Senator Larkin Highlights Legislative Actions In Albany This Week

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C-I, 39th District) took action along with his colleagues in the State Senate enacting sweeping reforms to combat political corruption, protect local taxpayers and strengthen existing ethics laws.

“This week was a great example of cooperation and teamwork producing positive results for our community,” said Senator Bill Larkin.  “It is important legislation like this that reminds me how much work we still have left to do.  I will continue to fight to protect our taxpayers, push for common sense ethics reform, protect our first responders and honor those in our community who have gone above and beyond their duties as citizens.”

Stripping Pensions From Corrupt Elected Officials

This week legislation was passed to ensure that a public officer convicted of a felony directly related to his or her duties could be subject to pension reduction or revocation following notice and a court hearing (S.418). Public officers include elected officials, direct gubernatorial appointees, municipal managers, department heads, chief fiscal officers and policy-makers.  The legislation must pass both houses of the Legislature in two consecutive legislative sessions. Both the Assembly and the Senate passed the measure during the legislative session last year. Following its passage in both houses this year, it would then appear on the ballot in November for voter approval to change the New York State Constitution.

“I am pleased that the Senate and Assembly passed legislation to amend the State Constitution to allow the state to reduce or revoke the pension of a public officer that has been convicted of a felony related to his or her official duties, said Senator Larkin. “This is an important step in cleaning up Albany and protecting taxpayer dollars from corrupt politicians.”

Ensuring Outside Income Does Not Conflict With Official Duties

Under a separate joint resolution (B.404/C.25) passed this week, any member of the Legislature earning more than $5,000 in income through outside employment must submit a written request for an advisory opinion to the Legislative Ethics Commission to ensure the employment is consistent with the New York State Public Officers Law.

Making Property Tax Cap Permanent

The New York State Senate also passed legislation to make the property tax cap permanent and ensure the continuation of the more than $15.5 billion taxpayers have already saved. Growth in property taxes skyrocketed by over 73 percent for New York school districts between 2001 and 2011 and 53 percent in counties. When the cap was created, it included a commitment to increase support to school districts and has resulted in a total of $4.9 billion or 26 % increase in school aid over the last five years.  It is estimated that over the first 10 years of its implementation the cap will save New Yorkers over $66.4 billion. 

“Protecting our taxpayers continues to be my number one priority,” said Senator Larkin. “This week my colleagues and I in the State Senate voted to make the 2 percent property tax cap permanent.  This bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and I am calling on the Assembly and Governor to act on this important measure.  Now, we must do more to deliver comprehensive mandate relief to our local governments and school districts to help lower taxes and make the Hudson Valley more affordable.”

Senator Larkin was also appointed to the Health and Mental Health budget committees.

This week Senator Larkin honored the following individuals and organizations for their outstanding service and accomplishments to their community:

1. J.470 - Honoring the New York School of Music upon the occasion of its designation as Community Business of the Year by the Village of Walden

2. J. 471 - Honoring Cynthia Hunter upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Midge Norman Volunteer of the Year Award by the Village of Walden

3. J. 472 - Honoring Calista Bond upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Ronald I. Jacobowitz Youth of the Year Award by the Village of Walden

4. J. 473 - Honoring Katherine Cavallucci upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Ronald I. Jacobowitz Youth of the Year Award

5. J. 474 - Honoring Richard “Dickie” Baxter upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Sam Phelps Service Award by the Village of Walden

6. J. 476 - Congratulating Kevin Wall upon the occasion of receiving the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout, the most prestigious of Scouting honors, on January 8, 2017

7. J. 484 - Commending past Captain Margaret Keenan for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the Coldenham Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary

8. J. 485 - Honoring past Chief James Meyer for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the Coldenham Fire Company