The New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), a New York based good government group, released its 2014 Session Analysis for the State Legislature. This analysis shows that Thiele passed 18 bills through both houses of the New York State Legislature, more than any other member of the 22 member Long Island delegation. Thirteen have been signed by the Governor and five are awaiting signature by the Governor. Thiele, the State Legislature’s only Independent, ranked 6th statewide among the 150 member State Assembly in passing bills through the State Legislature in 2014. A copy of the entire 36 page report can be viewed at: http://www.nypirg.org/pubs/goodgov/20140627NYPIRG2014SessionAnalysis.pdf

Assemblyman Thiele passed 18 bills this session including legislation (1) to improve deer management on eastern Long Island, (2) job protection for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, (3) legislation to assist the State’s libraries, (4) legislation to assist the commercial fishing industry, and (5) numerous bills requested by East End local governments.

In total, Thiele passed 22 bills through the State Assembly. Four bills did not pass the Senate, including the gasoline zone pricing bill and legislation to protect mobile home owners from unconscionable rents.

Thiele stated: “The NYPIRG survey of the 2014 Legislative Session shows that it is possible to be both independent and effective in Albany. In the last two years I have passed 34 bills that improve the quality of life on Long Island and New York State. Of the more than 150 bills I have passed during my tenure in the Assembly, the one I am most proud of is the Peconic Bay Region Community Preservation Fund which has generated near $1 billion to protect community character on the East End since 1999. My partnership with Senator Ken LaValle proves that it is possible to work across the aisle to get things done in Albany.”