Andrew J Lanza's Press releases

Senator Andrew Lanza honored winners of his annual Memorial Day Essay Contest at Intermediate School 24 on Saturday, May 19.

 Bill closes loophole after Court of Appeals ruling that it is not a crime

       The New York State Senate today passed legislation (S.7407),co-sponsored by Senator Andrew Lanza (Staten Island), that would make theviewing of child pornography a felony crime. The bill amends current statelaw to say that a person is guilty of a crime when the person knowinglyaccesses child pornography with the intent to view.

       The legislation comes after a state Court of Appeals ruling earlierthis month that said viewing child pornography on the Internet is not acrime. This legislation closes that loophole.

The New York State Senate today passed legislation that would make it a crime for school employees to engage in sexual activity with students, including those who are older than New York’s legal age of consent. The bill (

S.6714

Four Staten Island organizations are in the running for prestigious partners in preservation restoration grants.

Low Cost Power Will Help Create and Retain Thousands of Jobs Across the State

Senator Lanza urges all New Yorkers to take extra caution in the coming weeks, as dry weather conditions have increased the likelihood of wildfires across the State. As a result of lower amounts of snow this winter and the lack of substantial rain this spring, the wildfire danger across New York is much higher than usual. Current weather forecasts predict higher-than-average temperatures and substantial winds, elevating the risk to a very high danger.

Beginning Sunday, April 1, 2012 shoppers will no longer pay state sales tax on clothing and footwear purchases up to $110!    This new tax cut, which is in effect year-round, will help put money back into the pockets of hard-working families. All clothing and footwear sold for less than $110 per item (or per pair of footwear) will be exempt from the New York State 4 percent sales tax, saving the average family $200 a year. Additionally, most fabric, thread, yarn, buttons, snaps, hooks, zippers and similar items that are used to make or repair exempt clothing will also be eligible for the exemption. In this economy, where many family budgets are stretched to the breaking point, every dollar counts. Below you will find additional information about this exemption.

 Legislation Seeks To Reform Organizational Deficiencies

The New York State Senate today passed legislation to ensure theproper functioning of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as anopen, transparent and accountable interstate authority. The bill (S.5878)is named the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Transparency andAccountability Act and is sponsored by Senator Andrew Lanza (R-I, StatenIsland). The Act is part of a bipartisan, bi-state effort designed tocreate a new system of accountability at the Port Authority.