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The NYS Budget process continues to move forward as the April 1 deadline is looming. Per our legislative consultants at Park Strategies, the following actions are taking place regarding some of the items that impact our industry: Wadsworth Laboratory Center continues to move forward. • Initial appropriation of monies isn’t expected until 2024, as there are still items regarding the contract process and design that still need to be planned and implemented and won’t be resolved during this fiscal year. Infrastructure Investment Act • The Assembly looking to change the extension from 5 years to 2 years and design-build from 8 years to 5 and adds more design-build parameters. • The Senate is looking to extend the design-build provisions for NYS and NYC agencies and authorities. Authorizing downtown communities to use DASNY’s services to support Downtown Revitalization Initiative program • The Assembly has added prevailing wage • The Senate intentionally omitted. Authorizing state authorities to utilize DASNY’s design and construction services • The Assembly and Senate both intentionally omitted. • Increase the criminal penalties for Wage Theft • The Assembly and Senate intentionally omitted. Make explicit that discrimination on the basis of citizenship and immigration status is unlawful • The Assembly and Senate intentionally omitted. Extend and enhance the Hire-A-Vet tax credit • The Assembly proposes extending the definition of “qualified veterans,” increasing the credit from 15% to 20%, and increasing the credit cap for qualified disabled veterans employed part-time by $2500. • The Senate wants to extend and enhance the credit to $20,000 and require a report on the effectiveness of the program. Extend the Empire State Apprenticeship Tax Credit for five years • The Assembly and Senate both accept.