Independent Democratic Conference Releases 2012 Legislative Agenda

NEW YORK, NY - The Independent Democratic Conference  released its 2012 legislative agenda Thursday aimed at strengthening this state's economy, improving the lives of New York residents, and preserving New York's progressive tradition.

The agenda was released on the anniversary of the IDC's formation and after a successful year that saw many of the conference's 2011 priorities made into law.

"We put progress over partisanship last year and because of it, New York shined," said Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester.) "The Independent Democratic Conference is committed to keeping this momentum going by focusing our 2012 agenda on issues that matter most to New Yorkers. By working to improve the lives of all New Yorkers, we continue to move this state forward."

The IDC's 2012 agenda includes:

- Cutting Red Tape, Allowing Small Business to Thrive & Helping our Economy Grow

- Improving Upon the Toughest Anti-Foreclosure Laws in the Country

- Identifying Government Waste and Creating Government Efficiency

- Standing Up for Our Most Vulnerable Populations

- Delivering Mandate Relief for Local School Districts and Municipalities:

- Protecting Reproductive Rights in New York

- Strengthening New York's Agricultural Economy

- Combating the Rise of Prescription Drug Abuse

The full agenda is attached.

We're looking to help those who need it most. We want to help small businesses , local governments, and schools  lower costs and lower

taxes. In short: We want to help New York," said Senator David Carlucci, (D-Rockland/ Orange). "We accomplished a lot last year, but there's more work to do."

In its inaugural year, the Independent Democratic Conference, Senators Klein, Carlucci, Diane Savino, (D-Staten Island/ Brooklyn), and David J. Valesky, (D-Oneida), passed 68 bills, 32 of which became law and issued 21 legislative reports detailing how to save more than $1 billion, reform Albany, and improve the lives of New Yorkers.

Additionally, IDC legislative priorities, including the implementation of a property tax cap, marriage equality, ethics and MTA tax reform, were made law.

"This is year two of the Empire State restoration project," Senator Savino said. "As we work to rebuild our economy, we must also make sure that our rights remain protected and our most vulnerable don't fall through the cracks."

"The only way we can move forward is by building upon our strengths," Senator Valesky said. "With this agenda to help our farms, our small business owners and our residents, the IDC is focusing on what makes this state great and what we believe is needed to keep New York on the right track."

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