Senator Bonacic Reports On Special Session

State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/I/C - Mount Hope), in Albany for the Senate’s second Special Session, said the Senate voted today on judicial pay raises, legislation to impose tougher criminal penalties for sexual predators, and confirmed several nominations put forth by Governor Spitzer.

"It is important for us to be here and address the issues crucial to the people of this State," Senator Bonacic said.

Senator Bonacic said that the Senate confirmed two judicial nominees today, as well. They are: the Honorable Carmen Beauchamp Ciparick of New York City as Associate Judge of the Court of Appeals, and Honorable John A. Fusco of Staten Island to serve as a Justice of the Supreme Court of the Second Judicial District.

There are a myriad of serious issues that still need to be addressed by the Assembly that the Senate has already acted upon such as: legislation to phase out school property taxes as a method to pay for the local costs of our schools; a measure to create a Hudson Valley Technical High School of Math, Science, and Engineering; a bill authorizing the implementation of flood control measures; legislation to provide more students access to a college education; as well as, initiatives to promote business growth.

"It is my hope the Assembly can reconvene prior to the end of the year to act on the proposals that were approved by the Senate today and during the regular Legislative Session. Reforming the property tax laws, creating more educational opportunities, implementing flood control measures, and cracking down on sex offenders are critical to all New Yorkers, particularly, the people of the Hudson Valley/Catskills region," concluded Senator Bonacic.

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