fund our public schools.

3.   Continuing to stand up for our farmers.

4.   Making investments in affordable, working-class, and middle-income housing.

But it is the following statement by the Senate Majority Leader that is perhaps the most relevant to the health of the economy in Putnam County in 2025:

“Our conference has proudly fought for Main Street by injecting billions of dollars into small businesses and cultural institutions. This year, we will recommit our efforts to these economic drivers to ensure that the cost of doing business in New York doesn’t shutter our mom and pops.”

We will keep this last statement in particular in mind as we report on developments coming out of the NYS Legislature this year. Fortunately we enjoy good relationships with our state representatives, Senators Pete Harckham and Rob Rolison, Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg and Assemblyman Matt Slater and their staff members, who can help us keep up to date on legislative developments. Access to these officials is an important part of the service the PCBC provides to the local community. So please look for our regular emails and blog posts and listen to our podcasts (“The Voice of Putnam County Business”) as we seek to keep you informed and advocate for your best interests over the course of 2025.

Nat Prentice

President, Putnam County Business Council