Assemblyman Farrell addressed a group of State employees in Albany Wednesday, June 12 during a rally in support of a Farrell bill calling for pay equity for some non-union State workers.

Assemblyman Farrell speaks during a rally for State employees on Wednesday, June 12, 2013.

These roughly 8,000 employees, called Management/Confidential employees, have not received pay raises in many years while their unionized colleagues who work under the terms of multi-year contracts with the State have received raises of 3 percent annually or more.

Management/Confidential employees, because of the nature of their jobs and knowledge of State affairs, would have an unfair advantage over the State if they were allowed to unionize and participate in labor negotiations, as do unionized employees. Because of this fact, it was decided in 1972 that Management/Confidential employees could not be allowed to form a union. As an offset, these employees receive many of the benefits that unionized employees receive.

But because their work is not governed by employment contracts, as unionized workers are, there is no provision in law requiring they receive regular pay increases. Management/Confidential employees, many of whom are managers, have not received a pay raise in five or more years and many of these employees make less than the rank-and-file employees they oversee.

Farrell's bill would correct this problem by creating a special commission to oversee the pay rates of Management/Confidential employees. A similar commission meets periodically to determine whether a pay raise for judicial employees would be appropriate.

A companion bill is being carried in the Senate by Senator John DeFrancisco of Syracuse, who is chair of the Senate Finance Committee. DeFrancisco's bill is progressing quickly through the Senate and is expected to come to the Senate floor for a vote in the coming days.

Farrell's bill is also quickly making its way through committees and is expected to come to the Assembly floor for a vote on Monday, June 17.

Women's Rights Bills on Assembly's End-of-Session Agenda

Counting today, there are nine days remaining in the 2013 Legislative Session. During those days, the Assembly plans to take up and pass a number of significant pieces of legislation, including a bill introduced by Governor Cuomo on Tuesday, June 4 the Women's Equality Act. The Governor's bill, which he described in his State of the State address delivered at the beginning of this Session in January, is designed to close a number of loopholes in existing State law and restore New York State's place as a leader in the fight for equal rights.

According to the Governor, his bill will achieve pay equity by forbidding employers from using gender as an excuse for unequal pay; extend sexual harassment protections to all employers and ending an exemption for workplaces with less than four employees; and allow women who successfully sue because they are discriminated against to recover attorney's fees.

The Governor's bill also forbids employers from denying a job or a promotion to working mothers; prohibits landlords from discriminating against victims of domestic violence; prohibits landlords from discriminating against tenants based on a lawful source of income including Section 8 vouchers; allows victims of domestic violence to apply electronically for a temporary order of protection against their attacker; strengthens human trafficking laws to protect our children from being taken off the street and exploited, eliminates a requirement that evidence of coercion be presented in court, and blocks prosecution of people who are victims of human trafficking; requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees' health issues; and amends State law to match Federal laws put in place after the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision of 1973.

Assembly Bill Reduces Penalty for Minor Marijuana Possession

Assemblyman Farrell recently met in the District Office with Consolidated Edison staff to discuss an ongoing project by the utility to convert whole apartment buildings, co-op buildings and other Northern Manhattan homes from home heating oil to cleaner-burning natural gas.

As you may recall, in recent years Farrell got legislation passed in Albany creating programs to encourage the use of solar power in New York City to help the environment and reduce the high rates of asthma in the community. The ConEd natural gas program has the potential to continue that effort.

Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act Passes Assembly
Farrell and Assembly Colleagues Fighting for Workers' Rights

Legislation that recently passed the Assembly would grant important and long-needed workers' rights protections to farm workers, who currently lack collective bargaining rights, disability benefits and other protections that are held and enjoyed by other workers. Speaking to reporters and advocates regarding our bill, Speaker Silver said Monday, May 13 that the Assembly's majority conference believes that New York State, which has a long history of standing up for workers' rights, should give farm workers the rights mentioned above along with time-and-a-half overtime pay, wage and job protections and the right to live in sanitary conditions.

Assembly Members and workers' rights advocates appeared in the State Capitol Monday, May 13 to urge the Senate and Governor to join the Assembly in expanding farm workers' rights.

"Farm workers are not farm animals," the Speaker said, and their health, safety and ability to provide for and spend time with their families must be respected. The Speaker noted that the Assembly has fought for a decade to ensure farm workers are provided with acceptable wage and living condition protections, which they now lack. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.

For too long, farm workers and migrant laborers who travel in search of work have been unfairly deprived of the same rights that many other workers take for granted. We must close this inexcusable gap in our labor laws as soon as possible. Nearly ten years have passed since the Assembly first passed this bill, and it is time for the Senate to take this legislation seriously.

Librada Paz, a former farm worker from Western New York who entered the United States at age 15, revealed for the first time that she had been repeatedly abused as a younger woman but never disclosed what had happened to her - even to family - for fear of losing her employment. It is for reasons like this that we must act now to protect farm workers and their families.

Senate Panel Confirms Judge Abdus-Salaam to Court of Appeals

I am happy to report that on April 30, by a unanimous vote, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the nomination of Associate Justice Sheila Abdus-Salaam, who is Governor Cuomo's pick to fill a vacancy on the Court of Appeals, New York State's highest court. Her nomination was confirmed by the full Senate on Monday, May 6, 2013. This makes her the first African-American woman to serve on the Court of Appeals, and because of her young age, she will be able to serve the State for many years before her statutorily-mandated retirement.

Assembly Member Keith Wright, Judge Sheila Abdus-Salaam, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Fern Fisher (who provides oversight of State courts) and Assemblyman Farrell are shown at an April 30 meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Judge Abdus-Salaam's nomination to the Court of Appeals was confirmed by the Senate on May 6, 2013.

As you may know, Judge Abdus-Salaam has played a prominent role in the public life of Northern Manhattan since she completed her Juris Doctorate at Columbia University School of Law. I have known her for many years, and have always found her to be a wonderful asset to our community. She was first elected to the bench in 1991, serving in the Civil Court and deciding tenants' cases from January 1992 until December 1993, when she was elected to Supreme Court. After her 2007 re-election, Judge Abdus-Salaam oversaw felony and medical malpractice cases.

Before her election to the bench, she provided legal services to the communities in New York City and performed civil rights work for the State Department of Law. I hope that you join me in applauding this major step in her already impressive career and wish her the best in the future.

Farrell and Assembly Colleagues Fighting for Reform in Albany

Since my last report to you in April, when I described our work to finish the budget for State Fiscal Year 2013-2014, the Assembly has turned its attention to ethics reform and other crucial legislation. I am sure you found it impossible to miss the bad press that followed recent accusations against elected officials who were sent to Albany to fight for their communities. I have always said that 99 percent of elected officials are honest, hardworking public servants, and it is terribly unfortunate when elected officials abuse the power of their office for personal gain.

A number of proposals are currently on the table in Albany, and I am happy to support a package of proposals put forth by Speaker Silver that would improve the ethical culture in Albany and protect against future abuses of the system on every level. We have begun to pass these ethics bills and more legislation will be passed as we near the end of our Legislative Session June 20.

During the 2012 presidential elections we heard a lot about early voting in other states, which allowed working voters to cast their ballots before Election Day at a time that made voting more accessible. Recently, Speaker Silver and Assembly Member Michael Cusick, who chairs the Election Law Committee, introduced a bill that would allow early voting in New York. The bill later passed by a vote of 96 for, 46 against and will go to the Senate for consideration.

Their bill, which I was proud to co-sponsor, will help by allowing as many voters as possible to participate in the electoral process by overcoming voters' personal or professional time constraints. According to the US Census Bureau, 18 percent of registered voters reported they had not voted because of time constraints. If it becomes law, making New York the 33rd state to allow early voting, this bill would allow voters to cast their ballots as many as 15 days before general elections and eight days before primary and special elections.

Farrell Working to Close Loopholes in the Rent Laws

I recently met with a constituent who described to me an all-too-common problem with her landlord: after performing several minor repairs in the apartment, the landlord used these minor repairs to justify raising the rent to $2,500 per month, which is the threshold that must be reached in order to remove an apartment from the rent regulation system. If the rent for this apartment is allowed to remain at the maximum for four years, the apartment is removed from the system and the landlord is allowed to charge whatever they please in rent. Many tenants are afraid to report this abuse, as they fear having a hard time getting another apartment in the future.

Thankfully, my constituent had thoroughly documented other questionable rent increases in her building, information she turned over to the head of the Tenant Protection Unit at New York State Homes and Community Renewal, who are investigating this constituent's problem at my request. This case may also be taken up by the Court of Appeals some time in the near future.

Unfortunately, the larger problem is that these reviews can sometimes take a very long time, and by the time investigations or judicial procedures are complete, the tenant has already lost their apartment. This, of course, is not acceptable, and I am working with my Assembly colleagues to draw up legislation that will streamline the process of reviewing tenant complaints and prevent bad landlords from dragging their feet and holding up the process until tenants lose their homes. Please expect to hear more about this important issue in future reports.

Yours truly,
Herman D. Farrell, Jr.

On Tuesday, May 21 the Assembly passed the New York State DREAM Act, a bill that would allow students with at least one undocumented immigrant parent to apply for State financial aid and also set up a fund for donations to support these learners as they pursue higher education.

Speaker Silver, addressing the press several hours before the bill passed by a margin of 90 to 48, said that part of the three-centuries-long story of immigrants in New York is a story of overcoming barriers. Many times, the Speaker said, these barriers were intentionally set up in order to shut these immigrants out. However, many of these barriers have been knocked down.

Speaker Silver presents the Assembly's DREAM Act legislation to the media.

The DREAM Act is not about pitting citizens who were born here against those who were not, the Speaker said, and is not of question of taking resources from one group to give to another. Instead, he explained, it is about opening the doors to higher education and self-fulfillment to all.

Citing a recent study by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, the Speaker said that as of this spring the unemployment rate among people who hold only a high school diploma is double the unemployment rate among people who hold a Bachelor's degree. Also, the Speaker said, this study by the Comptroller found that workers who hold a Bachelors' degree earn wages that are 85 percent higher than wages earned by people with only a high school diploma.

This study found that for an investment of $8,000, which is the maximum TAP award for a traditional two-year degree, New York State would reap more than $35,000 in State taxes per student, which would be a benefit for all New Yorkers, the Speaker said.

During the opening ceremony Saturday, May 18 for the 20th season at Riverbank State Park, Assemblyman Farrell joined many members of the community and fellow elected officials including Governor Cuomo and former Governor Mario M. Cuomo, who was instrumental in the Park's construction.

Assemblyman Farrell, former Gov. Mario M. Cuomo and Matilda Cuomo celebrate the opening of the 20th season at Riverbank State Park.

Though plans to build a park for the community on top of Northern Manhattan's sewage treatment facility took root during Governor Nelson Rockefeller's term, which ended in 1973, no real progress was made toward constructing what many call the jewel of Northern Manhattan until after Governor Mario M. Cuomo was elected in 1982.

The following year, in his first budget, the new governor made an appropriation to fund construction of the Park. Thirty years later, he was thanked for this effort by the many members of the community who turned out for the first day of a week-long celebration.

Also honored as "founders" of Riverbank were Assemblyman Farrell, L. Ann Rocker, founder and President of North River Environmental Review Board, Inc. and Dick Dattner, the architect who designed Riverbank State Park.

Assemblyman Farrell and L Ann Rocker were honored as "founders" of Riverbank State Park.

Saturday's events included a parade and welcoming ceremony honoring Gov. Mario Cuomo, followed by basketball and tennis tournaments and musical performances among other events. Sunday's highlights included the continuation of Saturday's basketball tournament.

The events continue Thursday, May 23, when a Senior Social Cabaret is scheduled for 11 a.m. Call (212) 694-3656 for reservations.

On Friday, May 24, young parkgoers can enjoy the talents of Jack Ryan, the "Hoop Wizard" in the Park's gym beginning at 10 a.m.

Saturday, May 25, musical events are scheduled from 1:30 to 5 p.m. followed Sunday by a bodybuilding contest for female and male competitors from 5 to 9 p.m.

The events cap with a dance on the main stage from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, May 27.

Legislation that passed the Assembly today would extend important and long-needed workers' rights protections to farm workers, who currently lack collective bargaining rights, disability benefits and other protections that are held and enjoyed by other workers.

Speaking this afternoon to reporters and advocates Speaker Silver said that the Assembly's majority conference believes that New York State, which has a long history of standing up for workers' rights, should give farm workers the rights mentioned above along with time-and-a-half overtime pay, wage and job protections and the right to live in sanitary conditions.

Assembly Members and workers' rights advocates appeared in the State Capitol Monday, May 13 to urge the Senate and Governor to join the Assembly in expanding farm workers' rights.

On Friday, May 10 Congressman Charles Rangel, Assemblyman Farrell and Assembly Woman Gabriela Rosa joined fellow elected officials, affordable housing advocates and members of the community for a "capping off" ceremony at the Sugar Hill low-income housing project, during which the roof was poured.

The modern 13-story building at St. Nicholas Avenue and 155th Street will contain 124 apartments for low-income or previously homeless families, an early education center for preschool children, a children's museum and a rooftop farm. It is slated to open in early 2014.

Assembly Woman Rosa speaks about the need for more affordable housing in Northern Manhattan as Farrell and members of the community look on.

As is common with "topping off" ceremonies, a symbolic evergreen tree was planted on the rooftop. Congressman Rangel and Council Member Robert Jackson were granted the honor of pouring soil into the tree's planter. After the building is complete, other vegetation will be planted in an "urban garden" whose bounty will be given to residents or sold in the neighborhood to generate income.

Farrell, who grew up in the neighborhood, noted the event took place on the same morning that the spire was added to the top of One World Trade Center downtown, calling it a day of civic pride and progress for all New Yorkers.

Farrell and members of the community discuss the Sugar Hill project.

HERMAN D. FARRELL, JR.
Assemblyman 71st District

Room 923
Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY 12248
(518) 455-5491
(518) 455-5776 FAX

CHAIRMAN
Ways and Means Committee

COMMITTEES
Rules
Black & Puerto Rican Caucus

THE ASSEMBLY
STATE OF NEW YORK
ALBANY

May 2, 2013

Fort Tryon Park Trust
P.O. Box 1044
Fort George Station
New York, NY 10040

To Whom it may Concern,

Regarding your invitation to attend the Trust's Sunset on the Hudson Gala on the evening of June 12 on the David Rockefeller Linden Terrace, it has come to my attention from one of my constituents that the Terrace is not accessible to people with disabilities.

If this is correct I hope that another, more suitable location can be selected and secured prior to your affair.

Should this prove impossible, I regret that I will be unable to attend. I hope that, when future events are being planned, that this factor plays a role in your discussions.

If I am wrong or the problem can be cured I would be glad to change my mind.

Yours truly,
Herman D. Farrell, Jr.

Senate Panel Advances Court of Appeals Nominee Judge Abdus-Salaam

Assembly Member Keith Wright, Judge Sheila Abdus-Salaam, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Fern Fisher (who provides oversight of State courts) and Assemblyman Farrell are shown at an April 30 meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Judge Abdus-Salaam's nomination to the Court of Appeals was advanced and the Senate is expected to confirm her appointment.

As you may know, Judge Abdus-Salaam has played a prominent role in the public life of Northern Manhattan since she completed her Juris Doctorate at Columbia University School of Law. I have known her for many years, and have always found her to be a wonderful asset to our community. She was first elected to the bench in 1991, serving in the Civil Court and deciding tenants' cases from January 1992 until December 1993, when she was elected to Supreme Court. After her 2007 re-election, Judge Abdus-Salaam oversaw felony and medical malpractice cases.

Before her election to the bench, she provided legal services to the communities in New York City and performed civil rights work for the State Department of Law. I hope that you join me in applauding this major step in her already impressive career and wish her the best in the future.

Farrell and Assembly Colleagues Fighting for Reform in Albany

Since my last report to you in April, when I described our work to finish the budget for State Fiscal Year 2013-2014, the Assembly has turned its attention to ethics reform and other crucial legislation. I am sure you found it impossible to miss the bad press that followed recent accusations against elected officials who were sent to Albany to fight for their communities. I have always said that 99 percent of elected officials are honest, hardworking public servants, and it is terribly unfortunate when elected officials abuse the power of their office for personal gain.

A number of reform proposals are currently on the table in Albany, and I am happy to support a package of reform proposals put forth by Speaker Silver that would improve the ethical culture in Albany and protect against future abuse, while also making it easier to vote. We have begun to pass these ethics reform bills and more legislation will be passed in the coming days.

During the 2012 presidential elections we heard a lot about early voting in other states, which allowed working voters to cast their ballots before Election Day at a time that made voting more accessible. Yesterday, Speaker Silver and Assembly Member Michael Cusick, who chairs the Election Law Committee, introduced a bill that would allow early voting in New York. The bill later passed by a vote of 96 for, 46 against and will go to the Senate for consideration.

Their bill, which I was proud to co-sponsor, will help our democracy to thrive by allowing as many voters as possible to participate in the electoral process by overcoming voters' personal or professional time constraints. According to the US Census Bureau, 18 percent of registered voters reported they had not voted because of time constraints. If it becomes law, making New York the 33rd state to allow early voting, this bill would allow voters to cast their ballots as many as 15 days before general elections and eight days before primary and special elections.

Farrell Working to Close Loopholes in the Rent Laws

I recently met with a constituent who described to me an all-too-common problem with her landlord: after performing several minor repairs in the apartment, the landlord used these minor repairs to justify raising the rent to $2,500 per month, which is the threshold that must be reached in order to remove an apartment from the rent regulation system. If the rent for this apartment is allowed to remain at the maximum for four years, the apartment is removed from the system and the landlord is allowed to charge whatever they please in rent. Many tenants are afraid to report this abuse, as they fear having a hard time getting another apartment in the future.

Thankfully, my constituent had thoroughly documented other questionable rent increases in her building, information she turned over to the head of the Tenant Protection Unit at New York State Homes and Community Renewal, who are investigating this constituent's problem at my request. This case will also be taken up by the Court of Appeals some time in the near future.

Unfortunately, the larger problem is that these reviews can sometimes take a very long time, and by the time investigations or judicial procedures are complete, the tenant has already lost their apartment. This, of course, is not acceptable, and I am working with my Assembly colleagues to draw up legislation that will streamline the process of reviewing tenant complaints and prevent bad landlords from dragging their feet and holding up the process until tenants lose their homes. Please expect to hear more about this important issue in future reports.

Yours truly,
Herman D. Farrell, Jr.