Long Island Association unveils its top priorities for 2016

A “research corridor” tying together local universities and laboratories, pay equity for women, construction of the LIRR’s Third Track project in central Nassau County and groundwater protection are among the priorities of Long Island’s largest business group.

The Long Island Association on Wednesday will release its “top 10 priorities in 2016” at the group’s annual membership meeting. The LIA is seeking action by governments at the federal, state and local levels.

By releasing its priorities now, the LIA hopes to influence negotiations between Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and the State Legislature for the 2016-17 state budget, which is due by the April 1 start of the fiscal year.

The research corridor, modeled after North Carolina’s Research Triangle, seeks about $200 million in state funding for biotechnology projects at the Nassau Hub, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Stony Brook University and other institutions. The funds would come from an account secured by the Island’s State Senate delegation last year.

LIA president Kevin Law said the proposed corridor reflects the growing importance of biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device businesses to the local economy.

“Biotechnology employs more than 20,000 people on Long Island,” he said. “This corridor will be the bones of our future economy.”

The LIA opposes Cuomo’s plan, disliked by many businesses, for a $15-per-hour raise in the state minimum wage.

However, the group supports the governor’s drive to build a third track for the LIRR between Floral Park and Hicksville, which is opposed by some residents and politicians.

The 90-year-old group backs Cuomo’s call for employee-paid family leave — time away from work to care for children, an ailing parent or others — though Law said some consideration should be given to small businesses that could be adversely affected.

He said the LIA wants a feasibility study before family leave is adopted by the legislature. Employees would be paid when they are on leave from an account funded by deductions from their prior paychecks.

Find the full list of priorities at the LIA website.