LI business leaders press affordability needs in D.C. visit

WASHINGTON — Long Island’s largest business group — the Long Island Association — met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Monday to mark the group’s 100th anniversary, while mapping out economic priorities for the region’s future.

In a roundtable discussion with Long Island’s four U.S. House members — Reps. Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport), Laura Gillen (D- Rockville Centre), Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) and Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) — members of the group discussed the need for policies that promote affordable housing, childcare and lower energy costs in Nassau and Suffolk.

"This is an opportunity for us to reflect on the past 100 years and how we have supported Long Island’s economic development and also discuss pressing issues facing Long Island right now that will impact where we go in the future," Stacey Sikes, acting president and CEO of the association, told Newsday before entering the closed-door session.

Sikes said the association’s top priorities include looking at policies that focus "on strengthening Long Island's economy through investments in infrastructure, housing, workforce development, energy reliability, small business growth and innovation."

Members of the group’s board of directors also met with Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), before being recognized in Senate and House floor speeches from the delegation. 

"Their century of work fighting to make Long Island a better place to live, work and do business has accomplished more for the region," Schumer said of the group.

LaLota touching on the group's history said its "work continues today as Long Island confronts many of the changes that will define our next century."

Billy Haugland, CEO of Haugland Group, a Melville-based construction services company, and a member of the association’s board, told Newsday  the group’s centennial coinciding with the country’s 250th anniversary underscores the need for "unity" between Long Island’s business community and all levels of government.

"As we move forward toward America's next 250 and the LIA's 100, a greater partnership with the policymakers that are in D.C., as well as that on the state and local level, is going to be paramount in ensuring our successful path forward," Haugland said .

Board member Luis Vasquez, who also serves as president of the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said in an interview "inclusivity" is key part of the region’s future business growth, noting the association has sought to boost the participation of minority-owned businesses.

"We are honored to advocate for the policies, partnerships, and investments that will strengthen our economy and uplift the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs," Vasquez said.

By Laura Figueroa Hernandez

laura.figueroa@newsday.com@Laura_Figueroa

Laura Figueroa Hernandez is the White House correspondent and previously covered New York City politics and government. She joined Newsday in 2012 after covering state and local politics for The Miami Herald.