Issues: Cell Phones

NORTH BLENHEIM, 09/19/12 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) today joined representatives of the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and local officials to present more than $207,000 in grants to nine first-responder organizations in Schoharie and Delaware counties to rebuild equipment and systems capabilities after Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.  The grants were announced in August by Governor Cuomo, among other state initiatives to aid communities affected by last summer's storms. NYPA today also issued a request for proposals (RFP) to improve cellular and wireless communications at the Blenheim-Gilboa power plant and across the Northern Catskills.

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.

 Brooklyn—Senator Martin Malavé Dilan (D-Bushwick) today announced the implementation of “Operation Hang-up” – an initiative created under the leadership of Governor Cuomo to discourage drivers from using their cell phones and other electronic devices while driving this Thanksgiving holiday. 

 “Driving while using a handheld electronic device is not only extremely dangerous, but it is also illegal,” Senator Dilan explained. “And since Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year, we will heighten our enforcement of this law to ensure that our friends and family get to their destinations safely.”

State Sen. Patty Ritchie (R,C-Heuvelton) joined Gov. Andrew Cuomo as he visited Northern New York to sign a new, tougher law to stop texting while driving.

The new law, which passed the Legislature unanimously and takes effect immediately, includes fines up to $150 and up to three violation points. The Governor signed the bill during a stop in Watertown Thursday.

A new law in NY will allow police to stop and ticket drivers they see texting on the road, even when that's the only apparent violation. Previously, police could only cite a driver for the traffic violation if they were stopped primarily for another offense, such as speeding. Please remain conscious of this new law while driving.

Governor signs bill to strengthen state law against distracted driving

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Senator Timothy M. Kennedy (D-58th District) announced texting while driving is now a primary violation of state law, after Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill to crack down on distracted driving Tuesday.

For years, texting while driving was only a secondary offense. Law enforcement could only stop a driver distracted by a handheld electronic device if he or she were violating another traffic law (speeding, reckless driving, etc.). That changed today when the Governor signed the bill, which Senator Kennedy co-sponsored.