This has been a meaningful year for my colleagues and I in the Assembly minority conference. Passing the first on-time state budget in 21 years, forcing the issue of civil confinement onto next year’s legislative agenda, and passage of new laws making the jobs of our public safety personnel safer as they go about protecting our families and friends – all have contributed to a successful 2005.
As I travel across the 117th Assembly District, I hear your concerns and, in turn, voice them in the Assembly at the state Capitol. You asked that dangerous convicted sex offenders be kept behind bars after their prison sentences end, and we listened. After this year’s strong finish on that issue, I will keep the heat on Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver in next year’s legislative session to consider an effective civil confinement bill. The last thing I want to see is a diluted version of this measure introduced by the Assembly majority. I will keep fighting to make our communities safer.
Passage during the Dec. 21 special legislative session of two laws regarding illegal gun trafficking and violence against police officers was a major victory for New Yorkers. Can you believe that, under existing law, an individual could be charged with minor penalties if caught possessing up to 19 illegal firearms? The new law stipulates a person holding more than three illegal guns can be charged with a violent felony. We also sent a strong message to anyone who would harm a police officer and other public safety employees: you will go to jail – for a very long time.
But this year’s accomplishments are only the start. In 2006, I will push for property tax reform. Residents of Herkimer, Fulton and Otsego counties have dealt with exorbitant property taxes for too long. County leaders have done everything possible to reduce taxpayer burden, so now the state will step in to alleviate the problem. We will introduce several proposals to combat rising property taxes next year.
I’ll also take on skyrocketing fuel and energy costs in 2006. We have seen gasoline and heating fuel costs rise to record levels this year, and little relief is in sight. My Assembly minority colleagues and I will continue checking every avenue possible to help residents who need assistance in paying for heating costs. There could be a possible expansion of the Home Energy Assistance Program to include homeowners and apartment tenants who need the help now, but may not be eligible for the benefits.
Of course, there will be the ever-present push to continue creating and retaining jobs in New York. I will work hard to find and assist business owners who want to locate in my district and provide my constituents with career opportunities they deserve.
Yes, 2005 has seen tremendous success for the Assembly minority conference and all New Yorkers. It is my promise that 2006 will be an equally impressive year that finds residents of my district safer and living in an improved economic climate.