Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno, R-Brunswick, and members of the Senate Majority Conference last month unveiled the Upstate Now agenda, a comprehensive job creation and economic growth plan that would transform and revitalize the upstate economy, generate billions of dollars in new investment, and create thousands of new jobs for New Yorkers.

The 10-point plan would invest a total of more than $3.7 billion into economic development initiatives over the next three years, including new tax relief and incentives, new and existing capital investments and private sector matching funds.

More than $2 billion would be invested in the first year of the program.

The Senate’s comprehensive plan will: reduce taxes, energy and health care costs for employers; provide upstate with a 21st century economic infrastructure; strengthen small businesses, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and other key industries throughout the State; make upstate an international leader in new and emerging technologies; revitalize downtowns and local communities throughout the region; support clean, renewable energy initiatives; strengthen our workforce; and enact sweeping reforms to make the upstate region more business-friendly and economically competitive.

“Revitalizing the upstate economy and creating new economic opportunities for young New Yorkers is a top priority for the Senate Majority,” Bruno said. “With the launch of our Upstate Now agenda, we are advancing a comprehensive, strategic plan that will strengthen the state’s economy, particularly upstate, create thousands of new jobs and generate tremendous new investments in communities all across our State. I’m proud that the Senate’s “Upstate Now” plan has the support of business leaders and organizations from across the state.”

“Our Upstate Now agenda is not simply the best plan to revitalize our state’s economy, it is the only plan to be advanced in Albany this year,” Bruno said. “After hearing a great deal of rhetoric about the upstate economy during the campaign season, business leaders and other concerned parties have rightly asked why the issue has fallen off Albany’s radar screen. The Upstate Now plan sends a clear message that the state’s economy, and upstate in particular, is a top priority for the Senate Majority, and we will be fighting hard to ensure that this plan is enacted.”

“There is no more appropriate title for this agenda than Upstate Now,” said Sen. James Alesi, R-Perinton, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business. “The upstate economy is in desperate need of revitalization and our plan will greatly improve the economic picture for upstate residents. Lowering taxes, providing affordable healthcare plans for small businesses, investing in new technology and reducing energy costs will not only attract new businesses to our region, but allow businesses currently here to retain their employees and pay them a good wage. The time to act on this plan is now so cities like Utica, Syracuse, Buffalo and my home area of Rochester can begin to enhance their quality of life and foster economic growth.”

The Senate’s Upstate Now plan includes more than $2.6 billion in tax cuts and incentives, when fully implemented in three years; as well as $300 million in existing venture capital funds that will generate an additional $300 million in private sector matching funds; $300 million in capital monies originally proposed in the executive budget, but not included in the adopted budget; $155 million in new capital investment funds; and $58 million in new economic development program investments.

From tax cuts, to the JOBS NOW and Pipeline for Jobs initiatives, to the Jobs 2000 Plan (J2K), Gen*NY*sis, and Centers of Excellence programs, the Senate majority has always been the principal driving force in Albany behind efforts to promote economic growth and job creation for New Yorkers. The Upstate Now strategic plan will build on this legacy with a broad, comprehensive and integrated 10-point plan:

1. Reducing Taxes for Small Businesses, Manufacturers and Key Industries

2. Building and Investing in a 21st Century Infrastructure for the Upstate Economy

3. Making Upstate an International Powerhouse in New and Emerging Technologies

4. Reducing Energy Costs for Employers and Promote Energy Independence

5. Reducing Health Care Costs for Small Businesses to Insure More Families

6. Creating Thriving Main Streets

7. Winning the Global Competition for Manufacturing Plants

8. Preparing the Finest Workforce in the Nation

9. Providing Around the Clock Access to the State’s Economic Development Programs

10. Marketing Upstate’s Outstanding Recreational, Cultural and Tourism Opportunities.