State Senate Leaders Address Business Council of NYS ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - The Business Council of New York State heard Friday from the leadership of the New York State Senate. It was the final day The Business Council's annual meeting in Rochester.

The first speaker was John Sampson, the leader of the senate's Democratic conference. Sampson told the Business Council what they wanted to hear: senate Democrats will not support tax and fee increases to balance the state budget; they want a zero-growth budget next year; and they will work for property and tax and mandate relief.

Senate Minority Leader Dean Skelos reiterated Sampson's proposals. He put the blame for the state's budget problems squarely on Democrats, but expressed hope that both parties will be able to work together.
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