Assembly Action Highlights
January 21-25, 2008

Dan Weiller, Press Secretary

Speaker Silver Says Assembly Pleased With Governor's Budget But Called for Adjustments

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver praised Gov. Eliot Spitzer for drafting a 2008-09 Executive Budget proposal that acknowledges uncertainties in the state and national economies while maintaining a strong fiscal commitment to public schools, providing health coverage to thousands of uninsured children, improving higher education and stimulating economic development throughout New York.

"We appreciate that Governor Spitzer is listening to us and is heeding our message that the education of our children and the health of our citizens are-and should always be-the top priorities of government regardless of the ebb and flow of the national economy," Silver said.

The speaker also said that although he was pleased with Spitzer's proposal, sincere discussions of the budget would be necessary in the Legislature in order to craft a sound and efficient and fiscal plan for the upcoming year. Additional adjustments to the governor's proposal to fund high-needs school districts and a revisiting of Spitzer's plan to cut $60 million to BOCES programs would need to be addressed, Silver said.

The speaker told reporters that the Assembly and Senate will soon begin joint public hearings as a part of the Legislature's yearly review of the executive's budget proposal.

Legislature Announces Joint Hearings On Gov. Spitzer's Budget Proposal

Assembly Ways and Means Chair Herman "Denny" Farrell Jr., and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Owen Johnson announced the public hearing schedule for the 2008-09 Executive Budget proposal released by Gov. Spitzer.

The first four in a series of 12 budget review forums are scheduled for next week and will be held in Hearing Room "B" of the Legislative Office Building in Albany. On Monday, January 28, at 10:00 a.m., testimony will be heard on funding for local and state government programs. On Tuesday, January 29, at 9:15 a.m., budget proposals on housing will be examined, while a hearing scheduled for 1:00 p.m. will review mental hygiene concerns. At 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 30, higher education programs will be studied.

Throughout the Legislature's fiscal hearings, budget-related testimony is expected from local government officials, civic and advocacy group representatives and members of the public.

Assembly Passes Bill to Acknowledge Slavery In State's Early History

The Assembly unanimously passed legislation acknowledging the tragedy of slavery in New York State, where it existed for many years in the state's early history. It not only legalized the enslavement of Africans and their descendants, but also enacted taxes on the sale of enslaved persons and fines payable to the local government or poor house administrators for violations.

This bill (A.273-B), initiated by Assemblyman Keith Wright, acknowledges that the institution of slavery was an appalling tragedy of the state's past and establishes a commemorative day in tribute to persons enslaved in New York. This bill was delivered to the Senate.

Assembly Gives Final Passage To School Bus Safety Program

The Assembly collectively passed an initiative to enhance school bus safety with a comprehensive education and training program.

This legislation, (A.200-A), sponsored by Assemblyman David Gantt, will direct the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, in conjunction with other state agencies, to design and implement a public training program to educate motorists about the dangers of passing a stopped school bus and to promote school bus safety. This bill was delivered to the Senate.

Assembly Passes Radio Frequency Identification Technology Legislation

The Assembly granted final passage to address the growing statewide use of Radio Frequency Identification Tags (RFIT's).

This bill (A.225-B) would establish a task force on the privacy implications of radio frequency identification technology. The legislation, authored by Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer, would address the growing use of RFIT's placed on products by major retailers and other businesses to track consumer movement and establish shopper profiles. The bill was delivered to the Senate.

Assembly Passes Legislation for IDA Reform

The Assembly overwhelmingly passed legislation to institute reform measures to improve the effectiveness and accountability of the state's Industrial Development Agencies.

The bill (A.8703), sponsored by Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, includes reforms that would prohibit IDA board members from having business ties or ownership interests with the IDA; require the board to be comprised of local governments, school boards, organized labor and environmental organization representatives; and mandates that the tax agreements and incentives be publicly disclosed and available for inspection. This bill was delivered to the Senate.