Senator Saland Gets Four Local Bills Signed

Senator Stephen Saland (R,I,C - Poughkeepsie) announced today that four local bills have been signed into law. Three of the bills relate to local library districts, while the fourth seeks to address the needs of areas located within the Hudson Valley Greenway. Each piece of legislation was brought to the attention of the Senator at the request of the respective localities.

Included are two bills which expand the polling hours for the Staatsburg (S. 7453) and Hyde Park Library Districts (S. 7123), increasing access to the polls and allowing elections to run more effectively. It also includes a bill allowing the Grinnell library to recharter as a public library district in Dutchess County (S. 7000A) in order to stabilize funding and enhance accountability to the town residents.

“As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries, I believe that it is incredibly important to hear the voices of those involved in the libraries’ day-to-day operations to best meet their needs,” said Senator Saland. “I am proud to have worked with library leaders to facilitate the most efficient use of resources.”

Further, Saland’s legislation providing a five year extension of the existing indemnity provision included in the Greenway Act of 1991 (S. 7106) was signed by the Governor. Senator Saland authored the original legislation creating the Greenway to encourage the preservation and development of natural, historic, cultural, and recreational resources throughout the Hudson Valley Region. This legislation provides an extension of legal protections aimed at maintaining the fiscal integrity of Greenway communities as they undertake valuable initiatives.

“Local leaders bring extraordinary insight and perspective to the table regarding the specific needs of their communities,” said Senator Saland. “The passage of these bills represents a truly collaborative effort between state and local government and reaffirms the commitment at various levels to make government work for community residents.”