COLUMN: Public dollars should not determine candidates
Public financing of political campaigns is on the Governor’s agenda this year. Cuomo said in his State of the State address in January, the state should mimic what New York City has done and publicly fund campaigns. In this column, I want to outline for you why I believe publicly financing campaigns is a bad idea.
Assembly passes hydrofracking moratorium through 2015
In order to allow for additional time to examine further the potential public health risks and environmental safety concerns associated with the new natural gas drilling techniques proposed for the state including high-volume hydraulic fracturing, Assembly Bill Magnarelli announced the Assembly passed legislation that would delay the Department of Environmental Conservation’s issuance of certain new natural gas drilling permits in New York until May 15, 2015 (A.5424-A).
COLUMN: We missed an opportunity, instead, New York passed gun law
On Feb. 28, there was a gun rally in Albany. There was an estimated 10,000 people who attended from across the state.
COLUMN: Economic development plans fall short of fixing state’s real problems
The Governor has set forth his Economic Development plan in his proposed 2013 budget. While there are some ideas that I can support, overall our state would benefit from policies that are fair to all businesses.
COLUMN: From the Senator - The New York State budget process
As Chairman of the New York State Senate Finance Committee, I am currently in the midst of the budget process. Under the Budget Reform Act of 2007, the State Legislature is required to follow a strict schedule, in order to enact a budget by April 1, 2013.
COLUMN: Affordable Care Act on the horizon - what to expect
The Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, is on its way to becoming policy.
COLUMN: Get Serious….. Please - Thoughts from behind the Pressline
Last week was the annual drawing of the battle lines called the State of the Union Address presented by President Obama with rebuttals from Senators Rubio and Paul.
COLUMN: Public Assistance Integrity Act would institute necessary reforms
There are two initiatives I want to highlight this week. Both would reform the public assistance benefits system and reinstate integrity for everyone's sake. The first one concerns purchases made with electronic benefits cards (EBT cards).
COLUMN: Assessment on utility bills to continue; gun law to be challenged; competitive grants
This week I wanted to share with you my thoughts on a few different items of interest happening in Albany.
COLUMN: Proposed budget detailed
The Governor proposed his executive budget on Jan. 22. Overall, it was a status quo budget that did not contain a lot of surprises.
B'ville fire department merger still under discussion
There was a full house at last Wednesday’s public hearing regarding a proposed extension to the Lysander Fire District into the Smokey Hollow and Northern fire protection districts in Lysander and Van Buren, respectively.
Towns to hold joint session
Van Buren, Lysander to hold joint session at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Van Buren town hall.
LETTERS: What is Barclay’s value
What does our NYS Assemblyman Will Barclay do for his $75,000+ salary?
Van Buren to present hydrofracking presentation
Residents interested in learning more about the possible impact of hydrofracking in greater Baldwinsville are invited to attend the next meeting of the Van Buren board.
B'ville fire departments prepare for public hearing on merger
The manner in which fire protection services are provided to many greater Baldwinsville residents may soon change.
