"This is big news for the state's economy, especially upstate, as this package will provide broad-based business tax relief, and support key business sectors across New York," the Business Council said in a press release Monday afternoon. "The importance of the tax relief component for manufacturers cannot be overstated. The loss of manufacturing jobs is one of the main reasons the upstate economy has struggled. This is an important step in the right direction for upstate, and New York as a whole.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOV. CUOMO'S PRESS OFFICE - Gov.  Andrew Cuomo, second from right, discusses high property taxes on  Monday. Niagara County is one of 13 highlighted on the map.

Business Council President and CEO Heather C. Briccetti said, "Having served on the Governor's Tax Relief Commission, it is especially rewarding to know that the Commission's recommendations will be featured in his executive budget."

Brian Sampson, executive director of Unshackle Upstate, said, "We are pleased that Governor Cuomo is making tax relief a major priority for the 2014 legislative session."

"We have long supported eliminating the regressive 18-A energy tax, lowering the corporate franchise tax rate and eliminating corporate income taxes for Upstate manufacturers. Last September, we advanced similar proposals in our New ERA for Upstate plan as essential steps toward revitalizing the Upstate economy. This year, we have a real opportunity to revitalize our economy and get New York moving in the right direction. By reducing burdensome taxes and improving the business climate, a new era of growth and prosperity is possible.