New York State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) applauded a report recently issued by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli on LIPA’s response to Hurricane Earl, which cost LIPA ratepayers an estimated $33 million. Senator Fuschillo requested the review last September following reports on the cost of LIPA’s response to the storm, which missed most of Long Island and caused only minimal damage.

Senators Dilan, Valesky, Robach, Bonacic and Governor Andrew Cuomo have introduced a bi-partisan group of measures to reform the redistricting process. Below is a summary of these bills.

Bill S.3419 - 2011 (Rules Committee) Governor Program Bill

Type: Legislative law creating a independent redistricting commission.

Currently, the United States Bureau of the Census includes everyone housed in federal, state, and local correctional facilities in its count of the general population in the Census “block” (population unit) containing the prison facility. The state's current reliance on the Census Bureau's prison count data when drawing legislative districts could violate federal law in two ways: it dilutes minority voting strength in possible violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965; and it violates the one person, one vote principle of the 14th Amendment’s Equal protection Clause, which requires voting districts to have equal numbers of residents.

PRESS RELEASE
January 3, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

As you may know, the 2011-2012 Senate Session commences this Wednesday, January 5. Before session begins, I would like to present to you the 101 pieces of legislation that I have previously introduced and have re-introduced for the new legislative session.

I call on my Republican colleagues to carefully consider these bills to ensure their swift passage.

2011 Both Houses Bills, Prime Sponsored For: Díaz

Search Results Count = 101
Bill No.    
S58    DIAZ -- Enacts the "behavioral health and long-term care act"

Some common questions about the Redistricting process?

1. What role do U.S. Census figures play in redistricting?

2. What is redistricting?

3. What is reapportionment?

4. What requirements must the legislature follow?

5. What is the Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and reapportionment (LATFOR)?

6. How the bill becomes law.

7. What about an independent redistricting commission?

8. When will it take effect?

9. Why should I care?

10. How can I get involved?

11. How can I get redistricting data?

1. What role do U.S. Census figures play in redistricting?

The Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment was established by Chapter 45 of the New York State Laws of 1978 to research and study the techniques and methodologies used by the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of the Census in carrying out the decennial federal census. The Task Force aids the Legislature by maintaining computer systems, developing databases, conducting hearings and developing Senate, Assembly and Congressional redistricting plans. LATFOR also conducts research projects relating to the collection and use of census data and other statistical information. The Task Force consists of six members, including four legislators and two non-legislators.

The Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment was established by Chapter 45 of the New York State Laws of 1978 to research and study the techniques and methodologies used by the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of the Census in carrying out the decennial federal census. The Task Force aids the Legislature by maintaining computer systems, developing databases, conducting hearings and developing Senate, Assembly and Congressional redistricting plans. LATFOR also conducts research projects relating to the collection and use of census data and other statistical information. The Task Force consists of six members, including four legislators and two non-legislators.

Various state and local jurisdictions, in an effort to reform redistricting and to make it more accountable, have been considering new goals, methods and criteria that would result in a more transparent redistricting process and one that uses honest and objective criteria. While several states have pursued redistricting reform via the legislative process, others have considered independent commissions. California’s new commission is one major example of a recent reform.

Goals and criteria being considered include: