Newsroom

Senator Breslin Helps Pass Legislation to Better Protect Minors from Drug Abuse

Law would increase penalty for criminal sale of control substance to minors under age of 14

(Albany, NY) Senator Neil D. Breslin (D-Delmar) announced that the New York State Senate passed legislation, S3210B, to combat the increase in drug use by young children and increase penalties for those who prey on youth. The new law will establish a more serious offense for the sale of a controlled substance to minors under the age of 14 by making it a class A-II felony.

February 17, 2012
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Senator Breslin Fights to Bridge the Gap in Crime Detection

Calls for the Inclusion of Microstamping in the Upcoming Budget Proposal

(Albany, NY) – Senator Neil D. Breslin (D – Delmar) along with his fellow Senate Democrats and Assemblymembers, family members who have lost loved ones to gun violence, advocates and law enforcement, joined forces at the State Capitol to urge the State Senate to include microstamping in this year’s budget proposal. Microstamping, which connects shell casings from crime scenes to the first purchaser of a weapon, would provide law enforcement with a critical tool to solve gun crimes. Microstamping has passed the Assembly several times, but so far the Senate has been unwilling to approve it.

February 15, 2012
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Senator Breslin Celebrates February as Black History Month

(Albany, NY) “February is a time to observe and remember the history of African American’s in our society, but also embolden ourselves in the continuing fight for social and economic justice,” said Senator Neil D. Breslin (D – Delmar), marking February as Black History Month.

The history of racism in the United States – in our economy, legal and justice system, as well as everyday life – is one often difficult to talk about, but which helps define every American, regardless of race or ethnicity. Recognizing the need to reflect on our roots every day, not just during the month of February, Senator Breslin observed that the celebrations, exhibits, and ceremonies dedicated this month to black history allow for both reflection and recommitting oneself to equality.

February 9, 2012
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CREATIVE CELEBRATION

Dear Participant,

Thank you for your wonderful contribution to the Thanksgiving Day Creative Celebration. In our first year, we received outstanding poems, essays, and artwork that exemplify the creativity of New York State’s young people.

The submissions received are remarkable in what they represent – showing gratitude and respect for family, friends, our troops fighting overseas, and many other important subjects and activities. I am humbled and honored to see such inspiring contributions in response to what is a deceptively difficult question: “What are you thankful for?”

On behalf of the New York State Senate, I would like to offer my wholehearted congratulations to all of the participants in this year’s Thanksgiving Day Creative Celebration.

December 22, 2011
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Senator Breslin Announces Historic Tax Relief for Middle Class

Overhaul of State tax code cuts taxes for 4.4 million New Yorkers

(Albany, NY) Senator Neil D. Breslin (D-Delmar) is proud to announce that the New York State Senate approved legislation which restructures the state’s tax code and establishes a fair and progressive tax system and provides equity to citizens across New York.

December 9, 2011
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Statement from Senator Neil D. Breslin on the Ratification of the PEF Contract

“I am pleased to learn that the Public Employees Federation (PEF) approved the most recently negotiated contract, thus averting thousands of layoffs. The failure to approve this contract would have had a profoundly negative impact on Albany County. During these challenging economic times, we must all share the pain and sacrifice. I applaud PEF for their willingness to work with the Governor to reach an agreement that will help move New York forward.”

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November 4, 2011
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BRESLIN APPLAUDS RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT THAT SIX OF THE LARGEST HEALTH INSURERS WILL MAKE THEIR RATE FILINGS PUBLIC

Sites the prior approval law he sponsored as the necessary and initial step to make our health care system more transparent

(Albany, NY) Senator Neil D. Breslin (D – Delmar), ranking member of the Senate Insurance Committee, was pleased to learn that six large health insurers have agreed to have their rate filings made available to the public. Senator Breslin lauds Benjamin Lawsky, the Superintendent of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), for his efforts in making the process more open and transparent.

October 28, 2011
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Senator Breslin Reminds Residents of Energy Assistance Program as Cold Weather Closes In

(Albany, NY) Before the thermometer drops and fall gives way to winter, Senator Neil D. Breslin (D-Delmar) would like to remind Albany County residents of the federal government’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This federally funded program helps millions of low income households, particularly those with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for energy, in paying their energy bill.

October 24, 2011
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After Hurricane Irene, Senator Breslin to New Yorkers: “Act now to protect your property and secure your financial future”

(Albany, NY) Citizens throughout the state experienced extreme weather on Sunday, and many New Yorkers are still dealing with the aftermath of flooding, downed trees, power outages and other devastation. Senator Neil D. Breslin (D-Delmar) is encouraging those who felt the most destructive effects of Hurricane Irene to act quickly and take the appropriate steps to file insurance claims for damaged or lost property.

August 29, 2011
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Senator Breslin Announces Ethics Overhaul Signed Into Law

(Albany, NY) After strong support from Senator Neil D Breslin (D-Delmar) to pass legislation earlier this year, the “Public Integrity Act of 2011” has been signed into law by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. The ethics reforms are a great step forward in addressing Albany’s problems, as they shed light on the legislative process and will help bring integrity, accountability, transparency and public confidence back to State government.

August 17, 2011
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Governor Signs NYSUNY 2020 Legislation

(Albany, NY) Senator Neil D. Breslin (D – Delmar) is pleased to report that Governor Cuomo signed legislation to implement the NYSUNY 2020 Challenge Grant Program and institute a rational tuition plan for SUNY. With this new law, New York State’s university system is now positioned to be a catalyst for economic growth across New York State, while also providing for a tuition plan that will keep a college education affordable for working families.

August 9, 2011
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Senator Breslin Announces New Traffic Safety Law in Effect to Strengthen Enforcement of Texting-While-Driving

(Albany, NY) Senator Neil D. Breslin (D-Delmar) and the New York State Senate passed legislation (S.998B) earlier this year aiming to make roads safer for citizens across the state by strengthening penalties for those who violate traffic safety law. The legislation, which increases texting while driving to a primary offense, was signed on July 12 by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo – taking effect immediately as state law.

July 15, 2011
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Charlie Johnson

Colonel Charlie Johnson was born and raised in a small rural town in Mississippi. He attended the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY and graduated in 1955. Commissioned a 2D Lieutenant of Infantry, Colonel Johnson served 26 ½ years in the US Army, retiring in 1981.

June 9, 2011
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On May 21st Honor Our Troops and Veterans for Armed Forces Day

(Albany, NY) On the third Saturday of May each year the nation honors our bravest citizens, and Senator Neil D. Breslin (D-Delmar) is encouraging all New Yorkers to take a moment to give their appreciation and support to our troops, and the families that support them.

“The men and women of the military dedicate their lives to protecting our freedoms and way of life – it is our duty to give our support and appreciation,” Senator Breslin said. “Armed Forces Day provides us with the perfect opportunity to say thank you for all that they do.”

May 20, 2011
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Senator Breslin Urges Awareness and Involvement During Foster Care Month

 

(Albany, NY) Senator Neil D. Breslin (D-Delmar) recognizes May as Foster Care Month and encourages New Yorkers to learn more about the foster care system and to help our state’s youth.

Each May, National Foster Care Month shines a light on more than 400,000 children within the foster care system. The campaign is concentrated in the month of May, but extends to the other 11 months of the year helping to raise awareness on the urgent need for these young people have a safe home and support system.

“By dedicating the month of May to raising awareness and promoting involvement, together we can continue to make strides to improve the lives of all children.,” said Senator Breslin

May 16, 2011
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Elizabeth Miller

Elizabeth M. Miller, is a pioneer for equal labor. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Capital District Women’s Employment & Resource Center (WERC), she is responsible for one of 22 Centers throughout New York Statethat helps displaced homemakers find employment. Ms. Miller’s passion for the Center started over 15 years ago when she was hired as the Training Coordinator, developing the employment network still used today to assist over 300 women each year transition back into the workplace.

A community activist and leader, Ms. Miller’s comprehensive involvement is impressive. She is proud not only of the accomplishments with WERC, but also her cumulative service of over 15 years as an dynamic community member and volunteer.

May 11, 2011
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Senator Breslin Urges New Yorkers to Use Mother’s Day as a Reminder to Schedule Annual Mammograms

(Albany, NY) New York State Senator Neil D. Breslin (D-Delmar) reminds New Yorkers that May 8th is Mother’s Day, and is encouraging everyone to celebrate and honor our mothers by scheduling an annual mammogram to protect their health and well-being.

“Mother’s Day is more than just a holiday. It’s a day to show someone how much you really care about protecting women’s health,” said Senator Breslin. “Preventative screenings can make all of the difference in the battle against breast cancer. People should not feel uncomfortable discussing the need for routine mammograms because a regular exam could make all the difference. I hope people will not only schedule for themselves, but take their mothers, sisters, daughters and friends with them.”

May 4, 2011
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