Throughout the legislative session that came to a close last week, I participated in many important committee meetings and Assembly sessions, carried out a number of legislative duties and performed many official functions that come with the office. In the end, I believe our efforts helped achieve a number of accomplishments that will benefit the residents of the 117th Assembly District and all New Yorkers.
Among the positive, we delivered an on-time state budget, passed legislation to further protect our children and families from dangerous criminals, and provided much-needed property tax relief to overburdened homeowners. We fought hard to enact laws that directly benefit you, and in the end I believe it was a productive session.
Here are some of the significant pieces of legislation I helped pass in the Assembly this year:
- Creating the Office of Medicaid Inspector General to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse in the Medicaid program and save taxpayers billions of dollars.
- Expanding the state DNA database to include samples from individuals convicted of any felony and specific, more serious misdemeanors, such as menacing, stalking and endangering the welfare of a child.
- Eliminating the statute of limitations on all Class B violent felony sex offenses, such as first-degree rape.
- Creating the crime of aggravated DWI for anyone convicted of driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.18 or more.
- Capping the state sales tax on gasoline.
- Strengthening Megan’s Law to increase the length of time that information about convicted sex offenders must remain on the state Sex Offender Registry.
- Enacting a $330 per-child Empire State Child Tax Credit.
- Increasing aid for libraries to record levels and provide more money for library construction.
- Eliminating the state sales tax on clothing and footwear costing $110 or less.
My Assembly colleagues and I made great strides in many crucial areas, but we know more needs to be done. I look forward to continuing the people’s work now that I am back home in the district. Constituent case work has been, and will continue to be, the primary focus of my office. Local input on improving our communities is essential for me to do my job.
Throughout this year’s legislative session, I was glad to hear from so many residents who contacted my office by calling, writing letters or e-mails. I want you to know I take your ideas and concerns very seriously, and I encourage you to continue to express your thoughts so we may work together and make our part of New York the best it can be.
If you have questions, comments or concerns you would like to discuss with me, do not hesitate to contact me in my district office by calling (315) 866-1632, or in Johnstown, (518) 762-6486.