As State Senator, it’s my job to represent the interests and opinions of the thousands of constituents who reside in the 48th Senate District. As I work to improve our region by creating jobs, boosting the economy, supporting our schools, cutting taxes and more, it’s imperative that I learn about what matters to you. In an effort to do just that, last December I launched my 2015 Legislative Survey.
We have heard a lot from the Governor’s office about the success of New York’s Health Exchange. The exchange was set up pursuant to ObamaCare which mandates that all Americans obtain health insurance. The exchanges, which are either set up by individual states or by the federal government (when a state decides not to opt into the program), are, in theory, supposed to provide a market for people to purchase health insurance. New York, pursuant to an executive order of the Governor, set up its own exchange. Compared to other states and to the federal government’s system, New York’s exchange has had fewer reported problems.
From the food we eat to the beverages we drink, agriculture is at the root of it all. And, as recent numbers have shown, the industry is poised for even greater growth in 2015. According to the USDA, New York State set a sales record in 2013, with cash receipts from livestock, crops and other products totaling nearly $5.7 billion. That’s up from $5.5 billion the year prior. Contributing to this growth are a number of new advancements made in 2014.
Long-time serving Speaker of the Assembly, Sheldon Silver, has been arrested for public corruption. After initially standing by Silver, claiming, amazingly, that his arrest will not be a distraction, members the NYC-dominated Democrat majority in the Assembly finally came to their senses and realized that supporting Silver was a politically tenuous position and that a new Speaker must be elected. In the days that followed, a number of Democratic Assembly members, exclusively from NYC, with the exception of one, announced their candidacy to replace Silver.
For the past several weeks, my colleagues and I have been digging in and getting to work at the Capitol; laying the groundwork for what I know will be a productive Legislative Session that builds upon our prior work to create more and better opportunities for the people of our state.
Last week, the Governor presented his State of the State address. This annual tradition, much like the President’s State of Union address, is an opportunity for the Governor to set forth his priorities for the upcoming state legislative session. The State of the State address is usually in the beginning of January but this year it was appropriately delayed due to the passing of the Governor’s father. If you didn’t hear much about the State of the State, it is because the day after the State of the State address long-term State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was arrested for public corruption.
When it comes to crimes, there are few more heinous than human trafficking; a modern-day form of slavery where men, women and children are illegally traded or used against their will for exploitation or commercial gain. The number of people affected by human trafficking is staggering, as it’s estimated that more than 1,000 individuals in New York State are victims of the crime each year.
A 2012 report created by the Energy Highway Task Force, a task force led by key representatives from the fields of energy, environmental conservation and economic development, cited the critical need for improving transmission lines across the state. Their arguments for upgrading transmission lines are on point. New York’s current energy infrastructure includes approximately 10,900 miles of transmission lines.
With someone being in need of blood every two seconds in the United States, giving blood is one of the easiest things you can do to help save lives. This month marks National Blood Donor Month for the American Red Cross, a time when the organization recognizes the contributions made by those who donate blood and encourages others to follow in their footsteps.
With a new year comes new commitments and renewed hope. Last week, the Assembly welcomed new representatives. The swearing-in ceremony reminds all who attend to renew our commitment to public service. As we await the Governor’s State of the State address, I hope our state will turn its focus on improving the economy, investing in infrastructure and work toward improving education.
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