Issues: New York State Power Authority

The New York State Legislature has completed passage of an on-time budget for the second year in a row. Though it was another challenging budget, requiring the closure of a $3.5 billion deficit, we were able to balance the budget without tax increases or fiscal gimmickry. In addition, overall spending was reduced for the second straight year, the frist time this has happened in at least three decades. 

Some highlights include:

Gallivan: “Senate Plan Cuts Taxes, Reforms Medicaid, Protects Seniors and Schools.”

The New York State Senate voted to approve its 2012-13 Senate Budget resolution, continuing its focus on state spending, job creation, and structural reform to government.

The Senate budget, at just under $132.5 billion, keeps the total state spending increase below two percent, and spends less than the Executive Budget. The budget closes a $2 billion budget deficit and builds on last year’s successes in putting the state’s fiscal house in order.

Review Cites Progress For New York On Taxpayer Protection, Public Safety, Economic Justice, Public Integrity, Civil Rights & Environmental Protection

The Office of Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today issued an end-of-the-year review detailing many of its accomplishments in areas including public safety, economic justice, taxpayer protection, public integrity, civil rights and environmental protection.

The lifetime achievements of Brooklyn native Dorothy Burnham were recognized and lauded by NYS Senator Velmanette Montgomery (D-Brooklyn) during the reading of a Senate resolution, which was unanimously passed by the full Senate during the final days of the 2011 Legislative Session. The resolution paid tribute to Dorothy Burnham’s many notable contributions to our public education system, the advancement of civil rights, and to the promotion of racial and economic equality. Ms. Burnham was also honored for her designation as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the New York Friends of the People's World. “Dorothy Burnham is a Renaissance Woman,” said Senator Montgomery.

Astoria, Queens—State Senator Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) commended state utilities regulators for granting approval for the construction of a $1.4 billion power plant in Astoria along the East River. The new plant will reduce toxic emissions at the site by more than 85% by replacing an older, less-efficient and dirtier plant.

“Western Queens residents can breathe a little easier today,” stated Senator Michael Gianaris. “We bear more than our fair share of the burden for producing New York’s electricity. Anytime we replace an old, dirty generator with a newer, cleaner one is a significant step in the right direction.”

10-point plan Creates Jobs, Grows Small Businesses & Attracts New Investments

The Senate Democratic Majority passed a comprehensive jobs package of 10 bills that will put New Yorkers back to work, create new jobs and spur economic growth for businesses across the state. The Majority’s jobs plan, which comes immediately after the Senate Majority passed Energizing New York, a permanent program to replace Power for Jobs, will:

ONEONTA, 05/14/10 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today said the pending expiration of ‘Power for Jobs’ will endanger thousands of upstate jobs created through the low-cost energy program.

The New York State Senate confirmed seven appointees to key boards today, including a new trustee to the Power Authority of the State of New York, and members to the State Athletic Commission, Dormitory Authority, Correction Medical Review Board, State Board for Historic Preservation and Saratoga-District State Park, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commission. Mark O’Luck (New York)Trustee, Power Authority of the State of New York