Last night the New York State Senate Republican Majority lost their hold on the Senate for the first time in 40 years. This change is compounded by the reality that every major leadership position in New York State is in the hands of Downstate Democrats. For us, this means we must focus our efforts to highlight the important role that high tech plays in the New York State economy when presenting to new and existing leadership.

This development wraps up what can only be defined as a tremendously volatile period in New York State’s history, including the resignation of former New York Governor, Elliot Spitzer, the subsequent rise of New York’s first African American Governor, David Paterson, the retirement of long time Senate Majority Leader, Joe Bruno (R), and the potential rise of Malcom Smith (D) as Majority Leader of the New York State Senate.

These challenges have been further compounded by the most difficult economic crisis to hit New York State since the Great Depression, with multi-billion dollar budget shortfalls predicted. In addition, there has been no Lieutenant Governor to break any ties that may arise as a result of the razor thin democratic majority in the Senate. Governor Paterson has also had to seek his election to the post of Governor of New York State for the first time since his sudden ascent to the post. The new Republican Minority has a strong desire to convince several Democratic Senators to vote with them to form a new majority and there is still another internal power struggle anticipated between Senator Smith, the former Minority Leader, and Deputy Minority leader, Jeff Klein (D), for the Majority Leader post.

AeA is well equipped to meet the evolving opportunities and challenges presented by these changes, and to adapt our strategy to insure that the agenda of the high tech industry moves forward in New York. AeA has several resources available to you to assist in developing and implementing legislative strategy and navigating the political uncertainties of the day. AeA has a field office staffed by myself, the Northeast Regional Policy Director, and a contract lobbying firm with deep democratic ties to downstate Democrats.

AeA has already begun the process of reviewing legislation that in the past has only passed the New York State Assembly and was blocked by the former Senate Majority. In the coming weeks and months a number of previously innocuous pieces of legislation will be submitted for your review. It is anticipated that as a result of these political developments the high tech industry will see renewed challenges in the areas of environment, consumer protection, privacy, tax and off-shoring. I look forward to working with all of you as we adapt to new opportunities and overcome new challenges.

Warm Regards,


Justin Wright
Northeast Regional Policy Director
AeA

AeA New York Office
255 Fuller Rd
Albany Nanotechnology Complex
Albany, NY 12203

Phone: 518.437.8820
Fax:     518.437.8821