Opinion

Dangerous Labor Ambush Set for Struggling Small Employers

"If the people don’t want to come out to the ballpark,” baseball’s Yogi Berra once misquipped, “nobody’s going to stop them.” Labor bosses must feel the same way about wage and salary workers who are Read More

Legislation expands foreign trade zone to create jobs, investment in CNY

I was pleased to co-sponsor legislation that aims to draw more businesses to Central New York.  In March, the New York Assembly unanimously passed legislation that will expand the foreign trade zone.  Read More

What happened to our vibrant, regional economy?

I hear it all the time. Our region was once the manufacturing hub of America, which created wealth and employment. Our children remained in the area because of the abundant opportunities and family ti Read More

Is Health Care a Right?

Here is a good question that arose during the Supreme Court presentations on Obamacare. Is health care a right? You know, like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? Like the rights spelled out Read More

An Equally Monumental Issue

Sure, the Supreme Court’s decision is important. But there’s more to it than that. Obviously, the high court’s decision on Obamacare will be monumental. That’s because it deals with two clearly defin Read More

Obamacare turns two, costs still rising as point of no return nears

It has been two years since Obamacare has signed into law, and the costs keep climbing. Through 2022, taxpayers are on the hook for gross costs of $1.75 trillion, a 10-year figure that will only conti Read More

Deconstructing the American Dream

I want to thank President Barack Obama for delivering his third “State of the Union” address, in which the 44th president of the United States laid out clearly his vision of the American Dream.The pre Read More

Buerkle on Obama Administration's rejection of Keystone Pipeline application

I am extremely disappointed that President Obama decided to reject the Keystone XL pipeline. The pipeline provided an excellent opportunity for the President to show the American people he is serious Read More

Stage set for new legislative year, but will Albany deliver?

It was good to be back in the State capitol recently and embark on this legislative year. The first week included the annual State of the State address by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. He talked about a variety Read More