As your state Assemblyman, I am very passionate about ensuring public safety. I have worked hard with volunteer fire companies, ambulance services, local officials and law enforcement to help support them so that they can better serve and protect us. Like many New Yorkers, I was deeply concerned over a recent news report of a viral video by teenagers in Harlem, New York assaulting on-duty New York Police Department Officers.

Not only was this act an absolute disgrace, but it endangered the welfare of the police officers just trying to do their job, as well as compromised public safety. The attempted glorification sought by the perpetrators who filmed and broadcast the crime on social media adds another very disturbing component. It shows a deep misunderstanding and disregard for law enforcement and public safety in general. These acts should be condemned by every American.

As your lawmaker and voice at our State Capitol, I want to do more, so I am partnering with Assemblyman Mike LiPetri (R-Massapequa) and some of our colleagues to introduce new legislation that would make similar acts against police or peace officers a Class E felony of menacing a police officer in the second degree, punishable with up to four years in prison.

I am a sponsor of legislation (A.6402) that will protect law enforcement from violent attacks by creating the crime of aggravated assault upon a police or peace officer with intent to cause serious physical injury. This crime would be a class B felony if enacted.

I also voted against a number of pro-criminal bills that came up for a vote during this year’s legislative session, including measures that would make it more difficult for police to do their jobs. In fact, part of the state budget included measures to restrict police officers’ authority in making arrests for Class E felonies and misdemeanors. I proudly voted “NO.”

Police officers, peace officers, state troopers and other law enforcement put their lives on the line every day in service to us. They sacrifice time with their loved ones and take on tremendous responsibility trying to keep us safe. It is high time that Albany take action to show them the respect and support they deserve. They can start by enacting these important bills.

In Albany we spend a lot of time talking about how to make the American Dream easier for illegal immigrants, the underprivileged, and those who happen to live in downstate communities. It’s time for Albany to take a more open, more inclusive look to encompass our entire state and give fairer treatment to all its citizens, and that includes law enforcement. Thank you to all of you who serve, and please know I am fighting for you.