Senator Larkin Highlights Weekly Actions In Albany And Throughout His District

Senator Larkin Votes to bring Ride-Sharing to Upstate Communities

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C-I, 39th District) voted last week with his colleagues in the New York State Senate to bring ride-sharing to communities throughout New York State.  

Senate Bill (S4159), provides the framework for ride-sharing companies to expand operations outside of New York City and enables new jobs to be created by offering more safe, reliable transportation options to residents and visitors throughout the Hudson Valley and all of Upstate New York.  

"By bringing affordable, safe, and reliable transportation to the Hudson Valley, ride-sharing will greatly enhance the quality of life for local residents and help make our roads and highways safer,” said Senator Larkin. “Companies like Uber and Lyft will also help with the expansion and promotion of the region’s growing tourism industry.”       

Senator Larkin noted that the bill passed last week differs from the Executive Budget proposal by significantly cutting the taxes to be paid by ride-share customers to make it more attractive for businesses to operate here. While the Executive Budget includes a tax of 5.5 percent on rides that begin outside of New York City, the Senate’s bill (S4159) cuts that tax to 2 percent and does not subject rides to the 4 percent state sales tax. That new revenue would go directly towards infrastructure improvements for roads, bridges, and county transit needs.

“This is a modern day convenience that people want,” said Senator Larkin.  “New York State government should not stifle this innovation and should not seek to pad its own coffers at the expense of future ride-share users.”

The bill has been sent to the State Assembly for consideration.

New York State VFW & OC Youth Bureau Visit Senator Albany

“Youth leaders from the Orange County Youth Bureau visited my Albany office last week to voice their support for Youth Development Program funding,” said Senator Larkin.  “The Youth Development Program allows youth bureaus to operate many important after school programs that benefit young people and communities across our state.”

Representatives from the New York State Veterans of Foreign Wars met with Senator Larkin and other state legislators to discuss their 2017 legislative goals.  Those goals include continued support for the Veterans Defense Program and support for added funding for additional Veteran Service Officers.  

“I have been proud to support the Veterans Defense Program for many years,” said Senator Larkin.  “This is a successful program that assists veterans in obtaining justice in our court system. It is my sincere hope that we can continue to build off the success of this program in the future.”

Senator Larkin visits Harriman

Senator Larkin met last week with Village of Harriman Mayor Steve Welle, Department of Public Works Superintendent John Mulligan, Motor Equipment Operator Kenneth Gopal and Dave Conero from Pine Bush Equipment.  Senator Larkin was invited to the unveiling of a tractor with hydraulic mower and snow box that was purchased with the help of a $75,000 grant that he was able to secure for the Village.

“Infrastructure needs are number one for every local municipality,” said Senator Larkin.  “I was proud to do my part to ensure the Village of Harriman had the equipment they needed while saving tax payer dollars from a hefty capital expenditure.”

“Senator Larkin continues to deliver for our community,”  said Village of Harriman Mayor Steve Welle.  “Whenever we have an issue whether it be legislative or a local concern he is always there to make sure we are represented to the fullest.  Without Senator Larkin’s help in this case we could have been looking at a potential tax increase with the purchase of this much needed tractor.”

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

J. 492 - Honoring Anthony Cytryn as recipient of the 2016 Michael J. Finnegan Scholarship Fund Award by the Monroe-Woodbury High School
J. 494 -  Congratulating Benjamin Kallus upon the occasion of receiving the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout, the most prestigious of Scouting honors
J. 495 -  Congratulating Xavier Valentin Garcia upon the occasion of receiving the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout, the most prestigious of Scouting honors
J. 503 - Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Village of Pomona, New York
J. 511 - Commending Virginia Carey upon the occasion of her retirement after more than 37 years of distinguished service to the Village of Monroe
J. 515 - Congratulating Colin Williams upon the occasion of receiving the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout, the most prestigious of Scouting honors
J. 570 - Mourning the death of Joseph F. LoScalzo, business owner, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community