Stephen M. Saland's News items

Throughout the month of July, festivities from the New York Harbor to the Canadian border will take place commemorating the explorations of Henry Hudson and Samuel de Champlain in 1609 as well as the 200th anniversary of Robert Fulton’s steamship voyage on the Hudson River.  The Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial will be recognizing these significant events which greatly contributed to our State’s rich history, growth, and culture.

Governor as well as Senate and Assembly Democrat leadership were warned that Dutchess County could lose over 70 jobs yet they stood by and did nothing

Senator Steve Saland (R,C Poughkeepsie) today announced that his legislation (S. 312) to increase penalties for the criminal sale of a controlled substance on school buses has passed the Senate.

Presently, because "school bus" is not included in the definition of "school grounds" for the purpose of controlled substance offenses, those found guilty of selling on buses are not penalized as severely.

Senator Steve Saland (R,I,C Poughkeepsie) today announced that his Poughkeepsie office now has a selection of the most commonly used New York State Income Tax forms. The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance no longer automatically mails paper tax form packets directly to individuals. The Tax Department estimates that 93% of taxpayers file their return electronically and that state taxpayers will save about $1 million in mailing, printing and processing costs.

School officials, parents and students were joined by Senator Steve Saland (R,C Poughkeepsie), Chair, Senate Education Committee, for a visit to the new site of the Hudson City School District's Alternative Learning Program. Senator Saland secured $400,000 in special magnet school funding to assist students who have had difficulty in traditional educational settings.

Senator Steve Saland (R,I,C Poughkeepsie) announced his office is participating in the Cell Phones for Soldiers Program. This innovative program allows citizens to donate their old or unused cell phones, which are then sold to a cell phone recycling company. The proceeds are used to buy pre-paid calling cards for service men and women overseas to allow them to call home for free.

SENATOR STEVE SALAND ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR LOCAL VICTIMS’ SERVICES

Senator Steve Saland (R,I,C Poughkeepsie) today announced he has secured funding in the 2008-2009 State Budget for two organizations whose mission is to help victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

“We hear it on the television and read it in the newspapers – Americans are losing their jobs at an alarming rate,” said Senator Steve Saland (R,I,C Poughkeepsie). “In fact, it was recently reported that more than 78,000 Americans lost their jobs in one day. That’s proof positive that job creation initiatives must be part of the 2009-10 State Budget to turn around the economy in New York and the Hudson Valley.”

Senator Steve Saland (R,C Poughkeepsie) today announced that his legislation (S.4759) to allow school districts to choose a single contractor for building projects has moved out of the education committee.