New York State Assemblyman from the 94th District (which covers most of Putnam County) Matt Slater was our guest on the Putnam County Business Council (PCBC) podcast on February 8th. Known as the “The Voice of Putnam County Business”, the PCBC monthly podcast features local business leaders and officials talking about things that matter to our community. We are fortunate to have as energetic and dedicated an individual as Matt representing us at the State level. His experience as the Supervisor of the Town of Yorktown (for 3 years) and as the Chief of Staff for former NYS Senator Terrence Murphy (for 4 years) gives him a good sense of what local governments need and how the process of helping them get what they need in Albany works. In his first year on the job, serving on 6 Assembly Committees including Labor and Transportation and working with legislators on “both sides of the aisle”, Matt was remarkably active in advancing legislation that addresses the needs of Putnam County businesses and residents. He wrote a letter to his constituents in January in which he updated them on his priorities for 2024. The following excerpt from the letter is relevant to the business community in particular:

“As we begin a new legislative year, I return to Albany with a renewed focus, energy and optimism. I always believe our best days are ahead of us, and with the right mindset, we can deliver a state government that works for us all.

To no surprise, New York is still grappling with an affordability crisis. From everyday goods and services to the cost of housing, soaring utility bills, health insurance and property taxes, we are facing the most severe affordability crisis we have seen in more than two decades.

The business community needs Albany to take meaningful action focused on the affordability crisis that will reduce the costs of goods in our communities. During the pandemic, New York state borrowed billions of dollars from the federal government to pay for the explosion of unemployment benefit requests. As part of the borrowing, the federal government levied interest at 2.28%, which New York State failed to account for. As a result, New York state currently owes $7.2 billion to the federal government, which Albany has passed onto businesses across New York state to pay. I am proud to sponsor Bill A.2982, which would suspend the interest assessment surcharge that equates to a tax on New York state’s businesses because of Albany’s mismanagement.”

Thanks for listening to our needs, Matt. And for working really hard to help us address these needs. Your energy, reverence for the time-honored legislative process and ability to focus on a number of issues at the same time is truly exceptional. All of us at the PCBC look forward to continuing to help you fight for the things businesses in Putnam County need to be successful.

Nat Prentice

President, Putnam County Business Council