Issues: Special Elections

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.

New legislation sponsored by Senator Kenneth LaValle and Assemblymember Sam Hoyt  (A7223/S5071) would amend state election law to require reporting by groups that spend $1,000 or more to influence public votes on school district budget votes outside of the “Big Five” city school districts. While there are currently disclosure requirements for monies spent on local school board elections, none are required for local school budget votes.

BREWSTER NY, (May 13, 2011)- Senator Greg Ball (R, 40th District –Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess), released a statement today following the sentencing of former Senator Vincent Liebell, a Patterson Republican who pleaded guilty earlier this year to obstruction of justice and tax evasion. Senator Liebell formally occupied the 40th district Senate seat, now held by Ball.

Griffo Supports Senate Extension of Military Vote Count Governor-backed measure expected to be signed soon

New York State Senator Joseph A. Griffo (R-C-IP, Rome) this week, voted to ensure that special elections in New York State provide more time for military absentee ballots to be mailed and counted.

The Senate passed the legislation (Senate bill # 3500); one day after the Assembly passed the companion version.