• IN DEPTH: What upstate NY business leaders are saying about the Upstate Now plan

• IN DEPTH: Specific components to the Upstate Now plan

The comprehensive Upstate Now plan offers a blueprint for action.

My colleagues and I in the New York State Senate have advanced a strategy we call "Upstate Now," a comprehensive job creation and economic growth plan that we believe can 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 offers a comprehensive blueprint for action on upstate revitalization, including new tax relief and incentives, new and existing capital investments, and private-sector matching funds. The Senate’s Upstate Now plan addresses the core issues facing small and large businesses in every sector of the economy by providing tax relief, investments and other measures to help business prosper, grow and create new jobs.

There's been plenty of talk over the past few years about the need to address the Upstate economy, but far less action. That has to change.

The Senate's Upstate Now strategy calls for:

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;
5. Reducing health care costs for small businesses;
6. Creating thriving Main Streets;
7. Winning the global competition for manufacturing plants;
8. Preparing the finest work force in the nation;
9. Providing around-the-clock access to the state's economic development programs; and
10. Marketing upstate's outstanding recreational, cultural and tourism opportunities.

We need action on the upstate economy.  Upstate Now remains a comprehensive strategy which has won strong support from business leaders statewide. Through Upstate Now and with prudent capital investments, we can help spark a turnaround in the fortunes of upstate communities.