Malcolm A. Smith's Press releases

Measure puts Cold War vets on par with others & also extends to co-ops (Albany, NY) The New York State Senate today recognized the service and sacrifice of Cold War veterans by voting to allow for local municipalities to increase the level of property tax breaks available to these veterans. Under the current law, Cold War vets are not offered the same breaks as other “combat” veterans. 

The Senate Standing Committee on Local Government and the Assembly Standing Committee on Real Property Taxation will be holding a public hearing on Monday, June 1, 2009 to evaluate the effectiveness of current real property assessment practices.  The public, local officials and academic experts will discuss the effectiveness of current real property assessment practices in producing fair and equitable assessments across New York State.  

(Albany, NY) The New York State Senate unanimously passed today a vitally important economic stimulus and community revitalization program: the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HRTC) (S2960-B/Valesky).  

“President Obama has made an exceptional choice in his nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. Judge Sotomayor is a principled and dedicated jurist who has earned an extraordinary reputation throughout her distinguished career which includes serving as a federal judge for the past 10 years on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Once confirmed, Judge Sotomayor will become the first Hispanic in history elevated to the Court.  

“Late last night I was informed that the FBI, NYPD and Homeland Security foiled a plot to detonate a bomb at the Riverdale Jewish Center. I wish to extend my sincere appreciation for their extraordinary work in preventing what would have been a devastating attack.   Freedom to worship is a fundamental right that should never be put in jeopardy. Any threat to that basic right is a threat to us all and must never be tolerated. Our commitment to ensuring the safety for all houses of worship is absolute.  

On the eve of Memorial Day, legislation will give firefighters legal protection when operating fire trucks (Albany, NY) Today, the New York State Senate unanimously passed legislation protecting firefighters from legal liability when operating fire trucks. The legislation closes a dubious loophole in state law that puts firefighters in legal jeopardy on a consistent basis.   

Program will bring unprecedented redevelopment to distressed areas; Legislation Expected to Pass Senate Next Week (Albany, NY) The New York State Senate Finance Committee today passed the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HRTC) (S2960-A/Valesky), sending this important economic stimulus and community revitalization legislation to the full Senate.  The Senate is expected to pass the measure next week. 

At the conclusion of session today, the Senate Majority Conference will meet to discuss the Majority Leader’s draft proposal outlining the framework for mayoral control legislation.  Immediately following the discussion, State Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith will hold a brief press availability. WHEN: Monday, May 18, 2009 @ approximately 5 PM WHERE: Capitol, Room 328    

(New York, NY)- Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith and Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer, joined by other Queens elected officials, civic associations and community leaders will announce their successful efforts to save the Cross Bay Bridge Rockaway/Broadchannel Resident Rebate Program, preventing nearly 100,000 local residents from facing the only intra-borough toll in the state.