September 7, 2010

For Immediate Release

Contact: 718-496-4793

Statement from Senator Rubén Díaz

State Senator Rubén Díaz today released the following statement in response to a comment that was made by Senator Neil Breslin on September 1, 2010 at the College of Saint Rose.

“Senator Breslin is in no position to judge the ethical or legislative seriousness with which other members of the Senate take their jobs.  He stated that ‘we have to rid ourselves’ ...  of  ‘people who don't take their responsibilities either ethically seriously or legislatively seriously...’ then specifically mentioned Senator Espada, Hiram Monserrate, and myself.  His comment was unconscionable and uncalled for.

"Independent businesses are the engines for new job growth in our State. They are integral to rebuilding our economy and creating a better future for our State and Nation,” said Senator Nozzolio.  “It is an honor to receive this award and I commend the NFIB and New York State Director of NFIB Mike Elmendorf for their unwavering commitment to the success and growth of our State's job-producing businesses."

Governor signs bill to combat sprawl and promote environmentally sound development

Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (D-Mamaroneck) is pleased to announce that her bill, the State Smart Growth and Infrastructure Policy Act (S.5560B/A.8011B) was signed into law on August 30, 2010.  The new law establishes state smart growth infrastructure criteria and requires state agencies to review and consider these guidelines when allocating funds for public infrastructure projects.

Legislation Amends Election Law

Queens, NY, September 3, 2010 – NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., Chair of the Senate’s Elections Committee, reports that the Governor David Paterson has signed a bill, that was prime sponsored by Addabbo, which provides that “polling places, whenever practicable, shall be designated directly on a public transportation route”.  The new law was signed August 30 and is effective immediately.  
 

Legislation Extends Task Force for an Additional Five Years

Brooklyn – State Senator Marty Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn), a former New York City Police Officer and member of the State Senate Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections, has issued a statement in response to the shooting of four Brooklyn South Shomrim patrol officers last night:

“This is another example of how the Democratic controlled legislature has failed to protect law enforcement personnel and all New Yorkers. The only reason that a criminal with nine previous arrests is allowed to walk our streets and cause harm is because of the ineffectiveness of the Senate and Assembly Democrats. Here is an example of what I have been saying, that the weakened policies adopted by the Democratic Legislature puts us all in danger.

One of the time-honored flare-ups in New York State politics, and it seems to have been reignited most often throughout the past century when things (especially the economy) turn especially volatile, is the call for secession.

Split New York into two states along an upstate-downstate boundary, the idea goes – we’ll leave them to their resources, and we’ll take care of our own.

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) today informed residents that the MTA will be holding two public hearings on Long Island to solicit input on their proposal to raise LIRR fares. Senator Fuschillo, who strongly opposes the MTA’s fare increase proposal, urged residents to join him by signing his online petition against the fare hikes, the results of which he will present to the MTA Board of Directors at the hearing.