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NewsChannel 34: New law could issue “get out of jail free cards” to 1,500 drug felons

http://www.newschannel34.com/content/developingnews/story/New-law-could-issue-get-out-of-jail-free-cards-to/w-2OF5XRaUSXXSLVJ3rOLQ.cspx

NEW LAW COULD ISSUE “GET OUT OF JAIL FREE CARDS”
TO 1,500 DRUG FELONS
Assemblywoman Lupardo voted in favor of allowing drug dealers who sold to children
to apply for re-sentencing and possibly freed from state prison starting in October

Starting this month, about 1,500 convicted drug criminals including drug dealers who sold to children could apply for re-sentencing and possibly sprung from state prisons thanks to a little publicized provision in the newly enacted Rockefeller Drug Law reforms.

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-126th A. D.) voted in favor of this measure as part of state budget bill A.156-B, which allows almost all convicted class B felony controlled substance offenders, including drug dealers, to apply for re-sentencing before a court.

Among those who could potentially see their sentences reduced or even be freed are criminals who sold drugs to children or sold drugs on school grounds. Other drug dealers that may be released committed crimes such as operating meth labs. According to the Drug Policy Alliance, up to 1,500 inmates will be eligible for re-sentencing.

“Assemblywoman Lupardo voted in favor of allowing drug dealers who prey on children to potentially receive ‘get out of jail free’ cards and end up back on the street. These drug dealers did the crime — they should do the time,” said Kathleen Hennessey, Spokeswoman for the New York Republican Assembly Campaign Committee (RACC).

Doors finally open for Assembly Republicans

Crains New York Business

Recent meetings on fixing the state budget involving executive and legislative staffers have included the minority conferences of both houses, which hasn’t always been the case. While this is encouraging to Republicans, the reason has more to do with politics than with good will, says Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb, R-Canandaigua: Democrats do not want to be solely responsible for more than $2 billion in service cuts, taxes and fees.

“They didn’t want us in the room before,” Kolb says. “Now that they’ve got a real problem, they want to share the pain.”

Kolb is not suggesting that his 40-member conference will oppose any budget fix. If he believes that a plan is “fair and balanced”—meaning that every constituency chips in—he will deliver Republican votes. One point to watch for is whether Democrats insist on holding allies, such as public employee unions, harmless. Doing so would cost them the political cover of GOP support for unpopular cuts to sectors like health care and education.

Kolb holds no illusions that his big-picture ideas will be entertained this month. “Nobody wants to talk about agency consolidation,” he laments. “There’s no management of the Medicaid system. It’s ripe for abuse and excessive care.”

The minority leader is pushing for a 2010 constitutional convention to pursue nonpartisan redistricting and fiscal measures such as property tax caps and limits on state spending and borrowing. A convention could spur reforms in Albany that elections alone will not. “Elections are helpful but really aren’t going to change the institution or threaten the institution so it performs differently,” Kolb reasons. “Businesses and taxpayers really have lost total confidence in state government. I ask every audience [I speak to] for a show of hands if you think the state government is working for you. Not a hand ever goes up.”

http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20091007/INS/910069982

NEW REPORT: NEW YORK HAS HIGHEST PROPERTY TAXES IN NATION, STATE CITED FOR BAD BUSINESS CLIMATE

Assemblyman Reilly contributed to “dubious distinction”
with votes to eliminate STAR property tax rebate checks and hike job-killing taxes

A startling new study by the Tax Foundation reveals New Yorkers continue to pay some of the highest property taxes in the United States.

The Tax Foundation also reported that New York had the second worst business tax climate in the nation – an ominous sign for anyone worried about growing a business and finding or keeping a job.

These reports are on the heels of news that some homeowners are seeing an increase to their school property tax bills as a result of a reduction in STAR exemptions. This is on top of the elimination of their STAR property tax rebate checks which, on average, saved homeowners $386 and seniors $458 off their property tax bills.

This year, Assemblyman Bob Reilly (D-Colonie, Clifton Park and Halfmoon) voted for state budget bill A.153-C which eliminated the STAR property tax rebate checks. Reilly also failed to pass a tax cap to limit future property tax increases or a plan to end unfunded state mandates that lead to increased local property taxes.

Meanwhile, Reilly contributed to New York’s bottom of the barrel business climate with his legislative record. Reilly voted for state budget bill A.157-B — the largest tax hike in New York State history ($5.7 billion).

Even Governor Paterson admitted on September 23rd that due to the high taxes and fees passed in Albany, “we’ve probably lost jobs and driven people out of the state.”

“It’s a no brainer. The elimination of STAR rebate checks by Assemblyman Reilly has contributed to New York’s dubious distinction of having some of the highest property taxes in the nation,” said Kathleen Hennessey, Spokeswoman for the New York Republican Assembly Campaign Committee (RACC).
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Gouverneur Times: RUSSELL TRIES TO COVER HER TRACKS FOR HUNTING SEASON

Commentary

Written by New York State Republican Assembly Campaign Committee
Tuesday, 08 September 2009 11:19

This week, Assemblywoman Addie Russell (D-118th A. D.) distributed a taxpayer-funded mailer to her constituents urging them to obtain their hunting licenses before the fee increase that takes effect on October 1st. This same mailer failed to mention that Russell herself voted for that very increase.

“Assemblywoman Russell voted to hike sportsmen fees on licenses and is now trying to cover her tracks by warning sportsmen of the impending fee hikes. This double talk is just another example of Assemblywoman Russell voting with the status quo in Albany,” said Kathleen Hennessey, Spokeswoman for the New York Republican Assembly Campaign Committee (RACC).

Beginning October 1st, New Yorkers will be paying more for their hunting licenses. This new fee increase, including in Budget Bill A.159-B, was passed into law along with 51 separate license and fee hikes for sportsmen.

“These hunting license fee hikes are just another example of Assemblywoman Addie Russell’s game of hopscotch – one tax, two tax, three tax more. Little does Russell know that North Country residents can take it no more. Rather than stand for what is politically expedient, Assemblywoman Russell should stand up for her constituents in the North Country,” said Hennessey.

“Rather than use taxpayer money to hide behind her votes, Assemblywoman Russell should do the right thing and stop voting for tax and fee increases on sportsmen and North Country residents,” concluded Hennessey.

AS HARVEST SEASON BEGINS, FARM BILL SOWS SEEDS OF JOB LOSSES

Assemblyman Parment voted for “Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act” that if passed
in Senate, will kill agricultural jobs and close family farms in New York

As the fall harvest season begins and agri-tourism at farms across the state kicks into high gear, legislation that was passed this year in the state Assembly threatens the continued growth of New York’s farm industry.

The so-called “Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act” (Assembly Bill A.1867/Senate Bill S.2247) is sponsored by a New York City Assembly member, and imposes yet another burdensome and costly state mandate on family farms, significantly driving up their labor costs and operating expenses, ultimately forcing many out of business altogether.

Assemblyman Bill Parment (D-150th A.D.) was among a handful of upstate legislators to vote “yes” for the controversial legislation.

The Assembly bill passed in June by a vote of 86 to 58 with 19 Majority Democrats joining Minority Republicans in a bi-partisan attempt to stop the anti-farm measure. It has not yet come up for a vote in the Senate. Governor Paterson has indicated he would sign the bill if it comes to his desk.

According to the New York Farm Bureau, if enacted, the measure would cost New York’s family farms over $200 million annually, at the very time many are struggling from the economic recession and operating in one of the worst business climates in the nation.

“Assemblyman Parment’s anti-farm vote on this rotten apple of a bill could sow the seeds of job losses and farm closures all across Western New York,” said Kathleen Hennessey, Spokeswoman for the New York Republican Assembly Campaign Committee (RACC).
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WENY-TV: Upstate NY Assemblyman Calls for Early Convention

http://www.weny.com/News-Local.asp?ARTICLE3864=9147807

Upstate NY Assemblyman Calls for Early Convention (VIDEO)
Laura Hutchinson

September 18, 2009

The end to the budget struggle in Harrisburg got us thinking about the political turmoil in Albany earlier this year.
One upstate New York Assemblyman says he has an idea that could stop the dysfunction from continuing in the capitol.
Minority Leader Brian Kolb is pushing for a “people’s constitutional convention.”
A convention isn’t scheduled to happen again until 2017 but he says Albany needs reform, and it can’t wait another eight years.
“Right now the three leaders are all from New York City. That does not bode well for the interest in upstate New York,” said Southern Tier Assemblyman Tom O’Mara.
O’Mara is co-sponsoring the bill first introduced by Canandaigua Assemblyman Brian Kolb.
They want New Yorkers to look over the state’s constitution and decide what needs to change.
“Whether we have term limits, initiative and referendum, when we have state spending caps, property tax caps,” Kolb suggested.
The convention would come with a price tag of between $12 and $15 million dollars.
Critics say now’s not the time to spend that kind of money.
Kolb says it is.
“When you’re looking at a state budget of $132 billion dollars i think it’s worth the investment, especially if the current way Albany operates is not delivering tax relief and good jobs and a good environment for our kids to grow up in,” Kolb added.
Legislators will be discouraged from becoming a delegate.
They’d have to choose between that or their representative position.
Kolb says that’s a way to keep it a fair bi-partisan discussion.
The bill has been introduced in both the Senate and the Assembly.
If the legislation passes by June 2010 it will be in the hands of voters next November.

Gouverneur Times: Homeowners Get Higher Tax Bills

http://www.gouverneurtimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6399:homeowners-get-higher-tax-bills&catid=60:st-lawrence-news&Itemid=175

Homeowners Get Higher Tax Bills
Northern NY News
Written by Contributor
Tuesday, 15 September 2009 09:33

Homeowners across New York are receiving an unpleasant surprise when they open their mail and find their school property tax bills are increasing more than they expected due to a reduction in STAR exemptions. This is on top of the loss of their STAR property tax rebate checks.
On average, the elimination of STAR rebate checks will cost homeowners $386 and seniors will have to spend an additional $458 to pay off their property tax bills.

According to the Albany Times Union, some homeowners are simultaneously being hit with a so-called ‘floor adjustment’ or reduction on their traditional STAR exemption amount — costing taxpayers even more in their property tax bills. The STAR ‘floor’ adjusts homeowners’ STAR exemptions based on increasing and decreasing market values versus the homeowners’ assessment level.

Assemblywoman Addie Russell (D-118th A. D.) voted for state Assembly Budget bill A.153-C that eliminated STAR property tax rebate checks. Russell also failed to pass a tax cap to limit future property tax increases.

“Assemblywoman Russell voted to eliminate STAR property tax rebate checks costing working families and seniors hundreds of dollars more this year to pay their tax bills,” said Kathleen Hennessey, Spokeswoman for the New York Republican Assembly Campaign Committee (RACC).

“New Yorkers pay the highest taxes in the nation and now their property tax bills are going to be even higher because Assemblywoman Russell wouldn’t just say ‘no’ to a bad bill,” concluded Hennessey.

!joomlacomment 4.0 Copyright (C) 2009 Compojoom.com . All rights reserved.”

People’s Convention to Reform New York Petition

BAD MEDICINE: AS NATION DEBATES HEALTH CARE REFORM, ASSEMBLYMAN SKARTADOS PRESCRIBES NEW “SICK TAXES”

As the nation debates President Obama’s health care reform plan, New Yorkers will be paying more in health insurance premiums thanks to Assemblyman Frank Skartados’ (D-100th A.D.) vote to hike health care taxes by $649.9 million.

Skartados voted in state Assembly Budget bills A.157-B and A.158-B to increase taxes on hospitals, home care and Child Health Plus premiums, among others. Working people without insurance will especially be hit hard by these so-called “sick taxes” as they will have to pay more out of pocket when seeking hospital care as part of an increase in the medical services surcharge.

“Assemblyman Skartados voted for $649.9 million in health care tax hikes that will make it harder for working people to afford the medical treatment they need and deserve. That’s a prescription for bad medicine,” said Kathleen Hennessey, Spokeswoman for the New York Republican Assembly Campaign Committee (RACC).

“Sadly, the health care tax hikes passed by Skartados are not going to be paid for by wealthy corporate executives. Instead, these taxes will be passed on to Assemblyman Skartados’ hard-working constituents who can least afford them,” concluded Hennessey.

AS NEW YORKERS PAY HIGHEST POWER BILLS IN U.S., ASSEMBLY ENERGY CHAIR CAHILL HIKES TAXES

Here’s a real shocker – New Yorkers pay the highest energy bills in the country, according to today’s Daily News.

New York’s crippling taxes were one reason given for why residents and businesses pay such a heavy burden.

Meanwhile, Assembly Energy Committee Chair Kevin Cahill (D-101st A. D.) — the state Assembly’s top lawmaker on the issue — voted to hike energy taxes by $520 million as part of the utility assessment tax in the state budget (A.159-B). New Yorkers are realizing that this tax was passed on to them as they open up their latest power bills. Energy costs are seen as a major deterrent to job growth.

“We pay the highest property taxes, the most job-killing taxes and now we pay the highest energy bills in the nation,” said Kathleen Hennessey, Spokeswoman for the New York Republican Assembly Campaign Committee (RACC). “It’s another sobering reminder that legislators like Assemblyman Cahill have over-taxed families and businesses for far too long.”

“Somehow, Cahill has found plenty of time to hike taxes but not to pass a comprehensive statewide energy reform plan to create private sector jobs and save taxpayers money,” concluded Hennessey.