Thirty CPAs from the NYSSCPA’s
Suffolk and
Nassau chapters met with state
Sen. John J. Flanagan
(R-2) on Dec. 10 as part of the Society’s new Legislative Breakfast series. Representatives from the offices of state Sen. Lee M. Zeldin (R-3) and state Sen. Phil Boyle (R-4) also attended the two-hour event aimed at connecting members with their local lawmakers and to its legislative agenda. The breakfasts are cooperative efforts between the Society and its chapter leaders.
“I hope that this is the first of many dialogues we will have which will [provide] CPAs—known as the trusted advisors who represent a significant portion of Long Island taxpayers, as well as taxpayers across the state—a forum to express our concerns relating to the impact of current tax laws and discuss legislation proposals needed to make it fair and reasonable when certain triggering events take place in clients’ particular situations, or to assist in clarification of current law,” Nassau Chapter President Scott Sanders said.
Both Sanders and Suffolk Chapter President Lawrence C. Lucarelli helped coordinate the event. Sen. Flanagan addressed several tax reform efforts that are currently underway in Albany and the importance of being involved in the discussion. He encouraged the Society to continue its advocacy efforts in working with elected officials in Albany. (The Society was asked to submit comments for Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s tax reform panel and to testify before the Senate Finance Committee on tax reform.) Flanagan also answered specific questions from members on issues dealing with the New York State Department of Labor and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
The Society presented to attendees information on the legislative items it is examining for 2014, which include the prevention of expansion of the Martin Act, the protection of the annual internal audit requirement for large school districts, and CPA firm ownership.
The Society also distributed its annual economic outlook survey. The survey, which can be found online, outlines the steps that CPAs in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania believe should be taken to improve the business climate.
Future legislative breakfasts are currently being planned. For more information, contact NYSSCPA Public Affairs Manager Robert Busweiler at rbusweiler@nysscpa.org..