Well, this was a nice change of pace to see on the news a couple of days ago. Hochul toured Singer Farm Naturals, highlighting their new renewable energy setup.
They have done a solar and wind install, showing that yes, you can use solar power here in WNY, and yes, you can use wind energy. Singer Farm Naturals generates $20-$30 in electricity each day, usually generating a surplus.
That's a farm, using renewables, to power their work. Probably wouldn't have been possible without tax help for a small business to invest in our future. If the GOP really wants to help small businesses, they should be pushing for more tax credits like these.
Since Singer Naturals can stand out now, more people will buy their produce there. I know since stumbling into the farmer's market scene, I don't like buying produce from grocery stores. I like talking to the man or woman who made my food.
Agriculture is one of the largest consumers of fossil fuels. With all the flub about fracking here in WNY, why not promote renewable sources, rather than more fossil fuels? If a farm can do a net generation, so can any other business.
And, this, is a huge driver of economic gains: The farmer, makes his (Or her) mark, by touting renewable energy sourcing. They spend $26K out of their own pocket (Another $20K or so in grants/tax credits/et al), which goes to employ the makers of those energy production systems, which in turn goes back to the economy. There is nothing but "win" in this scenario. Small business is what drives our economy.
To his benefit, Mark Grisanti has been pushing these sorts of small business credits. And, so has Hochul, and Gillibrand. WNY needs to carpe diem here, and make ourselves known as the Renewable Central of the US. We are already positioned, with the Niagara Falls Power Project. Let's extend our reputation down to the individual.
Most conservatives should be on board with this too: Cutting taxes to small businesses, reducing reliance on others (By producing your own, you are no longer relying on a giant public infrastructure), and boosting the private sector. This is another win-win where Progressives and Conservatives can both meet to do great things. Now, if only we can get rid of the partisanship, we can all get there.
When you say most conservatives should be on board with this I think the sticking point is who are we calling conservatives these days? Not the guys who really gave a damn about the good of the country. Nowadays we have Koch brothers corporatists as well as looney right wing fringers and teabaggers using the same title. Neither will care much for anything they think can be tied to Obama or anyone even remotely sane.
ReplyDeleteWell, I said they "should be" on board: Pro-business, pro-tax cuts, etc etc
DeleteNot saying they will :)