Finalized executive budget includes more robust jobs reporting for Semiconductor Manufacturing Workforce Training Incentive Program, Semiconductor Research & Development Project Program Tax Incentives
SYRACUSE, NY, May 13, 2025 – Jobs to Move America (JMA) and its allies commend Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Speaker Carl Heastie for strengthening transparency and accountability in new tax incentives to grow New York’s semiconductor industry by including robust reporting requirements in the state budget, finalized last week.
The state’s Green CHIPS Act has already attracted Micron Technology, which is building a facility in Central New York that stands to create over 50,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs by 2055 across the state. By including a more robust reporting requirement in the Semiconductor Manufacturing Workforce Training Incentive Program and Semiconductor Research & Development Project Program tax credits, communities will see the benefit of other major semiconductor projects in the state.
“We thank Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Heastie for their recognition that growing the semiconductor industry needs to be done the right way–through improved transparency and accountability for how these tax incentives can contribute to good jobs in New York. With ongoing leadership from Governor Hochul and state leaders, New York can ensure that semiconductor companies receiving public funds deliver good jobs and community benefits for New Yorkers,” said Eric Romann, Northeast Director at Jobs to Move America.
These amendments, initially proposed by Senator Chris Ryan and Assemblymember Harry Bronson, aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the Semiconductor Manufacturing Workforce Training Incentive and Semiconductor Research and Development Project Program. JMA appreciates the support of these amendments by several key committee chairs, including Senate Labor Chair Jessica Ramos, Senate Economic Development Chair Sean Ryan, Assembly Science and Technology Chair Steven Otis and Assembly Chair of the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Taskforce Karines Reyes, as well as members in both houses. Read more about the amendments here.
In the final budget, awardees of the Manufacturing Workforce Training Incentive Program are obligated to provide a report on the breadth of their program, including wrap-around services like transportation and child care, as well as the usage of a registered apprenticeship programs. As part of the transparency process, Empire State Development will submit and post on its website an annual report providing such details as the number of business participants in the program as well as the number of workers being trained and completed the training. For the Research and Development Project Program, Empire State Development will be required to annually share on its website the total jobs created at each project location, as well as the median wage paid to employees and types of jobs created. Through this detailed reporting and improved transparency, stakeholders will be able to know more about the quality of the jobs resulting from these tax incentives.
JMA was joined by Communications Workers of America District 1, Central New York Solidarity Coalition, Urban Jobs Taskforce of Syracuse, and the Greater Syracuse Labor Council AFL-CIO in supporting these amendments.
“This is an exciting moment for New York State as it leads the development of a robust semiconductor industry,” said Dennis Trainor, Vice President CWA District 1, “and we thank Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and Governor Hochul for ensuring working families are centered in the industry’s growth. Including transparency and accountability mechanisms for these tax credit programs is an important step to ensure these investments deliver good jobs and address the affordability crisis impacting New Yorkers. These amendments, proposed by Senator Chris Ryan along with Assemblymember Harry Bronson, show that when we elect working people, working people win.”
We welcome working with the Governor’s office to further strengthen transparency and accountability for semiconductor companies committed to developing in New York through the state’s Green CHIPS Act and Excelsior Jobs Program.
“In particular, we urge the Empire State Development Corporation to clarify the reporting section of the Excelsior Jobs Program to include a robust evaluation and public reporting process to ensure these investments result in good jobs. This clarification will ensure that our investments in semiconductor manufacturing produce successful outcomes for New York’s workforce,” Romann said.
About Jobs To Move America (jobstomoveamerica.org)
Jobs to Move America is a strategic policy center that works to transform public spending and corporate behavior using a comprehensive approach that is rooted in racial and economic justice and community organizing. We seek to advance a fair and prosperous economy with good jobs and healthier communities for all.
More information here: Semiconductor Tax Credit Amendments
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