THE ASSEMBLY

STATE OF NEW YORK

ALBANY
RODNEYSE BICHOTTE
nd

Assemblymember 42 District
Kings County

CHAIR
Subcommittee on
Oversight of Minority & Women-Owned
Business Enterprises (MWBE)
COMMITTEES
Banks
Economic Development, Job Creation,
Commerce and Industry
Governmental Operations
Housing
Small Business
Social Services
MEMBER
Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian
Legislative Caucus
Legislative Womens Caucus

The Honorable Andrew Cuomo

Executive Chamber
State Capital
Albany, NY 12224
December 2, 2016
The Honorable Rodneyse Bichotte
1414 Cortelyou Road
Brooklyn, NY 11226
The Honorable Kevin Parker
3021 Tilden Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11226
RE: M/WBE inclusion in 421a
Dear Governor Cuomo:
During the last legislative session, we, along with other members of the Assembly and Senate,
wrote a letter to the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) and the Building and
Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, which advocated to expand opportunities
to Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs), by requesting a solid
commitment. In that letter, we stated that the representation of M/WBEs and their interests must
have a seat at the table, and that all variations of 421a development projects contain an M/WBE
utilization goal. Eventually, we introduced A9074A/S7243, which relates to a minority and
women-owned business enterprise participation goal requirement in order to receive exemption
of new multiple dwellings from local taxation.
Needless to say, we are very disappointed that, amongst many other things, the inclusion of
M/WBEs was not mentioned in the agreement that is being put before the New York State
Legislature, especially given a stated commitment by REBNY and the Building and
Construction Trades Council to extend opportunity for all, and to raise the bar for M/WBE
inclusion.

ALBANY OFFICE: Room 833, Legislative Office Building, Albany, New York 12248 518-455-5385, FAX: 518-455-3881
DISTRICT OFFICE: 1414 Cortelyou Road, Brooklyn, New York 11226 718-940-0428, FAX: 718-703-0216
EMAIL: bichotter@assembly.state.ny.us

THE ASSEMBLY
STATE OF NEW YORK
ALBANY
RODNEYSE BICHOTTE
nd

Assemblymember 42 District
Kings County

The discussion that is currently underway does not appear to address the existing economic gap
in regard to minorities and women in the workforce and M/WBEs in government contracting.
Given the outcome of the recent presidential election, it is likely that New York State will be
receiving fewer federal dollars. According to the New York Times, there is a potential $1 billion
loss in tax revenue, which diverts dollars away from much needed safety-net programs including,
but not limited to, food stamps, childcare, and homeless shelters. Also, unless there is real
affordable housing, we do not believe that this agreement will truly address the economic and
housing crises we are experiencing in New York City.
As mentioned in the previous letter, the upside to the participation of MWBEs is that they will
help to address the high unemployment rates in communities of color, expand the opportunity for
more women and minorities to earn a decent income in the trades, and create economic
opportunities and solid job creation in communities that are under economic distress.
New Yorkers need for us to double down more than ever to ensure that there is real economic
reform and fiscal equity that will span across the entire State.
For the reasons mentioned above, we are asking that you show your support for a tax
abatement/credit program that will be inclusive of an M/WBE utilization goal.
Thank you for your kind attention.
Sincerely,
Rodneyse Bichotte
Member, NYS Assembly
cc:

Senator Kevin Parker

Member, NYS Senate

Mr. Alphonso David, General Counsel

Mr. John Banks, Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY)
Mr. Gary LaBarbera, Building Trades Council of Greater New York
Assemblymember Carl Heastie, Speaker, NYS Assembly
Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Democratic Conference Leader
Senator Jeff Klein, Leader, Independent Democratic Caucus