Unshackle Upstate is a strong and growing bi-partisan coalition dedicated to making changes in New York State government that will enhance the Upstate New York economy and create jobs. Unshackle Upstate represents upwards of 45,000 companies that employ more than 1 million people who are ready for a change in Upstate New York.

New York residents have consistently paid some the highest tax rates in the country. And during an economic recession, the last thing we should have to deal with is more taxes. However, instead of reducing our already suffocating burden, lawmakers in Albany added to it by passing the Deficit Reduction Plan and the 2009-10 state budget. Instead of cutting spending and reducing taxes, they passed a budget that increased spending nearly 9% and raised more than $8B in new taxes and fees. What do you call something that you don't see coming and smacks you in the face? It's called a sucker punch and one was delivered to us. Unshackle Upstate will let you know which candidates are serious about reform and fiscal responsibility and which ones are just talking the talk. Albany's tax and spend culture won't change unless we elect people who will work for us, not themselves.

From 1990 to 2004, the number of 25-to-34-year-old residents in the 52 counties north of Rockland and Putnam declined by more than 25 percent. In 13 counties that include cities like Buffalo, Syracuse and Binghamton, the population of young adults fell by more than 30 percent. Unshackle Upstate's goal is to keep our economy moving, not our people.

www.unshackleupstate.com/