Statement from Senator Lee M. Zeldin RE: Governor Cuomo's Budget Proposal to Eliminate the Salt Water Fishing License Fee

"The salt water fishing license fee should have never been passed in the first place. I fought hard immediately upon taking office in January 2011 to secure a three-year moratorium in the 2011-2012 state budget. Long Island's recreational fishing industry benefits as a result of a more friendly culture in Albany. As Governor Cuomo said at a Freeport press event in August of 2011, some things in life should be free and salt water fishing is one of them. This year, I introduced legislation with Assemblyman Fred Thiele to permanently eliminate the salt water fishing license fee. I commend the Governor for his leadership on this issue and for including an elimination of the fee in this year's state budget. This is a very positive action on behalf of Long Island fishermen."