State Senator John Bonacic (R/I/C - Mt. Hope), introduced legislation on January 24, which will make the MTA "more accountable to taxpayers and rail users".

Recently, the New York State Legislature passed a bill, which Governor George E. Pataki has signed into law, that provides an additional $100 million in home heating assistance to lower income New Yorkers.

Known as HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program), this federally-funded program gives qualified New Yorkers assistance with their heating bills. In past years, the program has run out of money long before the need did.

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th Senate District), a member of the Senate’s Commerce, Economic Development, & Small Business Committee, is sponsoring legislation that would establish a tax credit for businesses that utilize alternative energy sources, such as solar or fuel cell energy.

Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) recently announced the positive effects of the New York State Medicaid cap implemented by the Senate last year. A report issued by the Office of the New York State Comptroller stated that the cap resulted in $190 million in property tax relief across the state. Over the next five years, it is estimated that the plan will save Suffolk County homeowners over $280 million.

Senator Jim Alesi (R,C - Perinton) today called for local student entries for the 14th annual "I*ma*GREEN*nation" Celebration, a statewide competition that encourages student awareness of environmental issues.

The Senate-sponsored contest is open to students in grades one through eight, and includes an awards presentation at the State Capitol in Albany on Tuesday, May 9, 2006, where winners will receive award medals, view submissions by their fellow students from around the state and have the opportunity to tour the seat of government.

"'I*ma*GREEN*nation' encourages yo

Senator Jim Alesi (R/C-Perinton) today announced that the Senate passed a comprehensive energy plan that would provide $350 million in relief from energy costs to small businesses to help them create and retain jobs.

The New York State Senate passed a bill today, S5968, sponsored by Senator Robach that would place a cap on the State and local sales taxes on gasoline, saving consumers about $240 million annually.

Specifically, this legislation would cap the State and local sales tax on gasoline at a taxable value of $2 per gallon. The cap would save motorists an estimated $120 million annually in State sales taxes. If all localities participate and gas prices stay at about $2.60 per gallon, the plan would generate another $120 million in savings for a total of $240 million.