POLITICO NEW YORK, an online publication covering New York State government, published its analysis of the 2017 Legislative Session this week. That analysis showed that Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. passed 17 bills through both houses of the New York State Legislature, more than any other member of the 22-member Long Island delegation. Thiele, the State Legislature’s only Independent, ranked 5th statewide among the 150-member State Assembly in passing bills through the State Legislature in 2017.

The State Assembly passed 998 bills in 2017. The State Senate passed 1,907 bills. Both houses of the Legislature passed 609 bills. The average “per member” for bills passing both houses was 4 bills.

Among the 17 bills passed by Assemblyman Thiele this session was legislation (1) to expand oversight by the State over LIPA/PSEG-LI rates, (2) to give state recognition to the Montaukett Indian Nation, (3) to provide greater financial assistance to the State’s small businesses, (4) to assist the commercial fishing industry, (5) to provide greater home rule control over federal funding at East Hampton Airport, and (6) numerous home rule bills requested by East End local governments.

In total, Thiele passed 22 bills through the State Assembly. Five bills did not pass the Senate, including the gasoline zone pricing bill and legislation to protect mobile home owners from unconscionable rents.

Thiele stated, “The 2017 Legislative Session survey shows that it is possible to be both independent and effective in Albany. In the last five years, I have passed more than 80 bills that improve the quality of life on Long Island and New York State. Of the more than 200 laws I have passed during my tenure in the Assembly, the one I am most proud of is the Peconic Bay Region Community Preservation Fund which has generated more than $1.2 billion to protect community character on the East End since 1999. My partnership with Senator Ken LaValle proves that it is possible to work across the aisle to get things done in Albany.”

Senator LaValle passed 28 bills through both houses of the State Legislature, third highest in the 63-member chamber.