Statement From Senate Majority Leader John J. Flanagan

With passage of an omnibus bill that resolves a number of outstanding state issues, we will cap a productive 2017 legislative session.

While this extraordinary session was called initially by the Governor to deal with issues related to New York City, Senate Republicans were able to put together a more comprehensive package that meets the needs of taxpayers, students, and families throughout our entire state.

We broke the logjam and got the Assembly to join us in approving dozens of local tax extenders requested by counties so they can continue to provide essential services to their residents without raising local property taxes.

We stepped in to provide more than $50 million in assistance to residents, businesses, and municipalities impacted by the recent flooding of Lake Ontario and other water bodies.

We delivered a fix that allows Vernon Downs to remain open and keep 300 good-paying jobs in the Mohawk Valley.

We secured second passage of a constitutional amendment that allows land swaps in the Adirondacks so we can both encourage economic development and protect open space.

In addition, we came to a responsible agreement that extends mayoral control of the New York City schools for two years while ensuring that charter schools continue to play an important role in the education of schoolchildren there.  

I thank every one of my colleagues in the Senate Republican Conference for their ideas, their energy, and their determination to improve the lives of the hardworking people they represent.