Recap of This Year’s Legislative Session

The Legislature wrapped up its 2013 session last week, leaving a number of high profile and controversial pieces of legislation to be voted on toward the end.

Women’s Equality Act: I was proud to support this ten-point bill to achieve pay equity, to end domestic violence and gender discrimination, to protect a woman’s freedom of choice and more. Additionally, I joined fellow female members of the Assembly in support of keeping the bill a ten-point agenda and relayed our message to the Governor, whereas the Senate has passed nine points.

With the recent bill taken up by the U.S. House of Representatives in respect to women’s reproductive health, it is important for New York State to stand up and affirm freedom of choice. This update would reflect current federal law in reference to providing access to abortion care when the health of the woman is at stake (but not go beyond what is lawful under Roe v. Wade).

START-Up NY (formerly Tax-Free NY): A number of reservations I had were addressed in the final START-Up NY proposal, and I voted in support due to its potential to create jobs by enticing businesses to partner with SUNY campuses and private colleges by waiving up to ten years of state taxes. As noted in last week's e-blast, I still have very significant concerns; however, the University at Albany intends to be a fully engaged partner with the community and local government in creating new jobs and local incubators. Another significant change in the proposal was to sunset it in seven years, thereby insuring that it will be reevaluated before continued.

Further, each interested university must submit a plan to the state on how a business partnership would have positive community and economic benefits, including potential job creation. Interested businesses may not compete with other businesses in the same community and must be a new or expanding business tied to the mission of the university (retailers, restaurants, service, law and real estate, medical or dental offices, financial services and utilities are not eligible.) Further, businesses must meet prevailing wage and MWBE requirements on public land, as well as comply with worker protection and environmental standards.

Casino Gaming: In order to amend the state constitution – which is required to allow table-style gambling in New York State – two separately elected Legislatures must pass identical legislation, and the amendment must win the support of New York voters. After passing in both the Assembly and the Senate, the passage of this legislation in both houses marks its second consecutive legislative approval, allowing the amendment to now go before voters on Election Day in November for their final say.

This legislation will allow for one casino in the Capital Region area only if a municipality chooses to compete for one. While Saratoga County members have expressed an interest in a casino, I would oppose any casinos in Albany or anywhere in the 109th District. I remain personally opposed to gambling and do not think this is an effective form of economic development.

Ten percent of the state’s share of revenues from the casinos will be split equally between the host municipality and the host county. Another ten percent will go to other counties in the casino’s region to provide tax relief or educational assistance. The remaining 80 percent of the state’s share will be used statewide for additional education aid or property tax relief.

Ban on K-2 grade testing: We have heard from many residents about the negative impact of too much testing on our youth in school, particularly in the last year, and numerous educators presented at a bipartisan forum held June 5th. I cosponsored legislation to prohibit testing except for assessment purposes from kindergarten to the second grade that passed overwhelmingly in the Assembly, but urgent work remains since the Senate Education Committee’s leadership failed to report the bill out of committee. This is a serious issue of concern and will remain a priority as our advocacy work continues.

Students’ Right to Privacy: The Assembly’s legislation allows parents and students to opt out of the distribution of personally identifiable student information to inBloom Inc. and to other third-party education and data companies. It also directs the state Education Department to develop the necessary information and forms necessary for parents and students to opt out of distribution.

Synthetic Marijuana: The Assembly passed legislation that would add synthetic cannabinoid compounds to the list of controlled substances – effectively banning the sale and possession of so-called “synthetic marijuana” (A.1451-A). Possession with intent to sell these compounds would be punishable by up to seven years in jail under the Assembly’s legislation. Synthetic marijuana is often sold as herbal incense and labeled “not for human consumption,” allowing manufacturers to avoid government regulation.

New Funding Source for Education and Prevention of Cancer Diseases Affecting Women: The Assembly also passed legislation that would allow taxpayers, through a check-off on state tax forms, to join the battle against women’s cancers by establishing The Women’s Cancers Education and Prevention Fund.

Here are a few community highlights and events coming up that I wanted to share with you:

+ Congratulations to high school seniors across the 109th District and the best of luck in your future, whether it’s heading off to college or to work. We’re proud of your accomplishments and I encourage you to stay involved in your community in whatever way possible.

+ The Altamont Free Library’s Summer Concert Series begins on July 2 with Sensamaya at 7 p.m. The concert series runs through August 6.

+ The Town of Bethlehem is currently accepting applications for the position of Director of Economic Development and Planning. Interested candidates should send their resume, completed employment application, and cover letter by June 30, 2013 to Mary Tremblay-Glassman, Director of Human Resources, Town of Bethlehem, 445 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, New York 12054.