Stephen M. Saland

A Real-Time Registry for Tracking Prescription Drugs Among Tools to Combat Epidemic

Senator Steve Saland (R-I-C, Poughkeepsie) partnered with his Senate colleagues to pass legislation, the Internet System for Tracking Over-Prescribing (I-STOP), that would create a real-time database within the Department of Health to track prescription medications and help identify abuse, fraud, and diversion within the health care system.

Bill enacts the Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Act

Senator Steve Saland (R, I, C - Poughkeepsie) today announced that the Senate has passed his legislation that enacts the Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Act, which includes measures designed to protect children from the dangers posed by Internet predators, child pornography, and child sexual abuse (S.5226A).

While laws have been enacted to counter online crimes and child prostitution, additional provisions are needed to assist law enforcement to address these heinous acts. This comprehensive measure unanimously passed in the Senate and has been sent to the Assembly for consideration.

MTA’s spending to be capped: Stop them in their tracks

Senator Steve Saland (R,I,C – Poughkeepsie) introduced legislation this week to eliminate the MTA payroll tax, roll back the supplemental registration and license fees on motor vehicles and reduce scheduled MTA fare increases.

In 2009, Saland and his Senate Republican colleagues railed against the MTA bail-out plan that imposed a job-killing payroll tax on employers in the MTA region and increased motor vehicle license and registration fees. Vowing to right the wrong supported by the previous State Democrat leadership, the Senate Republicans successfully fought to reduce the payroll tax on 80% of businesses and all schools and libraries.

Senator Steve Saland (R, I, C – Poughkeepsie) today announced that his bill to include theft of credit and debit card numbers within the crime of grand larceny in the fourth degree (S.1411) has passed the Senate.

“Credit card thieves continue to become more savvy and creative. In years past when shopping was always done in person in a store, a thief had to actually possess a stolen credit card to use it fraudulently,” said Senator Saland. “Now that we shop by phone and over the Internet, it’s no longer necessary to swipe your credit card to make a purchase. Surprisingly, while it is against the law to steal credit card, it is not against the law to steal a credit card number.”

Senator Steve Saland (R,I,C – Poughkeepsie) continues his strong focus on job creation and economic growth by announcing that the Senate will pass legislation this week to implement the 2012 NEW JOBS-NY Job Creation Plan. The Senate’s comprehensive plan will help to create thousands of new private sector jobs by delivering tax relief to small businesses and manufacturers, reduce energy costs, and enact major fiscal reforms to make New York State more economically competitive.

Senator Steve Saland (R,I,C – Poughkeepsie) today announced his legislation to provide a five year extension of the existing indemnity provision included in the Greenway Act of 1991 (S.7106) has passed the Senate. This legislation extends the sunset date of December 31, 2012 for five additional years, until December 31, 2017.

Senator Steve Saland (R,I,C – Poughkeepsie) today announced Michael Tokarz of Red Oaks Mill was inducted into the Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The veterans selected are recognized not only for their distinctive military service, but also for the service and commitment shown to their community that helps make New York a better place.

Senator Steve Saland (R,I,C – Poughkeepsie) today announced that the Senate has passed his legislation that requires the courts to impose consecutive sentences on inmates who commit acts of violence against correctional employees (S.4436A).

Currently, it is possible for a judge to issue concurrent sentences for multiple counts arising from separate acts against employees of correctional facilities. Under S.4436A, crimes committed against correctional personnel by current inmates will be required to run consecutively with regard to any convictions the offender is currently serving.