Issues: Local Government

Governor Cuomo Signs Local Legislation Authorizing the City of Newburgh To Establish A Parking Tribunal

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) announced today that legislation, (Senate bill S.3959), allowing the City of Newburgh to establish an administrative tribunal to handle parking infractions was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

“I am very pleased that Governor Cuomo signed this legislation into law.  This is great news for the City of Newburgh,” Senator Larkin said.  “The parking tribunal created by this new law will help the City finally recoup nearly $3 million from over 60,000 outstanding parking tickets.”

The All-You-Can-Eat Buffet

Congratulations taxpayers. I have good news. The New York State Supreme Court ruled the MTA Payroll Tax that drained $1.4 billion from New York’s downstate economy is unconstitutional. Unfortunately, NYC-based interests are already working to overturn the ruling so I want to share some facts before waters are muddied.

Senator Jack M. Martins joined with his colleagues in state government as well as Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano last week in applauding the State Supreme Court’s decision declaring the MTA Payroll Tax unconstitutional.

The tax, which was imposed in 2009 by the former Senate majority and former Governor, proved to hurt Long Island’s economy at a time when the region was reeling from a national recession by requiring every employer to pay .34 percent of their total payroll to help fund the MTA. The tax was imposed on all schools, businesses, municipalities, hospitals and not-for-profits in seven counties including Nassau and Suffolk within the MTA region. The court concluded that to impose a tax on certain regions in the state was unconstitutional.

Corning, N.Y., August 23—Legislation sponsored by State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) to establish a real property tax abatement program in Steuben County, has been signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

O’Mara and Palmesano introduced the legislation (S.7424/A.10107, Chapter 394 of the Laws of 2012) at the request of Steuben County officials who believe that the new program will help spur investment and revitalization of commercial and residential properties in the cities of Corning and Hornell, as well as other localities. Cities, towns and villages throughout Steuben County can participate in the program at their option.

The Business Council of the State of New York released its 2012 Voter’s Guide, which measures the commitment of State Legislators to promoting fiscal reform and improving the state’s economic climate. Each legislator was scored based on his or her votes taken during the 2012 legislative session on legislative items that foster job creation.

Senator Jack M. Martins was among the legislators that scored a 90 percent, tops among Senators, for his support of legislation that would reduce state and local pension costs; control state spending while avoiding new taxes; reform labor laws that impose unnecessary costs and restrictions on employers; and promote new jobs and investments in a range of strategically important business sectors.

Event Sponsored by Senator Ritchie Draws Volunteers

from Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence County Departments

More than 200 firefighters, rescue, EMS and other emergency first responders and their families joined State Senator Patty Ritchie Tuesday, for her first-ever ‘Volunteer Appreciation Day’, held at Cape Vincent Recreation Park.

In order to continue to listen to the concerns of the community, State Senator Jack M. Martins has scheduled mobile office hours over the next two months across the Seventh Senate District.

“I want to thank our libraries for hosting my Mobile Office hours. My office is always available as a community resource and the mobile office hours allow us to bring the office right into our communities,” Senator Martins said.

All residents are invited to attend and bring any questions or concerns you may have directly to the Senator.

As always, please feel free to reach out to Senator Martins' district office at 516-746-5924 should you have any questions.

Mobile Office hours are scheduled as follows: