YOU SPOKE UP, ALBANY LISTENED

In 2011, you spoke up, and the New York Legislature listened. Lawmakers delivered an on-time state budget, low-cost power, restoration in school aid, stronger rent-control regulations, and a property tax cap.

This year, I helped pass an on-time state budget – the first in five years – which closed New York’s $10 billion deficit without raising taxes or adding new borrowing.

photo

A property tax cap and rent control will give working-class families an opportunity for affordable housing, encourage our younger residents to stay in our community, and minimize the need for seniors to make tough choices between rent, food or medications. The property tax cap must only be a starting point to end Albany’s spending addiction. We now must work to lower taxes in order to promote the fragile economic recovery and promote long-term prosperity.

To reduce property taxes and keep them low, lawmakers now must work on eliminating all unfunded mandates sent from Albany. Our teachers are working tirelessly with the resources they have in the classroom right now. They do not need additional expenses dictated by an unacceptable government in Albany.

Lawmakers still have a great deal of work ahead to make our state more affordable for its job creators and put 800,000 unemployed New Yorkers back to work. Albany must redouble its efforts at making New York State a more attractive place to conduct business by transforming government into a partner, instead of an inhibitor, for job creation.

While legislation to repeal the outrageous MTA payroll tax easily passed in the state Senate with the strong leadership of Senator Jack Martins, its vote was blocked in the Assembly. This legislation is a responsible measure to eliminate a job-killing tax that continues to crush our local small businesses, hospitals, schools and nonprofits. This legislation is about making our community stronger, and it’s vital we once again address it for the future economic prosperity of our area. It’s equally unfair that our community is subjected to this payroll tax when morning train services have been slashed and weekend services eliminated altogether.

I am eager to speak with you over the coming months to hear your feedback about this year’s productive and positive legislative session. Together, we can make next year’s legislative session as much of a success as 2011.


AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD...

Elmont Farmers Market Come one, come all to the Elmont Farmers Market! Open for business every Thursday through November 24, and sponsored by the Elmont Chamber of Commerce, the Elmont Farmers Market is the place to be for local, fresh produce, plants, baked goods, a variety of fish caught off Long Island waters, grass-fed beef, cheese, eggs and much more. Senator Jack Martins and I are proud to support our local producers and this tremendous asset to Elmont!

Marching It Up in Elmont I was honored to participate in the Belmont Parade on June 4. Seen here with the Sewanhaka High School marching band, this was a great way for Sewanhaka and Elmont to show off our shared community spirit and promote Belmont and Elmont as first-class destinations during Elmont Community Day!

Iacaona Honored for Assisting Veterans I was proud to honor Elmont resident J.P. Iacaona in recognition of his tireless efforts to assist veterans in the community! J.P. has raised over $5,700 to provide service dogs to disabled veterans and wounded warriors. J.P. has made a significant difference in our community because his contributions have served as a valuable resource for the people, veterans, active soldiers, and returning soldiers of Elmont.

Open for Business! Our small businesses are the backbone of our community, and it’s important we support them! I was proud to attend the grand opening of Extreme Wellness Spa in Franklin Square on July 1 (left).

And congratulations and best of luck to Nino’s Pizzeria (right) in West Hempstead on their Grand Opening!

Do you have the goal and drive to open your own small business?
I want to help. Email me or text me: rae@assembly.state.ny.us or call 437-5577 today!

Keeping our promise to the community I was proud to join Governor Cuomo and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos to sign the property tax cap into law this summer. You gave me the honor of serving you, and I take that trust seriously. The property tax cap keeps our commitment to lower taxes, gives more control to our community, and creates jobs. What else can Albany do to help our community? Share your ideas with me – email or text to rae@assembly.state.ny.us!



It’s the event of the summer right here in Elmont! I was honored to participate in the 7th Annual 3-on-3 tournament, sponsored by Senator Jack Martins and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos. The volunteers who made this tournament an incredible success are the true leaders both on and off the court. It was one of the most rewarding days I have had being a part of our community.
photo
photo
Henry Viscardi Cougars versus the Elmont Memorial High School Spartans! The crowds packed it in to watch these gentlemen from both teams hoop it up! The Henry Viscardi School Wheelchair Basketball Program was created to give children of all levels of physical disability the chance to play together as a team and to reach their highest potential as athletes. A great job to both teams!



Senator Dean Skelos and I were proud to be a part of this year’s tournament!