Senate Democrats are calling on Republican Conference Leader John Flanagan to call a hearing on the ongoing Hoosick Falls water crisis. A letter signed by Senate Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Sen. Brad Hoylman, the ranking member of the Environmental Conservation Committee, calls for a hearing as soon […]
Month: June 2016
Voters give governor, lawmakers lackluster grades on ethics reform efforts
By a better than two-to-one margin — 56 to 27 percent — New Yorkers say the ethics reform legislation passed in the recently completed legislative session will not lead to a reduction in corruption in state government, according to a new Siena College poll of New York state registered […]
Shopping bag tax remains unresolved
A new bill that would prohibit a tax, fee or charge on any paper, plastic, or other merchandise bags was passed by the Senate and saw movement in the Assembly late in the session. The bill is seen as a reaction to a controversial New York City law that places […]
A legacy we can all be proud of
State Senate Majority Leader John J. Flanagan If the recently-concluded legislative session is remembered for one thing, it should be this: 2016 was the year the Legislature and Governor took significant steps to improve the overall quality-of-life for all of our residents. Let’s start with passage of the […]
Gun control advocates rank state lawmakers on their voting records
On June 21, New York City officials and gun-control advocates took to the steps of City Hall in lower Manhattan to release a 2016 ranking of lawmakers on gun control votes in the state Legislature. The rankings are based on lawmakers’ individual voting records on gun legislation in the […]
We are reminded once again … power corrupts
All hell is breaking loose at the New York City Police Department. Top cops, and I do mean top cops, have been accused of taking bribes. Many of these top uniformed officers have been arrested and await trial. The Big Apple’s police department not alone. Police power is often […]
Fight over child abuse bill turns rancorous
Victims vow to hold lawmakers accountable, Catholic League calls legislation a ‘sham’ Child abuse victims and their advocates are going on the offensive after the Legislature failed yet again to pass the Child Victims Act (S.7296/A.9877) a bill that would make it easier for child abuse victims to seek justice. […]
Casino licensing fees generated $120.8 million for public schools statewide
Nearly $121 million generated by the licensing fees for three upstate casinos will be distributed to schools across the state, the governor announced Tuesday. In addition, 22 counties and three upstate municipalities are receiving $30.2 million in license fees paid by the state’s casinos. “This funding will help counties […]