As the cliche goes, when it rains it pours. This certainly holds true as a description of the numerous scandals that have arisen as of late in both Albany and Washington. This week in Albany, most attention was rightfully focused on the release of a report by the Joint Committee on Public Ethics that summarized its investigation of sexual harassment claims against Vito Lopez – the now former Assemblyman.
This week, I had the honor of hosting Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division, Major General Stephen Townsend, as well as several Fort Drum soldiers and commanders at the Capitol for “10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day.” This second annual event celebrated the 10th Mountain Division and its troops for their ongoing role in our nation’s defense, as well as the post itself for the key role it plays in our region’s economy.
On the same day farmers were bracing for a cold streak, the Assembly passed a bill that imposes factory-like mandates on family farms, and failed to recognize the unique industry heavily dependent on weather and harvest schedules. The Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act passed the Assembly 83-53. I voted against it. The bill imposes new labor mandates, regulations and financial burdens for farmers, without considering the environment or circumstances it takes to run a successful farm.
Last week, I had the opportunity to spend time with more than a dozen local heroes, all nominees for the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame program. The Hall of Fame pays tribute to New Yorkers who have served their country in the US Armed Forces and made significant contributions to their communities. 29 brave men and women from Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties were nominated for this special program.
There have been quite a few newsworthy items coming out of Albany in recent weeks. I want to share a few of them with you in this column pertaining to health services funding, insurance fraud, and tourism.
“What in the world would we do without our libraries?” This question, posed by Hollywood legend and library lover Katherine Hepburn, is one I often ask myself. From books and videos to community events and computer access, today’s libraries offer so much in the way of entertainment and education. Here in Central and Northern New York, we’re fortunate to have one of the largest concentrations of public libraries in the state.
The Assembly passed an early voting bill last week. I voted against this measure. At a time when localities are stretched to the max, this would create another unfunded mandate and change our current system when it doesn’t need to be changed.
Small business owners throughout New York State recently made their way to Albany. Chief among their concerns again this year pertained to overreaching regulations and paperwork mandates, which add to the overall cost of doing business.
It was recently reported that two Albany lawmakers from Downstate were involved in corruption and bribery. One lawmaker, Assemblyman Eric Stevenson, is accused of accepting more than $22,000 in bribes from four adult daycare centers, with the understanding that he would put forth legislation that would benefit the centers.
We hear about cases on the news and we see mug shots of those who are charged or convicted of some heinous child sex abuse act. There is no excuse for these perpetrators and sickens the majority of us who have to read these stories. The good thing about these news stories is that when we see them reported, we know our law enforcement is catching more of these types of perpetrators.
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