Thomas R. Fazio, Partner, Blodnick Fazio & Clark, says a new state bill that would let small businesses off with a warning instead of a fine for a minor first-time violation would reduce the burden on small businesses in the state. New York State Assemblyman John McDonald is sponsoring a bill that would waive the fine for small businesses violating certain regulations for the first time. For example, one such violation includes the misuse of the label “real estate broker” versus “licensed real estate broker” on a business card, which could cost a real estate agent $1,000.

Last December, a similar bill was vetoed by Governor Andrew Cuomo because he believed the bill wasn’t strict enough. This new bill has been updated to include a measure that would not allow first-time violations to be waived if the violation endangered the public, human health or the environment, caused serious harm, involved tax fraud, or was done intentionally.

Mr. McDonald’s bill is in committee in the Assembly and has also been introduced in the Senate. If passed, the bill will then be given to Governor Cuomo, who will decide whether to veto or sign the bill.

“New York State is a challenging place in which to operate a business,” Mr. Fazio says. “Small business owners are most affected because of the vast array of these burdensome rules and regulations to follow. I urge the Legislature to pass this bill and Governor Cuomo to sign it into law so that people trying to earn a living are given a fair shake.”

For more information, call (516) 280-7105, or visit www.bfclaws.com.

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About Blodnick Fazio & Clark

Blodnick Fazio & Clark is a boutique law firm specializing in handling complex litigation, corporate formations, structure and finance; construction law; medical professional licensing, corporate practice of medicine issues; real estate law; arbitration and mediation; matrimonial law; employment law; and municipal and school law. Its staff of attorneys has more than 100 years of combined experience and is admitted to practice in Courts of New York, New Jersey and Florida, including the Eastern and Southern District Courts of New York; New Jersey federal courts; the Federal Court of Claims; the First, Second, Fourth and Federal Circuit Courts; and the U.S. Supreme Court. The firm is located in Garden City, New York. For more information, call (516) 280-7105, or visit www.bfclaws.com.

Both Firms Will Retain Their Original Locations

GARDEN CITY, NEW YORK —Blodnick Fazio & Associates PC has announced that the firm will merge with Clark’s Laws, PC to form Blodnick Fazio & Clark, PC. Although it is considered a straight partnership, the partners will stay at their current locations. Blodnick Fazio & Associates PC is located at 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 555, Garden City, New York. Clark’s Laws, PC is located at 57 West Main Street, Suite 220, in Babylon.

Blodnick Fazio & Associates PC formed in 2010 when Edward K. Blodnick and Thomas R. Fazio combined their individual law practices. The firm concentrates in the areas of business law and commercial transactions; commercial litigation; commercial real estate transactions; estate planning, administration, and litigation; healthcare law; matrimonial law with complex financial issues; and personal injury law.

Formed in 2005, Clark’s Law, PC was formed by James E. Clark, who previously worked as an Associate with a Wall Street law firm before forming his own practice. The firm represents landlords and active real estate investors and homeowners in landlord-tenant matters, commercial and residential real estate transactions, corporate and partnership transactions, litigation and asset protection planning.

“We are proud to join the attorneys at Clark’s Laws, PC in this merger,” said Mr. Fazio. “The two firms complement each other well in the field of real estate law. This partnership will allow us to provide the same high-quality level of service to our clients.”

For more information on Clark’s Laws, PC, call (631) 669-6300 or visit www.clarkslaws.com. For more information on Blodnick Fazio & Associates PC, call (516) 280-7105 or visit www.blodnickfaziolaw.com.

GARDEN CITY, NEW YORK — With New York Governor Andrew Cuomo proposing to give companies the option to enter into the payroll tax system as a way to protect employees, who reside in higher-taxed areas of the state, from paying more in taxes, Thomas R. Fazio, Partner, Blodnick Fazio & Associates PC, says that the employers should consult with a business law attorney before enrolling in the program.

On February 12, Governor Cuomo proposed a payroll tax system in which companies can voluntarily join so that their employees are protected from federal tax increases. According to the governor, this would benefit workers who live in high-tax areas and are now affected by the federal tax law because the state and local tax (SALT) deductions have been capped at $10,000.

Under the program, participating employers would be assessed a payroll tax on wages greater than $40,000 a year. The program would be phased in over three years, starting in 2019: 1.5 percent the first year, 3 percent the second year, and 5 percent the third year. In return, companies would receive a tax credit to make up for the associated costs. Employees would not see a decrease in their take-home pay.

“There may be some benefits to this program, but the addition of another proposed tax on top of the other taxes that companies have to pay can make this more confusing,” Mr. Fazio says. “It is important that, before making the move to enroll, employers should consult a business law attorney to determine if this is the proper course of action to take.”

For more information, call (516) 280-7105 or visit www.blodnickfaziolaw.com.

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About Blodnick Fazio & Associates PC

Blodnick Fazio & Associates PC is a boutique law firm specializing in handling complex litigation, corporate formations, structure and finance; construction law; medical professional licensing; the corporate practice of medicine issues; real estate law; arbitration and mediation; matrimonial law; employment law; and municipal and school law. Its staff of attorneys has more than 100 years of combined experience and is admitted to practice in the Courts of New York, New Jersey, and Florida, including the Eastern and Southern District Courts of New York; New Jersey federal courts; the Federal Court of Claims; the First, Second, Fourth and Federal Circuit Courts; and the U.S. Supreme Court. The firm is located in Garden City, New York. For more information, call (516) 280-7105, or visit www.blodnickfaziolaw.com.