Charles D.
Under the leadership of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, our legislature completed its 2011 legislative session with a long list of extraordinary accomplishments.
In the midst of a global economic crisis, we passed a balanced, on-time budget that spent less than the previous year and did not add new taxes. That budget also closed a $10 billion gap without borrowing.
We enacted a property tax cap limiting tax increases in villages, towns, school districts, cities and counties to 2% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. This will provide meaningful relief for Long Islanders whose property taxes are among the highest in the nation.
Comprehensive ethics reform is a major first step in ending the seemingly constant stream of scandals coming out of Albany. The Public Integrity Act of 2011 forces legislators to make unprecedented disclosures of their private clients and customers. It requires fuller disclosure of the income and assets of members of the executive branch and legislators. It creates a public database of who is appearing before state agencies and establishes an independent commission to oversee enforcement. Importantly, the law includes the provisions of a bill I had written that forfeits the public pensions of officials who are convicted of crimes.
The historic passage of same-sex marriage laws has returned New York to its status as a national leader in justice, equality and fairness. After all, only second class states have second class citizens.
Under Governor Andrew Cuomo, we have also begun the task of modernizing our State University system and seen the establishment of 10 Regional Economic Councils to encourage investment in our economy and the creation of badly needed jobs. I am honored to have been appointed Chairman of the Assembly Administrative Regulation Review Commission.
While much has been done in a short time, there is far more that has yet to be accomplished to protect our citizens. Working together, I am certain that we will make sure that New York continues in the best direction.
Named Chairman of Administrative Regulation
Review Commission
In February, I was named chairman of the Administrative Regulation Review
Commission, a bipartisan commission that will keep New York State’s government
agencies accountable to the taxpayer. The commission will review and examine the
rules set by unelected state agencies, and will find new ways to streamline and increase
the transparency of the rule-making process.
Creating Quality Jobs on Long Island
This year, I advocated for efforts to create a new jobs program called Recharge New York.
Recharge New York is a sustainable and predictable energy program for businesses and
not-for-profits designed to protect and create jobs and encourage new capital investments.
Power for Jobs, a program which will be continued under Recharge New York, has already
created more than 200,000 jobs across the downstate region.
Promoting Construction Jobs
Legislation I sponsored that will assist cities, villages and contractors in completing construction
projects for local municipalities passed the legislature unanimously. The bill grants city and village
planning boards more flexibility in finalizing projects with contractors. The legislation will save local
governments sorely needed funds by reducing duplicate re-bidding and will create construction jobs
in New York State.
Lavine Helps Author Ethics Reforms
Legislation that I fought for will revoke public pension payments to public officials convicted of crimes,
and has been adopted by the Governor and Legislature’s ethics reform law. Strong ethics are a
cornerstone for efficient and good government. I am proud that legislation that I sponsored was adopted
in the final ethics law. It is important to revoke taxpayer-funded pensions from those who violate the
public trust for their own benefit.
Assisting Our Small Businesses
I sponsored legislation that will shield small businesses from certain fines or penalties imposed by
regulatory entities. This bill was passed by both the Senate and the Assembly. The legislation requires
that government regulators must consider implementing a cure period, which would provide time for
businesses to correct infractions before receiving a fine.
Standing Up for Early Intervention Patients and Providers
I gathered alongside a bipartisan group of legislators and rallied with patients and providers of the
essential Early Intervention program to fight cuts and regulations which would damage patient care.
4201 Schools and Expanding Health Insurance Coverage for Autism Spectrum
Disorders
The State Legislature was able to successfully restore $98 million dollars to 4201 schools and create a
new funding mechanism that will ensure important support for schools such as Mill Neck Manor and the
Henry Viscardi School. 4201 schools serve the special education needs of children who are deaf, blind,
and/or severely disabled. In addition, I also announced the passage of ground breaking legislation to
specifically require HMOs and individual and group health insurers to require screening, diagnosis and
treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Continuing the Internship Program
For the fourth straight year, high school and college students from the 13th Assembly District participated
in our summer internship program. Our interns gained valuable experience in weekly meetings to discuss
the important issues that our state and nation face. Those interested in applying to be part of the internship
program can contact our office’s Community Liaison Harrison Feuer at
feuerh@assembly.state.ny.us.
Assemblyman Lavine presents Carol Waldman, the Executive Director of the Glen Cove Senior Center, with a citation from the New York State Assembly for her commitment and dedication to the senior community.
Staff Information:
Tara E. Butler – Chief of Staff
Harrison L. Feuer – Community Liaison
Steven Friedman – Legislative Director
Antonia Brown – Administrative Aide
District Office:
70 Glen St., Suite 100, Glen Cove, NY 11542
(516) 676-0050 • Fax: (516) 676-0071
Albany Office:
Room 441 LOB, Albany, NY 12248
(518) 455-5456 • Fax: (518) 455-5467
