Long Island Lawmakers Announce a New Deal for Nassau
Nation’s First Suburb responds to President Obama’s Call to Action

Long Island, NY – In the midst of what’s been described as the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, Legislator Dave Mejias (D-Farmingdale), Presiding Officer Diane Yatauro (D-Glen Cove) and the Democratic Majority in the Nassau County Legislature announced today a bold plan to spur job creation and build the economy in Nassau County. This new initiative is being dubbed The New Deal for Nassau.

In his address to Congress on Tuesday night, President Barack Obama called on all Americans to “act boldly and wisely – to not only revive this economy, but to build a new foundation for lasting prosperity. Now is the time to jumpstart job creation...” The New Deal for Nassau will do just that. It is designed to cut through the bureaucracy and red tape in government that slows economic development and delays job growth.

The worldwide economic downturn has hit Nassau County particularly hard. Not since the 1980’s has Nassau County had a decline in its sales tax revenue. For the first time in history, the county could face back to back negative sales tax growth. This downturn also continues to hammer at the Long Island job market. Between September 2007 and September 2008, the unemployment rate has grown from 3.9% to 5.2%. A staggering figure on its own, forecasters predict Long Island unemployment could reach as high as 7% by the end of the year

As the first suburban county in the nation, Nassau’s economic development has stagnated. High taxes, the high cost of living and onerous requirements of local governments on the business community has resulted in delayed development, loss of new business and jobs, and dwindling tax revenue. This puts a heavy burden on Nassau County residents to make up for the loss.

“The Democratic Majority does not want to waste a crisis,” said Legislator Mejias. “We cannot create a blue ribbon panel or wait for a report. Change will begin right now with Legislators holding committee hearings to formulate policies, procedures and legislation that streamline government to create jobs more quickly.”

The Legislature has already taken the first step by passing the 2009 Nassau County Capital Budget and the 2009 – 2012 Capital Improvement Plan last month. This was the earliest the Capital Plan had been passed and it will provide nearly $204 million in 2009 for road and park improvement, infrastructure and major projects. This unprecedented early passage will allow construction and building tradesworkers to begin projects immediately, providing nearly 1000 local jobs to Long Islanders during these trying economic times.

Presiding Officer Diane Yatauro (D-Glen Cove) said, “In these dire economic times, business owners need all the help they can get. By cutting the red tape and improving the way government processes information we are making life easier for Nassau businesses. This translates into revenue and creating jobs. These initiatives couldn’t have come at a better time.”

”For years, I have pushed for revising antiquated planning regulations and codes to reflect today's needs,” said Legislator Dave Denenberg (D-Merrick). “We can promote smart growth and pro-environmental initiatives and business and development interest at the same time. Indeed, in these economic times, we can and must promote business and labor opportunities while realizing concepts of smart growth, green technology and much needed development of the hub and our downtowns. Nassau is pro-labor, pro-business, pro-environment and anti-red tape and outdated 1950s concepts that did not work then or now.”

“It is great that Legislator Mejias and the Majority Legislators are encouraging new businesses to come to the County. It is important that Nassau County be business friendly,” Nassau County Comptroller Howard Weitzman said. “My office recently began testing an electronic payment option for County vendors. Even in these difficult economic times we can make changes to improve our business climate.”

“This is an example of Nassau County Legislators working together to find new ways to make it easier for small business to get started in our County, said Legislator Judi Bosworth (D-Great Neck). “We are always looking for ways to cut through the red tape so that entrepreneurs know that Nassau is a business friendly place and we will make every effort to ensure that the process is as simple as possible.”