New York State Senate

SEN. FARLEY ANNOUNCES SENATE PASSES BILL TO STOP CAREER CRIMINALS

Posted by Hugh T. Farley on Tuesday, June 11th, 2013

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I – Schenectady) announced the New York State Senate recently passed a bill to stop perpetual repeat offenders who continue to commit misdemeanor crimes. The bill (S1521) establishes a new felony-level crime of aggravated criminal conduct to bring stronger penalties against those who commit a misdemeanor after having been already convicted for multiple misdemeanors within the past five years.

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services reports that 8,824 individuals had been convicted of five or more misdemeanors within the three years that ended Dec. 31, 2010. Of those criminals, 1,600 of them had 10 or more convictions in the same time frame, and a staggering 169 criminals had 20 or more convictions.

SEN. FARLEY REPORTS SENATE PASSES BILL TO DETER RECRUITMENT BY TERRORISTS

Posted by Hugh T. Farley on Tuesday, June 11th, 2013

State Senator hugh T. Farley (R, C, I – Schenectady) reported the New York State Senate recently passed a measure to deter terrorist recruitment and punish those who seek to employ others for their criminal plans. The bill (S1520) would complement law enforcement’s efforts to expose groups who actively seek to engage in terrorist activity by creating a new crime to prosecute those who recruit others to assist them.

Terrorist organizations and their membership are in a perpetual search to recruit new members. This bill makes it a Class C felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, when someone with the intent of committing a crime recruits, solicits, requests, commands, importunes or otherwise attempts another person to engage in terrorist conduct.

SEN. FARLEY APPROVES BILLS TO CUT RED TAPE THAT HURTS JOB CREATION

Posted by Hugh T. Farley on Tuesday, June 11th, 2013

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I – Schenectady) and his colleagues in the New York State Senate recently passed 14 regulatory reform bills as the first part of a major initiative, that includes statewide public forums, to identify and eliminate thousands of costly and unnecessary government regulations that inhibit job creation and drive up local property taxes.

The regulatory reform initiative is highlighted by the creation of a Berger Commission-style Task Force. The panel will have extraordinary power to review state rules, regulations, and public authorities and make recommendations for the repeal of ones that are determined to be unnecessary. The Task Force recommendations would be binding unless they are rejected by the Legislature.

Senator José M. Serrano Celebrates the 56th Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade

Posted by José M. Serrano on Saturday, June 8th, 2013

(New York, NY) - Senator Serrano marched in the 56th Annual Puerto Rican Day parade, which takes place along 5th Avenue in Manhattan. The parade, which is widely attended by over one million people of all nationalities, is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the history and culture of the Puerto Rican people.

Senator Serrano Sponsors "Bridging the Gap: Expanding the Dialogue," an LGBT Stigma Awareness event in East Harlem

Posted by José M. Serrano on Friday, June 7th, 2013

(East Harlem, NY)- Senator Serrano, Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito, and the East Harlem Immigrant Service Network sponsored “Bridging the Gap: Expanding the Dialogue,” an LGBT stigma awareness event. This important roundtable discussion was centered on the issues surrounding sexuality and gender identity in El Barrio/East Harlem and the South Bronx.

Senator José M. Serrano Stands with the Community to Address the Recent Spike of Anti-LGBTQ Violence in New York City

Posted by José M. Serrano on Friday, June 7th, 2013

(Bronx, NY) – Senator José M. Serrano stood with Bronx Borough President Ruben Díaz, other elected officials, and community members at a press conference hosted by the Bronx LGBTQ Center, to address the recent and disturbing spike in the number of incidents of anti-LGBTQ hate violence that have been committed in NYC.“The LGBT community consists of vibrant, talented and hardworking individuals who are our neighbors, our friends, and our family members,” said Senator Serrano. "These individuals should be celebrated and respected like all members of our community. It is extremely unfortunate that violent hate crimes targeting the LGBT community still occur," continued Serrano.

Shape-up Bushwick

Posted by Martin Malavé Dilan on Thursday, June 6th, 2013

Senator Dilan and Community Board 4 sponsored this year’s 8th annual, Shape-Up Bushwick.

The event is held each year on Brooklyn Queens Day to promote healthy food choices and exercise in the community. This year’s events included a parade, Yoga, Zumba and aerobic exercise demonstrations.

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Poll: Do you support the division of New York into two separate states?

Posted by Martin Malavé Dilan on Tuesday, June 4th, 2013

Even before the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, there had been talks of bifurcating New York. From every end of the state from Long Island to Buffalo, through the Civil War, to the 1960’s and again in the 2000’s, it has come up time and time again, in various forms and proposals with support from either side of the aisle. Tomorrow it will again be before the Senate Elections Committee.

S. 4051 would allow individual counties to place an initiative on their ballot to poll their citizens as to whether they support the division of New York into two separate states.