Legislation sponsored by Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) to allow small farm wineries across New York State to hold up to five wine tasting events a year in conjunction with local charities will become law on April 24, 2005.

"The wine industry is one of our state's most premier businesses," said Senator Larkin. "This new law will help to increase the visibility and sale of New York wines. Local producers across the state will now be able to reach out to the public and better promote their products to a larger and more diverse group of consumers.

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) today announced several local grants that have been awarded to Orange and Ulster Counties for projects to strengthen and preserve the natural resources of the Hudson River Estuary and its tributaries and watersheds.

"I feel especially fortunate to be able to live near such a beautiful and historic waterway," said Senator Larkin. "I have enjoyed the Hudson River’s natural beauty and years of recreation on it with my children and grandchildren.

Citing the need to increase protections that combat identity theft, Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) is pushing for legislation that would remove the current requirement to display social security numbers on certain public records.

The bill (S.3933) states that a person's social security number would not have to appear on legal documents such as mortgages, judgments, uniform commercial code filings, death certificates, veteran's discharges, or state tax warrants.

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) and Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow (D-Mt.Vernon/Yonkers), Chairmen of the Senate and Assembly Standing Committees on Racing, Gaming & Wagering will conduct a Joint Legislative Hearing on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM in the Van Buren Hearing Room (A) on the second floor of the Legislative Office Building.

Topic: The Future of Horse Racing in New York State.

Those testifying include: Michael Hoblock, Chairman of the New York State Racing & Wagering Board; Charles E.

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) today introduced legislation (S.5391) in the State Senate to update the law on the placement of telephone betting by New Yorkers at New York race tracks and Off-track Betting Corporations (OTB).

"There is not much of a difference between placing a bet from your kitchen phone or from your home computer," said Senator Larkin.

Legislation sponsored by Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) to make anyone convicted of a felony ineligible to operate a thoroughbred or harness race track, or a video lottery gaming facility was passed by the State Senate today.

In addition to preventing felons from obtaining a thoroughbred or harness racing license, Senate bill 2346 would also revoke the convicted person’s license if he or she currently holds one and allow the State Racing & Wagering Board to replace that person with someone better qualified.

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) and Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow (D-Mt.Vernon/Yonkers), Chairmen of the Senate and Assembly Standing Committees on Racing, Gaming & Wagering today held a Joint Legislative Hearing in Albany on the future of horse racing in New York State.

"We had the opportunity today to hear from a cross section of specialists within the horse racing industry," said Senator Larkin. "One thing that is abundantly clear is that the racing industry in New York State is struggling.