State legislators point to accomplishments

Published: Saturday, July 10, 2010, 6:19 AM     Updated: Saturday, July 10, 2010, 6:20 AM

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Most of the news coming out of Albany in recent weeks has been about the Legislature's dysfunction and the late state budget. But legislation was passed and some interesting bills offered.

Meanwhile, Ms. Savino highlighted her wage theft protection act, which would enforce penalties for employers who do not pay their employees minimum wage by giving greater authority to state Department of Labor. She said many workers "earn less than the minimum wage ... are paid less than their correct wage ... do not receive overtime pay ... [or are] left in the dark regarding their employers' methods for calculating wages and benefits."

Also from Ms. Hyer-Spencer and Ms. Savino was legislation that would allow Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society in Rosebank to receive a property tax exemption for their meeting hall and grotto. The shrine, built in 1937, is listed on the New York State and National Register of Historic Places. But because it does not fall into the traditional category of a designated place of worship or a museum, it has not been eligible for a tax break.

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