FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 29, 2017

Statement from Speaker Carl Heastie on Passage of Comprehensive Legislation to Move New York Forward


Last night, the New York State Assembly passed comprehensive bi-partisan legislation to meet the diverse needs of every community in New York. I am proud of the efforts of Assembly members on both sides of the aisle who worked extremely hard to craft a consensus on the many pressing issues our state faces. Working with Governor Cuomo, our successes include a two-year extension of mayoral control of New York City schools, giving our educational system stability and allowing our school children to thrive. We also passed a three year extension of local sales taxes and other taxes to give local governments certainty in their planning to provide the essential services we expect. Additionally, we were able to reach an agreement to create a new $55 million flood recovery grant program in response to the historic flooding affecting communities across New York's Lake Ontario coastline, provide relief to Vernon Downs to retain jobs in Central New York, and provide for critical transportation needs in Westchester County. We also achieved second passage of a Constitutional Amendment to help communities in the Adirondacks with critical infrastructure projects. I thank all the members of the Assembly on both sides of the aisle for their hard work and dedication throughout the 2017 legislative session on behalf of the people of our great State.