Issues: Finance

Panel Looks for Ways to Reduce Burdens on Property Taxpayers

State Senator Patty Ritchie said her Mandate Relief Working Group, a team of local leaders who are tasked with finding unnecessary and wasteful state requirements that cost local taxpayers’ money, held its first session Thursday evening.

“Too often, Albany creates extra costs for rural areas because they are unaware of what their one-size-fits-all rules mean for upstate communities,” said Senator Ritchie. “This year, I made cutting the cost of government and reducing mandates a priority, and my Mandate Relief Working Group will help me accomplish this goal by attacking the problem from the ground level, finding waste, and rooting it out.”

ONEONTA, 08/29/11 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today called on Governor Cuomo to support legislation for New York State to cover local expenses to repair public infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Irene.

“At a time when local government officials are already working on the thinnest of margins, adding the repair costs associated with Hurricane Irene could be devastating for many small, rural municipalities,” said Senator Seward.  “The state’s emergency response to Hurricane Irene has been professional and swift, now long-term financial assistance is needed to help communities rebuild.”

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 – Senator Michael Gianaris lauded the saving of Ladder 128, in Long Island City. Ladder 128 was one of 20 fire companies throughout New York City that was marked for closure due to budget cuts. After sustained protests regarding these closures it was announced on Friday, June 24 that all fire companies, including Ladder 128 would remain open.

Ladder 128 serves the neighborhoods of Sunnyside, Woodside, Long Island City and Greenpoint.

“Ladder 128 is vital to our community and I am thankful it will remain open to ensure our neighborhood receives the fire protection it requires,” Senator Gianaris said. “It goes to show what can be accomplished when our community comes together to fight to protect our quality of life.”

New TV shows to be filmed this year due to film tax credit.

Queens, NY – A record number of new television series are scheduled to be filmed in New York State this year due to the New York State Film Production Credit championed by Senator Michael Gianaris. Eight new television series will be filmed in the state in 2011, creating more than 4,700 industry-related jobs.

The Governor’s Office for Motion Picture and Television Development announced that the film tax credit lured 70 new projects to New York since January. These projects are expected to spend a total of more than $1 billion.