Dear Friend:

Thank you once again for allowing me to share some of the work I have been doing as your representative in the State Assembly.

In Albany, the difficult budget negotiations continue as I work with my colleagues in the Legislature and the Governor to pass a responsible fiscal plan that protects our most vulnerable residents and maintains vital services.

Locally, I have been working with community groups to revitalize and improve our neighborhoods, as well as preserve our treasured landmarks and historic sites.

As always, I look forward to serving you both in the Capitol and locally. Be sure to contact either of my offices if we can be of assistance. Please share this information with your family, friends and neighbors!

If you know of anyone who would like to be included on our recipient list, please send their email address to cahillk@assembly.state.ny.us and put "subscribe newsletter" in the subject line. I hope to see you soon.

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Assembly Energy Committee Chair Cahill announced that the Energy Committee passed legislation designed to make New York a leader in solar energy. The Solar Industry Development and Jobs Act of 2010 (A.11004) is a market-based approach that will accelerate investments in solar power throughout New York.

"New York has a huge untapped potential for solar energy, particularly in the hot summer months when electricity demand peaks," said Assemblymember Cahill. "This innovative program complements our already successful efforts at promoting wind, biomass and hydro power. It is a cost-effective solution that will allow us to meet our energy needs with clean, renewable power while at the same time strengthening our electric grid and reducing the need to run expensive peaking power plants."

To read more about this legislation, please click HERE.

The Assembly passed legislation (A.10946) authored by Assemblymember Cahill requiring every voting location in New York State be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA.) This bill moves New York forward in making its electoral process fair and accessible to all of its citizens.

"It has been two decades since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, yet some polling sites in New York are still inaccessible to citizens with disabilities. The Ulster County Board of Elections is to be commended for making great strides toward full compliance with requirements," Assemblymember Cahill said. "It is not only a legal obligation, but also our moral imperative to ensure access for every voter."

For full details of this legislation, please click HERE.

Assemblymember Cahill announced the passage of a measure (A.11144) designed to save money for local and state governments and provide budgeting flexibility for 2010-2011. This bill establishes a temporary retirement incentive program for certain state and local government employees to assist in streamlining the workforce to achieve cost savings. Pension reforms passed last year, combined with this legislation, will also ease the burden on tax payers.

"Payroll and pension benefits make up a very large portion of government spending. This vote will help make sure our state and local governments have some of the tools needed to better bring costs under control over the long term," said Assemblymember Cahill. "It is clearer than ever that we need to streamline services and this bill helps accomplish that goal through creating incentives for voluntary early retirement."

To read more details on this legislation, please click HERE.

The Alcoa Foundation sponsored a day of public service with Carey Construction and members of Assemblymember Cahill's office, helping to transform the long dormant St. Peter's School into a youth-focused community center. The efforts included landscaping and clean-up for the project which was launched last December by Agri-Business Child Development (ABCD), a New York-based charitable organization, upon receiving a $2.15 million dollar grant secured by the Assemblymember.

"At a time when support for disadvantaged families is being threatened, hunger is growing and local public recreational programs for children are at risk, it is important that we unite as a community to assure the availability of services for those most in need," said Assemblymember Cahill. "The Alcoa Foundation and Carey Construction are to be commended for their commitment to moving this project forward."

To read more about the ABCD volunteer clean-up, please click HERE.

Assemblymember Kevin Cahill announced the kick-off of the State Assembly's annual Summer Reading and Exercise Challenge. The Assemblymember is once again coordinating efforts with our local libraries to get the word out about summer reading and the value of our public library system.

"The Assembly is working to ensure that our children get a quality education. The Summer Reading and Exercise Challenge is a vital part of that effort," Assemblymember Cahill said. "Reading improves a child's critical thinking and vocabulary. Besides, you can take a book anywhere. It's portable, inexpensive and fun, and that combination is hard to beat. It is also important that children make time to get outside in the fresh air and engage in a physical activity that they find enjoyable."

To participate in the program, children must read alone or with a family member or friend for at least 15 minutes each day, as well as participate in a physical outdoor activity such as playing ball or taking a walk. Students mark the days off on a calendar and send it to Assemblymember Cahill's office. Participants will be rewarded with their reading and exercise certificate at the annual awards ceremony held in October at the Kingston Library.

To learn more about the Summer Reading and Exercise Challenge, please click HERE.

To see a list of participating area libraries, please click HERE.

I hope you have enjoyed learning about the recent activities of my office and I look forward to your continued feedback. Please share this information with your family, friends and neighbors! If you know of anyone who would like to be included on our recipient list, please forward their email address to us. Should you have any questions regarding the content of this newsletter or any issue which requires my assistance, I encourage you to call, email, write or stop by my district office.