Unshackle Upstate Statement Regarding Paid Family Leave

For more information:

Kate Lewis Torok, Travers Collins & Company

716-842-2222, ext. 320 (office); 716-903-5283 (mobile)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 27, 2008

***MEDIA STATEMENT***

Statement from the Unshackle Upstate Coalition Regarding

Paid Family Leave

"Unshackle Upstate is pleased to have been an active part of the effort led by the Business Council of New York State that successfully blocked legislative proposals to mandate paid family leave.

Unshackle Upstate has argued for more than a year that mandating paid family leave programs would only serve to raise the already excessive cost of doing business in New York state, further hampering much-needed job growth. The proposals before the Legislature also would have increased absenteeism, increased costs and disrupted business operations, particularly for small businesses, which are the lifeblood of the Upstate economy.

Although the legislation did not pass this session, it remains a priority for labor organizations. Unshackle Upstate will continue to vigorously fight this mandate, which would have a devastating effect on our already shackled economy."

###