Weekly Update: Week of February 25th, 2011 to March 4, 2011

Week of February 25th, 2011 to March 4, 2011

In Albany

Senator Joins Mayor Ed Koch at Redistricting Press Conference: Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins stood with Mayor Ed Koch and several of her legislative colleagues at the Capital this week, to urge passage of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s redistricting bill. The legislation would create an independent commission to draw legislative districts, which was a major aspect of Mayor Koch’s reform pledge last fall. Senator Stewart-Cousins is designated as a Hero of Reform by Mayor Koch, and says the legislation will end political gerrymandering and give the ability to choose elected leaders back to the people of New York, which is where it belongs in the first place. Click here to see a video of the press conference.

Senate Honors Yonkers Superintendent Bernard Pierorazio with Resolution: Senator Stewart-Cousins passed a resolution in the New York State Senate this week, recognizing Yonkers Schools Superintendent Bernard Pierorazio for being named Superintendent of the Year by New York State Council of School Superintendents. “[Superintendent Pierorazio] has helped us during very difficult times to find ways, creatively and innovatively, to bridge the gap,” said the Senator as she addressed her colleagues on the Senate floor. Assemblyman Mike Spano also sponsored and passed a resolution for Superintendent Pierorazio in the Assembly. To see video of Senator Stewart-Cousins’ remarks on the floor, click here.

Senator's Government Efficiency Bill Reported Out of Committee: This week, a bill sponsored by Senator Stewart-Cousins which would allow real property transactions to be filed electronically, was reported out of the Energy and Telecommunications Committee. The legislation would modernize county clerk offices throughout the State by creating an efficient, online real estate transaction process which will ultimately save the taxpayers’ money. To read the legislation click here.

In District

Senator Visits Yonkers East Dialysis Center: Senator Stewart-Cousins visited the Yonkers East Dialysis Center this week, to take a tour of the facility and explore how the State of New York can further help kidney patients receive the quality treatment that they need. The center cares for approximately 60 individuals with end stage renal disease.

Senator Meets with City Council and State Delegation: Senator Stewart-Cousins hosted a meeting in her district office this week, with members of the Yonkers City Council and the Yonkers Delegation to the State Legislature. The topics of the meeting were the city’s legislative priorities as well as the effects of the proposed 2011-2012 Executive Budget on Yonkers.

Senator to Hold Coffee and Conversation with County Legislator John Nonna: Senator Stewart-Cousins and County Legislator John Nonna will host a “Coffee and Conversation” event on Saturday March 12 at 10:30 AM at the Pleasantville Branch of the Mt. Pleasant Public Library. This is an opportunity for residents of Mt. Pleasant to hear directly from their representatives, and discuss any State or County issues of concern to the community. For more information, click here. To RSVP, contact the Senator's District Office at 914-423-4031.