Legislature Acts On Redistricting, Pensions, Casinos and DNA Database Expansion

March 15, 2012

Albany – Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D-Ulster, Dutchess) released the following statement:

CAHILL STANDS BEHIND COMMITMENT TO REDISTRICTING REFORM

Assemblymember Cahill stood behind his commitment to reform and voted against legislation establishing new Assembly and Senate districts (A9525). He voted in favor of a new law (A.9557) and proposal to amend the State Constitution (A.9526) to permanently change the redistricting process through the establishment of an independent commission and strict guidelines that will govern how Congressional and State legislative districts will be developed in the future.

“Members of the Legislature had the opportunity to begin to restore public faith in our electoral system by removing themselves from the process of drawing their own district lines. Instead, many chose to perpetuate the kind of gerrymandering that has done nothing less than disenfranchise the voters of New York.

“I have long been a supporter of independent redistricting and voted in favor of a new law to reform the process and an amendment to the constitution, that if approved by the voters, will permanently ensure that future election districts are developed in a fair and open manner that puts the interests of the public ahead of the politicians.”

CAHILL OPPOSES NEW PENSION LEGISLATION

Assemblymember Cahill voted against a bill (A.9558) passed by the Legislature that would weaken pension protections for new state and local government employees. The new Tier VI raises the retirement age, increases public employee contribution rates and imposes stricter penalties for early retirement.

“Our public employees work very hard with significantly limited resources to deliver the services New Yorkers need to go about their daily lives. It is simply wrong to attack the men and women dedicating their careers to public service while at the same time providing bailouts and tax breaks to the corporate institutions that caused the economic crisis in the first place.”

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO ALLOW NON-TRIBAL CASINOS

Assemblymember Cahill voted in favor of a constitutional amendment to allow non-tribal casinos to operate in New York State (A.9556). The constitutional amendment would legalize up to seven full casinos, and lawmakers will make the decision as to where the facilities will be located. To amend the state constitution, two separately elected legislatures must pass identical legislation, and the amendment must win the support of New York voters.

“A proposal to amend the State Constitution will give the public the opportunity they deserve to have their voices heard on this important matter. If the amendment to allow more casinos is placed on the ballot and approved by the voters, there must be strong provisions that provide communities with a meaningful role in deciding whether to host any new gambling facilities.”

DNA DATABASE EXPANSION

Legislation (A.9555) supported by Assemblymember Cahill was passed to expand New York’s criminal DNA database. The new list of crimes for which DNA will be collected will include all felonies and all penal law misdemeanors, except in limited circumstances.

“DNA evidence has proven to be a critical tool when it comes to solving crimes and assuring the right people are brought to justice. This new law will give law enforcement access to the technology the need to keep our communities safe while at the same time providing those that have been wrongfully convicted the opportunity to prove their innocence.”

ASSEMBLY BILL WOULD COUPLE STATE AND FEDERAL PRIMARY ELECTIONS

Assemblymember Cahill voted for legislation establishing the fourth Tuesday in June as New York’s primary election day for both federal and state offices (A.9271-B). The federal Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act requires accommodations for citizens serving overseas in the military and others who are living abroad – necessitating the federal primary date change. The State Senate has yet to act on this bill.

“Holding State and Federal primary elections on the same day are in the best interest of New York’s voters and taxpayers. This move will boost voter participation and avoid wasteful spending on an additional election.”

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