Thank You for Making Day at the Capitol a Success!

Yesterday, over 150 advocates met at the State Capitol to urge lawmakers to pass bipartisan legislation to reform New York’s Scaffold Law. Among them were contractors, builders, small business owners, developers, lawyers, municipal officials, and representatives from over 30 advocacy groups. Attendees traveled from all corners of the state, from Buffalo to Brooklyn, to make their voice heard. According to several attendees, the effort was the largest ever demonstration in support for Scaffold Law reform. Mike Elmendorf, CEO of the Associated General Contractors of NY, stressed that the Scaffold Law was an issue that everybody could understand, and that the right to defend yourself should not be categorically denied to contractors and property owners. “Folks understand this is everybody’s problem – except for the trial lawyers.”

Boccia Christine Donaldson Boccia, Co-owner and Executive Manager of Donaldson Traditional Interiors of Huntington Station, spoke to the audience about the devastating impact of the Scaffold Law on small businesses, particularly minority and women owned businesses. Holding up a list of legal settlements, she pointed out that half of the thirty highest settlements in the past year were related to the Scaffold Law. Ken Pokalsky, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Business Council of NYS, highlighted that the Scaffold Law was an issue that’s impact extended far beyond businesses – local governments, school districts, and taxpayers are hit with millions in unnecessary costs, he noted. Attendees had the opportunity to share their stories with their legislators, and educate them on an issue that is poorly understood by many. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle expressed support for the legislation, but others were concerned that the trial lawyers’ influence could make it challenging to pass the reforms. The event received significant media coverage, including a segment on CBS 6, an interview on YNN’s Capital Tonight, and articles in the Business Review, the Albany Times Union, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, the Wall Street Journal, and My Fox NY. We would like to thank our sponsors and everyone who attended for their help in making this day successful. Without your contributions, none of this would have been possible.