Statement From Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins Regarding State of the State

“Another day and another set of proposals by the Governor that mirrors initiatives long supported by Senate Democrats. The latest ‘State of the State’ proposals highlighting much needed election reforms are nearly identical to legislation drafted by myself, and Deputy Leader Gianaris. The increased availability for electric vehicle charging stations proposal mirrors efforts pushed by Senator Parker. The wage theft proposal is similar to a bill advanced by Senator Peralta and the protecting seniors proposals are similar to bills created by our Aging Committee Ranker Senator Diaz.  If all Democrats had united and given us our rightful majority these proposals would pass the Senate.”

BACKGROUND:

Protecting Seniors from Financial Abuse and Homelessness

• S.262B - Creates a financial exploitation prevention program to aid seniors from being financially exploited (Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr.)
• S.115 - Creates the senior housing task force (Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr.)
• S.145 - Creates a senior housing partnership/public authority (Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr.)
• S.274 - Creates the senior tenant advocacy bureau (Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr.)

Electric Vehicle Charging

• S.1411A - Enacts the Electric Superhighway Act; requires alternative refueling stations such as electric charging stations every 120 miles on each side of the NYS Thruway (Senator Kevin Parker)
• S.2794A - Incentive program for electric and alternative fuel cars (Senator Kevin Parker)

Protect Against Wage Theft

• S.2322F - SWEAT Bill; allows for a lien to be filed on an employer during a wage theft case to prevent an employer from hiding assets to avoid paying a judgment in a wage theft case (Senator Jose Peralta)

Modernize and Increase Access to Voting

• S.3813C – Implement an Early Voting Program(Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins)
• S.2538A - Voter Empowerment Act, which includes automatic voter registration (Democratic Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris)
• S.2428 - Expands list of agencies to assist members of the public in registering to vote (Democratic Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris)
• S.2391 - Allows for same-day voter registration through a Constitutional Amendment to eliminate 10 day pre-election voter registration requirement (Democratic Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris)
• S.2483B - Allows qualified individuals to vote whether or not they are registered when at their local polling place (Democratic Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris)