Stephen M. Saland

All Felony and Misdemeanor Convictions Would Require Submission of DNA Sample

The New York State Senate today passed legislation, sponsored by Senator Steve Saland (R-I-C, Poughkeepsie) for the largest expansion of the state’s DNA databank since it was created in 1994 (S.5560A). The legislation mirrors the databank expansion plan proposed by Governor Cuomo in his Executive Budget to require people convicted of all felonies, as well as all misdemeanors in the penal law to submit DNA samples.

Senator Steve Saland (R,C Poughkeepsie), today announced that the New York State Senate has passed his legislation (S.1417B) imposing stricter penalties on criminals who possess or promote child pornography.

Presently, child pornographers can be prosecuted for the same charge whether they promote one or many obscene images. Under Senator Saland’s bill, penalties would be increased for those who exploit children, as well as those who possess obscene materials. In addition, this legislation creates graduated penalties for those who possess multiple images of children in obscene sexual performances.

The New York State Senate today passed legislation, sponsored by Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick), to create felony charges for wrong-way and other reckless drivers.

“Wrong-way drivers have caused tragedies and endangered lives on our roadways; it has to stop. Creating felony charges for wrong-way and reckless drivers will give law enforcement another tool to prosecute these individuals and get them off the roads,” said Senator Fuschillo, Chairman of the Senate’s Transportation Committee.

The Governor’s budget revealed both good news and bad news. The bad news is it will be another challenging fiscal year. The good news is the Governor’s budget holds the line on spending and does not raise taxes and fees.

Senator Saland credited with facilitating the new funding from Albany

Poughkeepsie…Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro has announced the Dutchess County Department of Mental Hygiene will work with the New York State Office of Mental Health and various community partners to improve and expand mental health services in Dutchess County, utilizing an additional $1.5 million in continuous funding from New York State secured through the advocacy of New York State Senator Steve Saland.

Senator Steve Saland (R, I, C - Poughkeepsie) today announced that his legislation which amends the Public Officers Law to require that certain records, which are the subject of a discussion conducted at an open meeting, be made available to the public (S.3255B) has been signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Middle class tax cuts that will reduce tax rates for millions of hardworking taxpayers and the two-percent property tax cap highlight new state laws that will go into effect on January 1, 2012.

The recently enacted tax cuts will reduce tax rates on middle class taxpayers to their lowest levels in more than 50 years (Chapter 55, L.2011). About 4.4 million middle class taxpayers will receive a total of $690 million in personal income tax relief.

Created by Governor Cuomo, the Regional Economic Development Councils represent a fundamental shift in the state's approach to economic development - from a top-down development model to a community-based approach that emphasizes regions' unique assets, harnesses local expertise, and empowers each region to set plans and priorities.