Dean Skelos elected Majority Leader of the NYS Senate

Yesterday, June 24, Senator Dean Skelos, of Rockville Centre,  was elected Majority Leader of the New York State Senate.

NYS Senate passes Fuschillo’s Reverse Vending Machine Bill

On Monday, June 16, the New York State Senate passed a bill, sponsored by Senator Charles J Fuschillo, Jr which would require “big box” stores to have reverse vending machines (RVMs) on site. 

NYS Senate passes Fuschillo’s “Social Host” bill

On Tuesday, June 10, the New York State Senate passed a bill that would hold adults responsible if they allow underage people to drink on their property.

LI NYS Senators want Education Commissioner to step down

Last Week, 8 of the 9 Long Island New York State Senators called for Richard P. Mills, the President of The University of the State of New York (USNY) and Commissioner of State Education, to resign.

NYS Senate passes bills to crack down on “fake cops”

Yesterday, May 28, the New York State Senate passed legislation, sponsored by Senator Charles J. Fuschillo (R-Merrick), that would increase penalties for crimes committed while impersonating a police officer and expand criminal impersonation to include the impersonation of any law enforcement officer.

NYS Senate passes bill to Ban Texting While Driving

Yesterday, May 27, the New York State Senate passed legislation that will prohibit text messaging on cell phones while operating a vehicle.

NY AG to host hearing on Pension Fraud, tomorrow

Tomorrow , May 22, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo will preside over a statewide  pension fraud public hearing at SUNY Farmingdale.

NYS Senate passes bill for Tax Credits to Businesses that use Alternative Energy

Yesterday, May 19, the New York State Senate passed a bill which would provide tax credits to New York businesses that install alternative energy and electric systems.

Fuschillo and Rice propose ignition interlocks for DWIs

5/15/08: Sen. Fuschillo (center) and DA Rice (2nd left) explains the interlock system. Photo from www.senatorfuschillo.com

Yesterday, May 15, New York State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr and Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice joined by anti-DWI advocates called for mandatory probation and the installation of ignition interlock devices for all convicted drunk drivers in Long Island and five other NY counties.

NYS Senate Passes Gas Tax Holiday

Today, May 7, the New York State Senate passed legislation to eliminate the New York State taxes on gasoline from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

NYS Senate passes Red-Light Cameras in Nassau

Yesterday, April 30, the New York State Senate passed a bill that will allow Nassau County to install cameras which will catch drivers running red-lights.

NYS Senate Majority calls for Gas Tax Holiday

Today, April 30, the New York State Senate Majority announces their support for a State-wide summer gas tax holiday.

DA urges NYS Senate to pass Microstamping Bill

Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice is urging the NYS Senate to pass legislation requiring semiautomatic pistols manufactured or delivered to any licensed dealer in this state to be capable of microstamping ammunition.

NYS Budget Passes

New York State Legislators came to an agreement yesterday up in Albany. The 2008-2009 New York State Budget was finally approved. It will include $121.7 billion in state spending, an increase of 4.9% from last year.

“In the face of two crises, one in government and one in our economy we came together to produce a responsible budget for the people of New York,” said Governor Paterson. “This was by no means a perfect process, nor is it a perfect product. But we were able to achieve the programmatic reforms and cost controls needed to move forward and confront the challenges ahead.”

Local Details from the 2008/09 Budget:

Education, the budget calls for a $1.8 billion increase in school aid statewide. On Long Island , almost every district will see an increase in school aid.

School District-08/09 State Aid-Increase from 07/08

Bellmore- 4,692,353 (+ 841,402)

Bellmore-Merrick- 19,591,127 (+ 1,829,411)

Island Trees- 15,209,617 (+1,563,466)

Levittown- 51,726,163 (+4,570,320)

Merrick- 6,091,849 (+353,337)

North Bellmore- 11,652,339 (+1,139,585)

North Merrick- 6,596,619 (+890,163)

Seaford- 9,970,932 (+576,502)

Wantagh- 14,751,451 (+1,045,550)

Nassau Community College will get $28.5 million for a new Performing Arts Building, new Parking Lots, updated Windows, new Energy Savings Initiatives, updated Fire Alarms and Public Address System.

SUNY Farmingdale will receive $39.3 millionand SUNY Westbury $13 Million.

For other school districts on Long Island or in NY click here http://assembly.state.ny.us/comm/WAM/2008schoolaid/#n

For a full list of other SUNY schools click here http://assembly.state.ny.us/comm/WAM/2008sunycuny/2008suny.html

Parks, $120 million for state parks, statewide. Jones Beach will get $4.2 million for boardwalk improvements, Zach’s Bay Comfort Station, upgrades in the water treatment plant and pool filtration system.

For a full list of state aid to New York parks click here http://assembly.state.ny.us/comm/WAM/2008Parks/2008parks.pdf

Statewide Details:

Economic Development Projects, statewide $350 millionfor the New York State Capital Assistance Program (NYSCAP).

Heathcare, $25 million for 400,000 uninsured children.

For a full list click here http://www.budget.state.ny.us/

New Statewide Taxes:

Closing unintended tax loopholes ($429 million); increasing programmatically tailored fees ($203 million); increasing cigarette taxes by $1.25 per pack to $2.75 to fund health care investments ($265 million); and requiring Internet retailers such as Amazon.com to collect sales tax which is already owed to the State ($50 million). Certain Executive Budget revenue proposals were rejected, including taxing illegal drugs, imposing an additional $15 auto insurance surcharge, collecting a five-cent deposit on non-carbonated beverages, and removing restrictions on the operations of Quick Draw – though authorization for the game will be extended for two years.