Issues: Agriculture

It’s been a long struggle to raise the state Legislature's awareness of traditionally upstate, small city, rural issues, but over the past two years the challenges for rural legislators have become more and more acute.  We’ve seen it time and again in the ongoing battles over the state’s tax policies, economic development priorities, infrastructure allocations and in so many other ways.

So it’s going to remain one of the constant demands of every upstate legislator to remind the downstate, New York City-based leaders who currently control New York government that our state is largely defined by rural regions and the future of these rural communities is fundamental to statewide strength and well-being. 

Bird to be Delivered to Recovery Sanctuary

BRONX, NY – State Senator and Deputy Majority Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) announced on Friday that he has secured a safe, long term home for an abused rooster recently rescued from a South Bronx cockfight. The owner of the Hollywood Haircuts barber shop on City Island has been rehabilitating and caring for the rooster, Coco, since his rescue earlier this year. Following the press conference, Klein’s office delivered the rooster to its new home at the Berkshire Bird Paradise Sanctuary in Petersburg, NY.

Aubertine: Extender gives lawmakers more time to bring program to Assembly vote

A major victory was achieved tonight on behalf of the Upstate New York agriculture industry, when the Farm Labor Bill that would have devastated the Upstate farming industry was rejected by the New York State Senate. This proposal was a clear example of New York City legislators who do not understand the unique needs of our Upstate farms.  The effects of this ill-conceived legislation would have been catastrophic to our State’s top industry.

SYRACUSE, N.Y.— Governor Paterson has signed legislation sponsored by Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) that supports growth and investment in vineyards and orchards, two major agricultural crops in New York State.

The bill streamlines an existing property tax exemption for new or replanted vineyards or orchards that proved burdensome for farmers (S.5501).

“Wineries and orchards provide substantial economic impact in Central and Upstate New York,” said Senator Valesky. “This legislation is a cost saving measure for farms, and in these difficult economic times, every dollar saved helps.”