Issues: Electricity

(Albany, NY) - State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Hollis), Chairman of the Independent Democratic Conference and Co-Chairman of the Hurricane Sandy Task Force, today secured a provision in the budget which calls on the New York State Energy Research And Development Authority to conduct a study and develop recommendations for the establishment of strong utility "microgrids" in New York.

BUDGET PLAN WOULD CHANGE THE STATE’S FILM PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT TO LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR WNY

The New York State Senate today approved a 2013-14 budget resolution, proposed by the Senate Majority Coalition, that focuses on helping businesses create new jobs, investing additional funds in education and transportation, providing mandate relief to local governments, and restoring proposed cuts to women’s health programs as well programs for the developmentally disabled.  The budget also includes proposals to implement a two-percent state spending cap and reform the State’s film production tax credit program to level the playing field for Upstate.

A Fiscally Responsible Approach to Job Creation

Senate Republican Conference Leader Dean Skelos and members of the Senate Republican conference today announced a bold and sweeping job creation plan to improve New York’s business climate so it not only keeps up with other states, but surpasses them. Among other things, the “Senate Republican Blueprint for Jobs: ReThink. ReVitalize. ReBuild.” would cut taxes for one million small businesses and reduce energy costs for every business and residential ratepayer in New York, saving them $2.5 billion.

PELHAM, NY - State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) joined local elected officials, law enforcement officials, community leaders and task force participants today to announce initiatives designed to respond to issues outlined by the Pelham Task Force on Hurricane Sandy last month. Village of Pelham Mayor Ed Hotchkiss, Village of Pelham Manor Mayor Jim O’Connor and Town of Pelham Supervisor Pete DiPaola, in addition to several of the Task Force participants stood with Senator Klein as they unveiled legislative recommendations and community initiatives designed to address issues with Con Edison facing residents following Hurricane Sandy.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo unveiled the proposed 2013-14Executive Budget and Management Plan that builds on two years of balanced, fiscally responsible budgeting and invests in economic development, education reform, rebuilding after Superstorm Sandy, provides support to local governments and school districts, and includes no new taxes or fees.

Highlights of the Executive Budget:

· Eliminates $1.3 billion budget gap with no new taxes or fees. The expected gap for 2013-14 was projected to be $17.4 billion prior to the last two responsible budgets.

· Holds spending increases below 2 percent for third consecutive year.