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Queens, NY, August 16, 2010 -- NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) today announced that the passage of a law  to enable the merger of the New York State Office of Real Property Services (ORPS) and the Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF) is a step in the right direction of making the state government more efficient.  “By consolidating the agency responsible for New York State taxation with the agency that oversees local property tax administration, the State will realize more than $2 million in annual savings,” explained Addabbo.  “In addition, the merger will allow for significant administrative and program efficiencies.”

Senate Bill Co-Sponsored by Addabbo Mandates Moratorium to Allow for Comprehensive Study of Drilling in Marcellus Shale

Queens, NY, August 11, 2010 – Just back from the end of a rare summer session in Albany, NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., reports that due largely as a result of the public support to hold off on a natural gas drilling process known as hydrofracking, the Senate passed legislation that would put a hold on hydrofracking in the state. The legislation, which now goes to the Assembly for a vote, would stop the issuing of upstate drilling permits until May 2011.

Queens, NY, August 3, 2010 – On the day he’s being called back to Albany for another rare summer legislative session to renew budget negotiations, NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., voiced his own frustration with the dysfunction in Albany. Addabbo is returning the per diem pay provided by NYS taxpayers for his travel and meal expenses for the recent session called for last week by Governor David Paterson that turned out to be anything but extraordinary or special.  The Governor called the legislators back on July 28 and July 29 for a "special session" to pass his budget proposals. Since the Governor’s budget bills were not sent to the Senate for a vote neither session day, no vote was ever taken by the Senate during their time in Albany last week.

Senator Addabbo: Law Requires Sex Offender, Abuse Screening for Jobs Working with Children

Queens, NY, July 16, 2010 --  NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) announced the passing of legislation in the Senate (S6998A) which will help prevent employers from hiring registered sex offenders and those guilty of child abuse for jobs that require a significant time spent around children.

While hiring policies utilized by public schools already include background checks and ensure this security for children, other organizations do not currently practice similar diligence.

Law Penalizes Lenders Who Fail to Engage in Good-Faith Foreclosure Settlement Negotiations

Queens, NY, July 12, 2010 – NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., announced today that in an effort to help more New Yorkers remain in their homes, the New York State Senate passed critical legislation that he supported (S7798A), empowering homeowners facing foreclosure to take action when lenders fail to meet their obligation of entering into good-faith settlement negotiations at “settlement conferences.”