Issues: HAVA (Help America Vote Act)

Budget Comes Early, Controls Spending and Holds The Line On Taxes

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan hailed the 2012 state budget today as lawmakers approved the spending plan ahead of the April 1st deadline, marking the second consecutive year New York State will enact an on-time budget.

“Passing a second on-time budget in as many years is indicative of the larger progress we’ve seen lately in Albany. Just as late budgets were once a symbol of dysfunction, on-time budgets are symbolic of continued progress,” the Senator said. “Even more important than passing an on-time budget, is that we passed a fiscally responsible budget that respects New York’s taxpayers and keeps the State moving forward.”

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.

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.

Queens, NY, November 15, 2010 -- Answering the most common complaint from voters on both Primary Day in September and Election Day in November, NYS Senator Joseph Addabbo, Chair of the State Senate Elections Committee, is drafting the language necessary in a bill that would enlarge the print on the ballot used for the scanner. The Senator is hopeful this legislation can be introduced before the end of the year and passed early next year, before the 2011 elections.

Queens, NY, September 15, 2010 – "As chair of the State Senate’s Elections Committee, I intend to discuss with the Board of Elections the issues and concerns expressed to me by voters and poll workers regarding the new voting machines used on Primary Day. I believe we all anticipated some issues, since these new machines were being used for the first time ever by millions of registered voters throughout New York State. Now we must find practical solutions so that our voters have an efficient and reliable General Election in November."

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