Dear Neighbor,

As your Assemblyman, it’s my job to keep you up to date on all of the activities and issues that are happening in Central New York. This newsletter contains important information for you and your family, so I ask that you take just a few minutes to look it over.

In addition, I want you to know that my office is here to help you. If you are having trouble dealing with federal, state and local government agencies, don’t hesitate to contact my office. My staff and I are always available to help you with: obtaining benefits, government forms or applications; providing information on programs, such as EPIC, HEAP and STAR; replacing local veterans’ medals and awards; answering questions about government issues; and developing legislative solutions to community problems.

I encourage you to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. Working together, we can improve and strengthen our community.

Bill has been a member of the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee since 1999 and is now chair of the committee. “It is my duty to remember veterans, their needs and issues, and to remind my fellow colleagues how important veterans are to our way of life,” Bill said.

Assemblyman Magnarelli listens to veterans during a meeting of the Assembly’s Veterans’ Affairs committee.

Bill is always interested in hearing your thoughts and ideas. In March, four town hall meetings were held, including one at Most Holy Rosary School, so Bill could listen to residents’ concerns and answer their questions before the budget discussions began. The information obtained at those meetings was invaluable and helped Bill better serve our community.

High-quality education for our children is one of Bill’s top priorities. That’s why he fought to restore aid to the Syracuse City School District this year. In addition, he has been a proponent of the Say Yes to Education program from its inception.

Bill and Syracuse Common Council President Van B. Robinson took a tour of “Falcon Trust,” the new community credit union at Fowler High School, which is operated by students, in partnership with Cooperative Federal.

Reforming Albany
Bill fought for a far-reaching ethics reform package as chair of the Assembly Ethics Committee. It called for tougher measures, stiffer penalties, more oversight and increased disclosure. This landmark legislation would take remarkable steps in ending abuses in the system by reducing lobbyists’ influence in Albany and strengthening campaign finance filing requirements. The Assembly and the Senate overwhelmingly passed the bill after extensive negotiations, research and public hearings (A.9544).

Stopping waste
Bill sponsored legislation that establishes an interagency report analyzing the opportunities to modernize and streamline information collection by state agencies. The report will find ways to improve efficiency, better share gathered data and ultimately reduce paperwork. The legislation passed both the Assembly and the Senate (A.9502-A).

Increasing safety
Bill authored the Gold Alert legislation, which establishes an alert system for missing adults who have cognitive impairments. Within 24 hours of a vulnerable adult going missing, alerts would be sent out through the media and to law enforcement officials in neighboring areas. The Gold Alert system is similar to the Amber Alert system for missing children, also authored by Bill. The legislation passed both houses (A.5220-B).

Revitalizing downtown Syracuse is important to Bill. That’s why he supports projects that focus on enhancing the city. He secured a grant that will fund the creation of 87 apartments and 25,000 square feet of store and restaurant space on Salina Street. He supports the Center of Excellence project, which encourages more than 200 companies and institutions to address global challenges using clean and renewable energy. He also supports the Hotel Syracuse and Landmark Theatre projects, which will invigorate the downtown area.

Bill is committed to meeting the needs of our community. That’s why he worked to ensure that two local organizations received vital funding. The Sunnycrest Ice Rink used the funds to renovate the rink. The Cecile Community Center used the funds to purchase a new Wii system, tables, chairs, a television and other equipment to help senior citizens stay active and engaged in social events.