John L. Sampson

Stand Up And Be Counted

By State Senator John L. Sampson, Democratic Majority Conference Leader

New York State Senate

In a little over a month the 2010 Census will swing into action. The goal is simple: to get as accurate a count as possible of all people living in the United States. This time the US Census Department has gone to great lengths to make the reporting form as simple as possible, non-invasive, and far shorter than in previous years. The census form contains only 10 relatively simple questions.

(New York, NY)- Senate Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson announced the formation of a special committee of inquiry to investigate the conduct for which Senator Hiram Monserrate was convicted by the State Supreme Court of Queens County.

“The Senate is committed to generating lasting economic growth with a fiscally prudent deficit reduction plan, and have been in discussions with the Executive for weeks about how best to close the state’s projected budget gap. Both houses of the Legislature had their first opportunity today to hear the Governor’s recommendations. While time may have been lost waiting for these ideas to emerge, our Finance Committee has now begun the task of reviewing the fiscal consequences of each of these proposals.

We congratulate Richard Ravitch on this morning’s ruling affirming his appointment to the office of Lieutenant Governor.

“A civic and business leader, best known as the former Chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Mr. Ravitch is one of the nation’s leading voices on urban planning and economic crisis management.

SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY

Ethics reform legislation is critically needed and the Senate, as a whole, remains committed to enacting laws that strengthen oversight and accountability. Legislation that was before the Senate  today incorporated many proposals that would be a significant step toward restoring public confidence in state government.

“Last night, America lost a true patriot and dedicated public servant. Throughout his storied career in the U.S. Senate, which spanned nearly half a century, Ted Kennedy epitomized the courage, unwavering resolve and commitment to justice that is the hallmark of our nation.

"The Senate will return to session on Thursday, August 6th at 10 A.M. At that time we will take up legislation, including school governance for the City of New York and chapter amendments to the bill."

“With great sadness we learned this afternoon that after a long battle with cancer, former Senator Olga Mendez has passed away. Each of us had the opportunity and honor to serve with Senator Mendez. Over the course of her remarkable life, she broke down countless barriers, including her election as the first Puerto Rican woman to this great body. Senator Mendez was a powerful, passionate, and hard-working member of this chamber who will be remembered fondly as a champion for those whom she felt did not have a voice.”