Senator Serrano has crafted legislation to end the widespread practice of forced arbitration, which exploits low-income workers and consumers. In forced arbitration, a company requires a worker or consumer to agree to resolve any problem through a binding arbitration process, which means that a dispute must be resolved outside of court. When signing forced arbitration agreements, individuals often waive their rights to sue in court, to participate in class or collective action lawsuits, or to appeal an arbitrator’s decision.
Senator Serrano joined his colleagues in the Senate Democratic Conference in standing up for New Yorkers in response to President Trump’s plan to eliminate the AmeriCorps national service program. To address this situation, the Senate Democratic Conference announced a series of bills to create the New York State Service Corps. The new state organization would continue the long-standing tradition of public service established by the AmeriCorps and would extend student loan forgiveness to participating New Yorkers.
During Donald Trump’s recent address to the National Rifle Association the President made it clear that not only will the federal government stop efforts to curb gun violence, but it will actually roll the clock back on common sense restrictions and protections. In addition to President Trump’s anti-firearm safety rhetoric, the Senate Republican/IDC Coalition actually weakened the New York SAFE-Act in the 2017-2018 State Budget.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) NYC Transit and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) together recently began service on a new Select Bus Service (SBS) route along 79th Street in Manhattan. This busy crosstown corridor links Manhattan’s Upper East Side to the Upper West Side. The M79 is the 13th Select Bus Service corridor Citywide and the 7th in Manhattan. Using SBS’s signature combination of dedicated bus lanes, curbside fare collection, and all-door boarding, the new line is expected to both reduce travel times and increase reliability.
Senator Serrano signed on to a letter spearheaded by Congressman Maloney expressing concerns local community members and elected officials have about the selected development plan for the playground at Holmes Towers. Many tenants are outraged by the proposal and concerned that they are losing light, air and their playground and receiving very little in return. Senator Serrano and his colleagues feel that the proposal contradicts NYCHA’s mission to provide affordable housing and uses city property for luxury housing.
The New York State Senate passed Senator Jose M. Serrano’s Arts and Cultural Districts Bill, S3108. This important legislation would create arts and cultural districts throughout the state in order to promote the growth and development of the arts and culture sector.
Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C,I,REF-Glenville) today announced that the New York State Senate has passed legislation he sponsored (S.4324/A.5210) by a 62-0 vote to keep senior citizens informed of any potential loss or changes to their health insurance plans.
The bill ensures that state retirees are given 45 days notice of any change in their health insurance plan. Currently, there is no provision in state law that requires retired employees to be notified of proposed health insurance plan changes.
Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C,I,REF-Glenville) today announced that the New York State Senate has passed three of his bills including two public safety bills he is sponsoring to protect pets and people from violent criminals who would inflict pain and suffering on them.
Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C,I,REF-Glenville), Senator Phil Boyle (R,C,I-Bay Shore), Senator Sue Serino (R,C,I-Hyde Park), Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D,WF-Manhattan) and Assemblymember Dean Murray (R,C,I-East Patchogue) today joined with their legislative colleagues, law enforcement and hundreds of pet owners and animal advocates to hold the 7th Annual NYS Animal Advocacy Day at an event in Albany emceed by Steve Caporizzo from Pet Connection.
Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C,I,REF-Glenville) today announced that the New York State Senate has passed legislation he authored (S.2883/A.7962) by a 62-0 vote to enact the “Digital Home Act” to enable local governments to increase efficiency, save tax dollars and help the environment by reducing paper usage.