The 2008 Legislative Session

July 7, 2008

There is no doubt that the 2008 Legislative Session will stand out in history. This year should be remembered not for the events that precipitated the swearing in of Governor David Paterson, but rather how the Legislature and the new Executive seized on that moment as an opportunity to set a new tone in Albany. We have created a foundation that has allowed us to begin to seriously address major issues like unaffordable property taxes, energy costs, access to quality health care, education, housing, economic development and the environment.

We came together immediately to work with the new Governor to enact a timely state budget that closed a multi-billion dollar deficit. Despite being confronted with a drastic downturn in the economy we remained committed to our multi-year effort to reforming the way we fund our schools. The budget included a record $1.75 billion increase in state aid aimed at not only ensuring excellence and equity in our education system, but also at shifting more of the funding burden to the state in order to relieve the pressures that have led to the property tax crisis.

As newly appointed Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee I was proud to take a lead role in advancing responsible and innovative changes to the state’s energy, economic development and environmental policy. My efforts to enhance the use and development of renewable energy will provide a significant boost to our economy, particularly the burgeoning solar industry in Hudson Valley. This year’s budget included $6.5 million for the Solar Energy Consortium along with $2 million for photovoltaic installation training programs, a portion of which will be dedicated to Ulster BOCES.

I also worked with the Governor and the Senate to pass three key pieces of legislation aimed at sparking the demand for new clean renewable generation. Most notably we expanded our net-metering law to allow non-residential entities – such as schools, libraries, hospitals or commercial buildings – that invest in solar or wind generation systems to spin their electric meter backwards selling excess electricity to their utility in return for credits on their next month’s bill.

We also created a new residential green building grant program and a new tax credit for solar installations in New York City. These incentives coupled with the funding in the budget should leave solar companies in the Hudson Valley well-positioned to capitalize on an exploding market for renewable energy which will in turn attract many well-paying jobs to the region.

There is still much more work to be done. Two major outstanding issues that cannot be ignored are real property tax reform and skyrocketing home heating costs projected for this winter. These matters cannot be ignored.

We can no longer afford to use property taxes for to fund our schools. The current system is driving people out of their homes and robbing many of our children the quality education they deserve. Full state funding of education is the one equitable solution to this crisis. I have proposed that the state to provide full funding of a basic quality education for all children through the elimination of school property taxes in favor of a progressive education income surcharge.

The rising cost of fuel is creating an incredible strain on our economy. Right now we are feeling it at the gas pump and people are being forced to make some difficult changes to there lifestyle. If prices continue on this trajectory, as they are projected to, we are going to be facing life threatening conditions this winter as people struggle to figure out how they are going to heat their homes.

We cannot wait to act on this issue. The Assembly has passed legislation that I have introduced that will double funding for the existing Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) while creating a new fund to expand HEAP eligibility to middle class families. My legislation proposes that we pay for these potentially life saving measures by taxing the windfall profits of the very industry that has pushed us into this position in the first place, Big Oil.

Both the Legislature and the Executive have a clear understanding of the challenges that lay before us. It is critical that we continue to build upon the progress we have made and return to Albany soon to address these pressing matters.

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