PULASKI, NY — On Wednesday, the State Legislature gaveled in for the first time this year marking the start to the 2019 Legislative Session. I look forward to this day. It brings a renewed sense of hope and change for the upcoming year and allows for the opportunity to set priorities for this session with my colleagues. I want to share some of those priorities this week. These common-sense reforms, if enacted, would help restore public trust, bolster the economy, and overall, improve New York.
Reform the state’s approach to economic development:
-
Provide tax and regulatory relief to small businesses.
-
Provide oversight of lump-sum appropriations so that the comptroller and Attorney General are part of this process.
-
Conduct independent audits of state economic development programs.
Restore Public Trust and Crack Down on Pay to Play Politics:
-
Increase transparency and break up the consolidation of power that has led to corruption and poor public policy.
-
Reform legislative grants to prevent conflicts of interest.
-
Enact term limits for legislative leaders and committee chairs.
-
Create a new crime for failure to report corruption.
Invest in Infrastructure:
-
Increase state support for CHIPs (Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program).
-
Use additional settlement dollars to improve roads, bridges, culverts and other critical infrastructure.
-
Eliminate the 25% local match requirement under the Harmful Algae Blooms program so more communities can qualify for assistance.
Have State Takeover Cost of Medicaid and Reduce Property Taxes:
-
Provide for the full takeover of Medicaid over a 10-year phase-in period.
-
In tandem with the Medicaid takeover, freeze property taxes then assume the property tax growth of local governments or school districts that stay within the 2% tax cap.
-
Create a Real Property Tax Redesign Team to reduce mandates and to find at least $500 million in annual recurring savings.
Keep Education a Priority in the Budget:
-
Target school aid to low-wealth and high-needs districts.
-
Continue to support and expand career-ready programs for high school students
-
Ensure libraries are adequately funded to provide vital social and career connections for families and individuals.
Support low-income families by:
-
Expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit
-
Doubling the New York State Child and Dependent Care Credit
-
Creating incentives for New Yorkers on unemployment to work part-time
Protect those with Developmental Disabilities by:
-
Increasing funding for housing, respite, transportation, and employment opportunities.
-
Ensure direct care workers receive a living wage.