Malcolm A. Smith's Press releases

(Albany, NY)- Today, Senate President Malcolm A. Smith announced the nomination of Senator Craig M. Johnson (D-Nassau) to serve on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Capital Program Review Board. The nomination was  made this past weekend, notice was given to the MTA and the appointment is pending the filing of the appropriate paperwork with the Governor’s office.

Economic Development & Job Creation Initiatives Mark Legislative Session

(Albany, NY) After passing unprecedented rules reforms that fundamentally change the operation of the State Senate and open up the legislative process, the New York State Senate continued today to advance economic development and job growth initiatives. Action was taken today on hundreds of bills that benefit local municipalities and strengthen programs that will lead to the revitalization of communities across the state. 

Prohibits the use of portable electronic devices while driving

(Albany, NY)- Today, the New York State Senate passed S3619A/Dilan,  legislation that will make New York’s roads and highways safer by, among other provisions, banning the practice of texting and using other electronic devices while driving.

In addition to the texting ban, the legislation includes a number of important provisions that will make the roadways safer by implementing sensible requirements for young drivers, including:

“The next Chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) must understand how to meet the needs of the largest transit system in the world; one that brings people to their jobs, students to school, and connects communities across the region. 

With oversight responsibility and jurisdiction vested in the Senate, it is our responsibility to make sure the next MTA Chairman can run the ship better than his predecessors.  As the recent MTA bailout debate proved – the MTA needs new management and must deliver greater transparency and accountability. 

"We as leaders of our respective conferences have agreed on a framework for historic rules reforms that will help us move forward to improve the operation of the state Senate. 

The reforms encompass many of the recommendations of the Senate Temporary Committee on Rules Reform, as reported on April 21st as well as reforms advanced on June 8th which we believe will create a more open, bipartisan and member-driven body. 

“Extraordinary times call for extraordinary action. We applaud and congratulate Governor Paterson’s bold decision to appoint Richard Ravitch as Lieutenant Governor and help end the gridlock in the Senate.

“Two hundred and thirty-three years ago, on this day, a band of courageous patriots representing the hearts and minds of the new world gave birth to our nation. Founded upon the sacred principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, an idea was born- one that has lit the world for over two centuries. 

WHERE: Outside of Majority Conference Room, Capitol

WHEN: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 @ 4:45 PM

“Obviously this is an extraordinary situation and tempers are flaring, but we must maintain a level of civility and decorum befitting a Senator and representative of the people of New York,” said Senate President and Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith and Democratic Conference Leader John L. Sampson.