John J. Bonacic's News items

Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has filed a federal lawsuit to prohibit the federal Government from taking over the approval process for the New York Regional Interconnect (NYRI). A recent decision by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) would subject major regions of New York State to the development of massive electric transmission lines - including the proposed 200-mile long NYRI line, over the State's objections.

State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/I/C - Mount Hope) announced today that five local police departments in Orange and Sullivan Counties will receive a total of $50,000 in State funding from the Edward Byrne Memorial Grant program.

"Our police must have the tools they need to protect the people of our region," stated Senator Bonacic. "I am honored to support the dedicated police officers that keep the people of our localities safe."

State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/I/C - Mount Hope) todaycut the ribbon for the newly reopened hospital in Sidney, New York. The hospital will now be called Tri-Town Regional and will be operated by Bassett Healthcare."Access to health care is paramount for the health and well being of our residents," stated Senator Bonacic. "I was pleased to work with the Department of Health and Bassett Healthcare to make sure the people in Delaware County have access to a full array of health care services."

State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/I/C - Mount Hope) announced today that his legislation, Senate bill 669, which if enacted, would create the Hudson School of Math, Science, and Engineering Regional Technology Institute, is gaining approval through the legislative process. The measure was approved by the Senate Education Committee.

"We need a regional effort to ensure our children are not left behind, and that leading educational opportunities such as this are brought to their doorstep," Bonacic said. "I am grateful for the support of my Senate colleagues."

"Reducing State Aid amounts to a property tax hike. It is as simple as that. It means the County, Town and Village would have to shoulder more of the tax burden. I will oppose this provision of the Governor's budget proposal."

"The VLT aid can pay for a lot of police officers, a lot of road paving, a lot of extra costs. We have no idea what type of reimbursement formula the Comptroller could come up with and we need to make sure our localities receive more State Aid, not less."

Next to Krause’s Candy in downtown Saugerties sits a vacant lot. The lot, just beyond the end of what might be considered Saugerties’ downtown area, will soon see substantial improvements thanks to a private/public partnership launched by Saugerties businessman Tom Struzzieri.

The State will aid the $15 million venture with a $780,000 grant advocated for by State Senator John Bonacic and Assemblyman Peter D. Lopez. The grant comes through the State’s RESTORE-NY program established by the State Legislature in 2006.

State Senator John Bonacic issued the following statement following Governor Spitzer’s 2008 State of the State address and highlighted several issues important to the Hudson Valley and Catskill Region for 2008:

"The beginning of 2007 brought a tremendous sense of optimism for State government. The reality of the year, however, did not meet that optimism. The Governor’s State of the State speech this year, once again brings optimism and energy, and I believe we, in the Legislature, have a duty to work with the Governor in a non-partisan manner.

State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/I/C - Mt. Hope) met today with representatives of the American Red Cross in Goshen. The Red Cross has developed a new supply warehouse in the Town of Wallkill. The Red Cross strategically located the warehouse to serve the State of New York. It is one of six national "hot spots" due to potential and recurring disasters, including flooding.

State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/I/C - Mount Hope) announced today that in a unanimous opinion authored by Judge Robert Smith, the Appellate court upheld the validity of the Women's Health and Wellness Act.