New York State of the State Special Issue

Wine and Roses: Choice Lines From Past Addresses

January 8, 2014

CITYANDSTATENY.COM

Cuomo and de Blasio: Allies or Adversaries?

Legislative Dossiers: The Members’ 2014 Priorities Revealed

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City & State

JANUARY 8, 2014 YEAR OF THE FAMILY

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his past year, I husbanded all of my vacation,

personal and sick days, and combining these with two weekends, managed to string together 18 days away from work—by far the longest consecutive amount of time I had been able to take off in well over half a decade.

The sweetest part of this time off also made stark my greatest sadness.

You see, those 18 days were the longest continuous stretch

By Morgan Pehme that I had gotten to spent with my five-year-old daughter in her life—including when she was born.

Since then I have reflected time and again upon how empty is our state’s talk about the importance of family when we do not provide paid maternity or paternity leave beyond the meager disability benefits pregnant mothers can receive, which are generally an insufficient fraction of the pay they depend upon to help support their families, thus necessitating that they quickly return to work after giving birth.

Dads have it even worse. Rather than extolling the essential role of fathers’ involvement in their children’s lives—a practice, as studies have shown, that when cultivated from day one takes root for years to come—our state instead tacitly sanctions the premise that New Yorkers’ foremost responsibility should be not to their families, but to their employers.

This policy could not be more backwards, not only from a moral standpoint, but an economic one as well. Fathers who are not penalized for staying home with their newborns provide emotional and physical support to mothers, which, as an excellent recent article in The Atlantic explains, promotes the smooth return of women to their jobs, and engenders a more equitable division of labor in domestic life. At the same time, men are absolved from the resentment they harbor against their employers for compelling them to choose bread earning over those for whom they are earning their bread, making them as a result better, more grateful employees.

Opponents of paid family leave reflexively label any effort to make our system more humane a “job killer”—an argument that has been proven fallacious by states like California that have done so. Moreover, the cost of providing leave need not be a drain on New York’s coffers. New Jersey funds its six weeks of paid family leave insurance through a worker payroll deduction of 0.001 percent. In 2014, the maximum annual contribution per worker is capped at a nearly imperceptible $31.50. And employers do not pay a dime.

If Gov. Andrew Cuomo and our legislators really want to earn the appreciation of voters, they should make 2014 the Year of the Family in New York by enacting paid family leave. The governor has said he wants to alleviate the strain on our state’s families by cutting taxes. A tax break would be nice—my family, like so many others, will happily deposit that check. But it will be no substitute for the precious time that we have lost with our children—time that we can never have back.

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Contents Page 4 .......... UPFRONT

Memorable lines from past State of the State addresses, plus Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s PowerPoints by the numbers.

Page 6 ......... ALLIES OR ADVERSARIES?

PUBLISHING Publisher Andrew A. Holt aholt@cityandstateny.com Associate Publisher Jim Katocin jkatocin@cityandstateny.com Events Manager Dawn Rubino drubino@cityandstateny.com Government Relations Sales Director Allison Sadoian asadoian@cityandstateny.com Business Manager Jasmin Freeman jfreeman@cityandstateny.com EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief Morgan Pehme mpehme@cityandstateny.com Albany Bureau Chief Jon Lentz jlentz@cityandstateny.com City Hall Bureau Chief Nick Powell npowell@cityandstateny.com Reporter Matthew Hamilton mhamilton@cityandstateny.com Associate Editor Helen Eisenbach Multimedia Director Michael Johnson mjohnson@cityandstateny.com Art Director Guillaume Federighi gfederighi@cityandstateny.com Illustrator Danilo Agutoli cityandstateny.com

Page 8 ........ LEGISLATIVE DOSSIERS

An insider’s guide to the priorities of the individual members of the State Senate and Assembly in 2014.

Cover: Guillaume Federighi Inside photo: Aaron Adler

61 Broadway, Suite 2825 New York, NY 10006 Editorial (212) 894-5417 General (646) 517-2740 Advertising (212) 284-9712 advertising@cityandstateny.com City & State is published twice monthly.

Copyright ©2014, City and State NY, LLC

city & state — January 8, 2014

CITY AND STATE, LLC Chairman Steve Farbman President/CEO Tom Allon

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio are about to forge a new relationship. Will their partnership be prosperous, or is it doomed to fail?

By Liz Benjamin

STATELY WORDS The State of the State address has been used by past governors to set a tone or send a message to the state Legislature. Here are some choice excerpts from recent addresses:

DAVID PATERSON Year: 2009

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MARIO CUOMO Year: 1983

ELIOT SPITZER Year: 2007

“Today, New York State is faced with difficult decisions. We are suffering statewide and national recessions that may continue for months or even years. We face a series of savage fiscal choices and are confronted with the worst budget deficit in the history of our state. Our government must now do what New York families have been doing for years—make painful choices about what we can and cannot afford. They have done so without fanfare and without self-pity. It is time for their government to live up to their example. We must sacrifice what we want today so that we can pay for what we need tomorrow. But this must be a shared sacrifice—we must all share the pain.”

“There is no way around the certain hard fact of this deficit. Of the sacrifices it will require or the common resolve that it will demand. For us to succeed now, each of us must be committed to the degree of cooperation and compromise that John Kennedy described as the courageous art of conciliation. I begin then by asking you, the Legislature, for your help. I ask it openly. Sincerely. Simply. And in return I make a simple promise. I will work as hard as I know how. And will deal with you without charade or deceit or unreasonable expectations and so will everyone who works with me.“

GEORGE PATAKI Year: 1995

“Make no mistake, the changes I just described will not be easy; but change rarely is. At every major transition point in our history, we have experienced uncertainty and growing pains. We will experience them again. But in the end, think of what change will bring: One New York with an economic climate that attracts young people and businesses; One New York with a vibrant education system that demands accountability and rewards excellence; One New York with a healthcare system that puts patients first at a price we can afford; One New York with a government that responds to the public interest instead of special interests.”

“The Legislature is a marketplace of ideas. It is a forum in which to achieve a fair balance among competing interests in the process of determining the public interest. As public servants, we have a solemn duty to protect and preserve personal freedom and restore individual responsibility, to create a more efficient, more effective government, a government that is smaller in size, yet meets the essential needs of its people. Working together, we can and must encourage individuals and families to build their futures here with a government that allows them the freedom to achieve, a government that gives them the opportunity to create jobs, a government that fosters tolerance, decency and hope. It is a great challenge.

It is a challenge we must meet. And together as we meet this challenge, we will restore New York to the greatness that is its destiny.”

“Now the times of plenty, the days of wine and roses are over.”

HUGH CAREY Year: 1975

Gov. Andrew Cuomo likes to use PowerPoint presentations in his State of the State addresses—and over the years, these presentations have kept getting bigger and bigger.

2011: New York at a Crossroads Number of slides: 106

2012: Building a New NY Number of slides: 255

2013: NY Rising Number of slides: 375

SOURCE: EXECUTIVE CHAMBER

city & state — January 8, 2014

POWERPOINT MAN

cityandstateny.com

1. Google, “Economic Impact,” 2012 *Note: The total value that U.S. Google advertisers and website publishers received in 2012 is the sum of the economic impact of Google Search, AdWords and AdSense. The value of Google Search and AdWords for businesses is the profit they receive from clicks on search results and ads minus their cost of advertising, estimated as $8 profit for every $1 spent. This formulation is derived from two studies about the dynamics of online search and advertising, Hal Varian’s “Online Ad Auctions,” (American Economic Review, May 2009) and Bernard Jansen and Amanda Spink, “Investigating customer click through behavior with integrated sponsored and non sponsored results,” (International Journal of Internet Marketing and Advertising, 2009). The economic impact of AdSense is the estimated amount Google paid to website publishers in 2012 for placing our ads next to their content. Please note that these estimates do not allow for perfect reconciliation with Google’s GAAP–reported revenue. For more information about methodology, visit: www.google.com/economicimpact/methodology.html © Copyright 2013. Google and the Google logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

DE BLASIO AND CUOMO:

ALLIES OR ADVERSARIES?

By Liz Benjamin

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s the relationship between the governor of New York and the mayor of New York City inherently doomed to fail?

“It’s not easy for governors and mayors to have a good marriage,” said Bruce Gyory, who worked for former Gov. Eliot Spitzer and is now a Democratic political consultant. “It’s tough. They have to work at it. And the question is: Will they?”

Bill de Blasio and Andrew Cuomo have some things going for them.

First, as both sides have gone to great lengths to point out since de Blasio’s big win in November, they have known each other a long time.

The two first met during the Dinkins administration, when Cuomo ran the commission on homelessness for the Big Apple’s first black mayor and de Blasio was a staffer at City Hall. But they really came to know each other in the mid-1990s when de Blasio worked as a regional director under then HUD Secretary Cuomo during the Clinton administration.

Over the years, Cuomo and de Blasio have forged a working relationship and helped each other politically. And as they embark on this new chapter, they are both savvy enough to know that each is now in a position to significantly help—or hurt—the other.

“They start off in as good a spot as any mayor and governor have started off in a while,” said Dave Catalfamo, who served as former Gov. George Pataki’s last communications director and is now a Republican lobbyist in Albany. “We’re not talking about people who don’t know each other.

They have a lot of history together, and

taxing the city’s wealthiest residents to

funding—albeit through competitive

Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, shown above sharing a joke at the Columbus Day Parade in October, have forged a working relationship and helped each other politically.

a level of trust there that most of those people walking into those positions don’t necessarily have.”

But their needs might be diametrically opposed in the long term.

“If Cuomo’s quest for the presidency is going to be based on his ability to cut taxes or spending, he’s going to come into conflict with the guy who got elected on the premise of making things better for the poor,” said Richard Ravitch, a veteran public servant at both the city and state levels.

“I think de Blasio’s going to find out that the cupboard is a lot emptier than his predecessor has indicated,” Ravitch continued. “Costs are going up—the kind of costs that don’t get talked about, pension costs and healthcare. I think he’s going to be looking for more revenue.”

De Blasio’s top priority in Albany this year will be the signature policy proposal of his successful campaign:

pay for universal prekindergarten and after-school programs.

The new mayor recently launched a grassroots campaign dubbed UPKNYC that aims to pressure state leaders into giving him the power to tax the rich.

The star-studded campaign features a slickly produced video and actresses Cynthia Nixon and Olivia Wilde, musician John Legend, investor Roger Altman, movie producer Harvey Weinstein and the Rev. Al Sharpton.

This effort, while no doubt an effective organizing tool, might be unnecessary.

Multiple sources say Cuomo has already figured out how to give de Blasio at least a semblance of a win on his pre-k quest by providing several hundred million dollars to expand slots in high-needs districts, of which New York City would be the biggest.

That is not too heavy a lift for Cuomo, who has already boosted pre-K

grants—at the advice of his education reform commission.

It is unclear whether the funding for these new slots would be recurring, but it is highly unlikely Cuomo would agree to pay for them through a tax increase—especially when he is already committed to tax cuts in 2014.

So would the new mayor be satisfied with half a loaf? Would it be a true victory for de Blasio if his central theme of closing the income equality gap by making the rich pay more to benefit the poor is not realized?

State Sen. Liz Krueger, one of the chamber’s most liberal members and a de Blasio ally, does not seem to think so.

“We need dedicated funding for this in the tough budget years ahead,” the Upper East Side Democrat said.

“Bill’s proposal to let New York City raise its own funds for universal pre-K is the fairest, most straightforward way cityandstateny.com

income inequality is all the rage right now among Democrats—from President Obama on down—thanks to de Blasio’s landslide victory in the November general election.

Progressive advocates are hoping to seize this moment, pushing for action in Albany on everything from creating a public campaign finance system and more equitable state tax structure to passing the DREAM Act and marijuana reform.

Cuomo is on board with some, but not all, of those agenda items. But he can ill afford to further anger the left,

which is already upset by his fiscally conservative agenda and refusal to intervene in the state Senate power struggle, as he begins a re-election year and considers a potential presidential run in 2016.

“If the governor thought it through, he doesn’t need de Blasio personifying a cold war with the liberal wing of the party,” said Gyory. “At this point, the mayor is second only to [Massachusetts Sen.] Elizabeth Warren nationally as the symbol of resurgent progressivism.”

But Catalfamo thinks de Blasio and

Cuomo will be able to navigate their differences, at least in the short term, insisting they have “more ideologically in common than maybe people perceive.”

“They’re both smart politicians who will try to work together and give each other the wins they need and find a way home,” Catalfamo continued.

“That will be complicated by external forces—a liberal City Council, the Legislature, a Speaker looking to reassert himself. It’s a neat challenge.”

Forget the spin– it’s about jobs!

By Danny Donohue

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here’s a lot more than meets the eye in the Cuomo Administration’s election year “lower taxes” public relations blitz.

For starters more of the same corporate welfare and tax giveaways will not create more jobs. In fact they may actually lead to a loss of jobs. Don’t take my word for it – it’s the key finding of an extensive and reputable study done for the Governor’s Commission on Tax Reform and Fairness.

Unfortunately, you won’t find much about that study in the commission’s recommendations. It was an inconvenient truth that didn’t fit with the political agenda so instead it got buried and we got a new commission chaired by former Gov. George Pataki and former state Comptroller Carl McCall to produce different findings. Oddly, there’s been almost no reporting of this in the mainstream media.

An extensive study by Marilyn M. Rubin of John Jay College and Donald J. Boyd, former director of the Rockefeller Institute of Government State and Local Government Finance Research Group, concludes that the giveaway programs are simply costing taxpayers plenty without producing positive economic results. It was prepared for Cuomo’s original Commission on Tax Reform and Fairness.

The report was paid for by Pete Peterson, a former Secretary of the Treasury, and the Peter J. Solomon Family Foundation. Neither could be considered anti-Business.

subsidies, not those from industrial development agencies.”

When it comes to so-called property tax relief, there’s more deception.

Struggling communities across the state have seen no state help. We have also seen elimination of state services and jobs in every part of the state.

This has further undermined local economies and contributed to the loss of more than 90,000 public service jobs in the past four years in a vicious circle.

Add to the mix state corporate tax breaks at the expense of localities and the result is the economic disaster plaguing communities and stalling our recovery in nearly every part of the state.

Now there’s a new proposal for property tax relief.

But only for communities that stay beneath their 2 percent property tax cap and meet some vague standard about consolidating services and merging with other localities – regardless of how unpopular that might be. This “relief ” is not even remotely possible without cutting more services and putting more people out of work.

CSEA members, like everyone else want lower taxes but we sure don’t want more bad policy and political doubletalk that fails to truly solve problems, eliminates more jobs and increases people’s misery.

But, apparently dissatisfied with these findings, Cuomo appointed the Pataki-McCall Commission to produce different results. These shocking facts have only recently been brought to light by journalist and corporate tax reform advocate David Cay Johnston.

Johnston writes: “Think of it this way: over nine years, the state of New York gave businesses roughly $10 billion, or almost $1,400 from each household, in a jobs program that eliminated 175,000 jobs at an average cost of $57,000. And that’s just state-level

LOCAL 1000 AFSCME, AFL-CIO DA N N Y D O N O H U E , P R E S I D E N T

Danny Donohue is president of the nearly 300,000 member CSEA – New York’s Leading Union – representing workers doing every kind of job, in every part of New York.

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city & state — January 8, 2014

SPENCER PLATT (GETTY)

to do this, and it’s widely supported.”

De Blasio’s best hope of getting what he wants out of Albany is to build coalitions within the state Capitol outside of the second floor, said Eliot Spitzer’s former top spokesman Darren Dopp, who is now a consultant.

“This is de Blasio’s biggest challenge: He knows how to speak Cuomo-ese, but he doesn’t know how to deal with the Legislature,” Dopp said. “He needs some veteran legislative hands to help him.”

Perhaps cognizant of that fact, de Blasio has hired himself a Legislature whisperer—at least one fluent in the language of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who has long tended the liberal flame at the Capitol and who could prove a valuable ally for the new mayor.

In mid-December de Blasio announced he had selected Silver’s former top advisor Dean Fuleihan to serve as his city budget director.

Fuleihan spent some three decades working for the Assembly, about half of that time in Silver’s office. Outside of his budgeting experience, which is considerable, observers believe his Albany expertise will complement the political prowess of de Blasio’s intergovernmental affairs director, Emma Wolfe.

Both de Blasio and Wolfe are known for their work ethic, encyclopedic knowledge—policy for him, politics for her—and dislike of the spotlight.

They are also pragmatic and not in-your-face aggressive or disdainful of intense politicking. That is a departure from the Bloomberg approach in Albany, which netted the outgoing mayor more high-profile losses than wins.

Because he does not have Bloomberg’s billions to throw around, de Blasio is going to need to use more finesse when it comes to getting what he wants out of Albany. And maybe that’s a good thing.

Staff relations are equally important—if not more so— than what transpires between the principals, former aides to governors and mayors say. Staffers toil for long hours negotiating the details of various deals. The bosses are the front men and the closers.

“Staff tends to hold grudges as much as the principals, if not more so,” Catalfamo said. “I remember all these small, stupid wars we had [with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s aides] over which podium would you use, and were you going to have a step and whose seal—little stuff.”

Also in de Blasio’s favor is the fact that he is on the right side of this moment in history. Addressing

LEGISLATIVE DOSSIERS An insider’s guide to the priorities of the individual members of the New York State Senate and Assembly in 2014.

Each of the 213 members of the New York State Legislature has unique interests, expertise and priorities. To give you the inside track on the upcoming session in Albany, we asked all 63 senators and 150 Assembly members what legislation they were most proud of passing in 2013, and what bills they are going to fight hardest to make law in 2014. The results are revealing and provide insight into who could be the most passionate allies and most formidable adversaries for issue advocates across the political spectrum.

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city & state — January 8, 2014

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Elected: 2008

JOSEPH P. ADDABBO, JR. Democrat District #: 15th SD

Elected: 2010

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Racing, Gaming and Wagering (Ranking Member); Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs; Education; Aging; Civil Service; Labor; Judiciary

Committees: Cities (Ranking Member); Environmental Conservation (Ranking Member); Aging; Banks; Education; Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs

Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Broad Channel, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Glendale, Hamilton Beach, Howard Beach, Kew Gardens, Kew Gardens Hills, Maspeth, Middle Village, Ozone Park, Rego Park, Richmond Hill, Ridgewood, South Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Woodside and the Rockaways

Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Bayside, Bay Terrace, Auburndale, Bellerose, Bayside Hills, Floral Park, Little Neck, Douglaston, Glen Oaks, College Point, Whitestone, Fresh Meadows, Flushing, Jamaica Estates, Hollis, Queens Village and Oakland Gardens

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The on-time state budget, because it affects every citizen in the state. It is a rather large, complicated blueprint for our priorities, which define our policies as a state.

Top priority in 2014? Locally, to continue to assist the victims of Hurricane Sandy through legislative and budget measures. Statewide, it will be campaign finance reform issues.

TONY AVELLA Democrat District #: 11th SD

Twitter: @TonyAvella

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The casino bill.

Top priority in 2014? Good government. I have introduced numerous bills to help clean up Albany. Two examples are S324-A, calling for term limits, and S725, which would increase the terms of members of the Legislature to four years.

Policy focus? Good government and cleaning up the dysfunction in Albany.

Policy focus? While matters involving healthcare, job creation and veterans’ issues are extremely important to me, currently educational issues are a priority.

Twitter: @ball4ny

Elected: 1998

Committees: Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs (Chair); Cities; Elections; Health; Labor; Local Government; Mental Health; Social Services

GREG BALL Republican District #: 40th SD

Area represented: Westchester County: Mount Kisco, Peekskill, Cortlandt, Mount Pleasant, Lewisboro, New Castle, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers and Yorktown; Putnam County: Carmel, Patterson and Southeast; Dutchess County: Beekman and Pawling

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The third consecutive on-time budget that reduced taxes and controlled spending. Also, the hire-a-vet tax credit and the Veterans’ Cemetery Bill, which will establish the first ever New York State Veterans’ Cemetery.

Top priority in 2014? Passing the Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business legislation to match the 3 percent of all federal contracting dollars set aside for our heroes. On taxes, to deliver real unfunded mandate relief for our local governments and school districts. On jobs, to legislatively enable public-private partnerships.

Policy focus? Jobs. Jobs. Jobs. We have to do more to make New York State business friendly.

Elected: 2012

Committees: Judiciary (Chair); Racing, Gaming and Wagering (Chair); Alcoholism; Banks; Children and Families; Finance; Housing; Mental Health; Rules; Cultural Affairs

JOHN J. BONACIC Republican District #: 42nd SD

Republican District #: 4th SD

Policy focus? Improving the quality of life in the Catskills, Hudson Valley and upstate. In particular, we want to ensure our schools are high quality, our rural hospitals stay open and grow, and to reduce taxes at all levels.

Elected: 1996

Twitter: @SenatorBreslin

Committees: Insurance (Ranking Member); Banks; Cities; Education; Finance; Judiciary; Rules

NEIL D. BRESLIN

Area represented: Albany, Troy, Watervliet, Cohoes, Rensselaer

Democrat District #: 44th SD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The Superstorm Sandy Assessment Relief Act (Bill S5849), along with other Hurricane Sandy relief bills.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The restoration of up to $90 million in funding for the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Top priority in 2014? My main priority for 2014 will be to provide tax relief—specifically property tax relief—to all New Yorkers.

Top priority in 2014? Passing all 10 points of the Women’s Equality Act and ensuring that our schools receive the necessary funding to provide a quality education.

Policy focus? Ethics. My long-sought goal is for the New York State Legislature to pass the toughest government ethics laws in the entire nation. cityandstateny.com

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Top priority in 2014? Implementing the NY Gaming Economic Development Act, moving forward with the building of new resorts in upstate New York and creating jobs.

Twitter: @PhilBoyleNY

Area represented: Towns of Islip and Babylon in Suffolk County

Area represented: All of Sullivan County; parts of Orange County: Deerpark, City of Port Jervis, Mount Hope, Greenville, Wallkill, City of Middletown, Wawayanda, Minisink, Hamptonburgh, Goshen, Warwick, Tuxedo; parts of Delaware County: Colchester, Tompkins, Walton, Hamden, Delhi, Masonville; parts of Ulster County: Denning, Wawarsing, Shawangunk, Gardiner, New Paltz, Rosendale

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The Upstate NY Gaming Economic Development Act.

Committees: Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (Chair); Ethics (Chair); Member: Codes; Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business; Consumer Protection; Housing; Local Government; Racing, Gaming and Wagering PHIL BOYLE

Twitter: @JohnBonacic

Policy focus? Education, healthcare, insurance and economic development.

city & state — January 8, 2014

Elected: 2010

Elected: 2010 Twitter: @davidcarlucci Committees: Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (Chair); Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Crime Victims, Crime and Correction; Energy and Telecommunications; Infrastructure and Capital Investment; Investigations and Government Operations; Insurance; Judiciary; Racing, Gaming and Wagering; Rules; Transportation; Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs; Libraries Area represented: Rockland County: Palisades, Tappan, DAVID CARLUCCI Orangeburg, Blauvelt, Pearl River, Nyack, West Nyack, Valley Cottage, Congers, Nanuet, Spring Valley, Airmont, Suffern, Democrat Ramapo, Sloatsburg, Montebello, Viola, Wesley Hills, New District #: 38th SD Square, Hillcrest, Chestnut Ridge; Westchester County: Ossining, Briarcliff Manor Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The lottery spin-up bill with comprehensive oversight that will help the struggling East Ramapo School district. Overall, I believe we need to do more for every school in the state to fix the school aide formula.

Top priority in 2014? To make Rockland and Westchester more affordable for seniors and young families in our area.

Policy focus? There is no higher calling than having the chance to advocate for the welfare and wellbeing of all New Yorkers, especially those with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities.

Elected: 2002

Elected: 1992

Committees: Finance (Chair); Banks; Cities; Codes; Judiciary; Labor; Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Area represented: Baldwinsville, Fayetteville, Clay, Fairmount, Skaneateles, Auburn, Jamesville, and parts of Syracuse JOHN A. DEFRANCISCO Republican District #: 50th SD Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The budget bills that basically contained spending, because for the first time in the last couple of years the state spending in the budget was kept at a very minimal increase, whereas prior to that the year to year increases were much larger.

Top priority in 2014? Tax reform. We held statewide public hearings on tax reform and that’s what we’re focusing on right now.

Policy focus? Revitalizing the economy, which will result in job creation and retention.

Elected: 2002

Twitter: @revrubendiaz

Committees: Aging (Ranking Member); Banks; Finance; Housing, Construction and Community Development; Investigations and Government Operations; Transportation

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RUBÉN DÍAZ Democrat District #: 32nd SD

Area represented: Parts of the Bronx, including Castle Hill, Longwood, Melrose, Morrisania, Parkchester, West Farms and Concourse Village

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The NY Safe Act of 2013.

Top priority in 2014? I will continue to oppose any efforts to expand abortion services in New York State. I will also fight any efforts to cut critical programs in my Senate district.

Policy focus? Aging policy is very important to me. Additionally, the Bronx is home to almost 38,000 veterans, so issues that impact the men and women who have served so bravely in our military forces is likewise very important to me.

Elected: 2010

MARTIN MALAVÉ DILAN Democrat District #: 18th SD

city & state — January 8, 2014

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Too many critical reforms were left unfinished last year, but I’m committed to fighting for a progressive agenda in 2014.

Top priority in 2014? To pass immigration reforms including the Farmworkers Bill of Rights, DREAM Act, and legislation authorizing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses.

Policy focus? We need to safeguard and create more affordable housing or low-income families will find it harder and harder to live in our community.

Area represented: Parts of Brooklyn, including Bushwick, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, CypressHills, City-Line, East New York, Bedford-Stuyvesant and Brownsville

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? For the communities of North Brooklyn, certain provisions passed as part of the 2013-14 Budget had the most impact; increasing the state’s minimum wage was certainly one of them.

Top priority in 2014? This year the Legislature will be revisiting the state’s 5-Year Transportation Capital Plan, as well as the MTA Capital Plan. Both of these plans are critical to the city and state’s infrastructure.

Policy focus? Transportation and education. A full Women’s Equality Act and passage of the DREAM Act will also be priorities in the coming session.

Elected: 1976

Twitter: @EspaillatNY (English) Twitter: @Sen_A_Espaillat (Spanish)

Area represented: Parts of Manhattan, including Washington Heights, Marble Hill, Upper West Side, Riverdale and Hamilton Heights

Twitter: @SenatorDilan

Committees: Transportation (Ranking Member); Civil Service and Pensions; Elections; Energy and Telecommunications; Finance; Judiciary; Labor; Rules

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Libraries (Chair); Banks (Vice Chair); Education; Ethics; Finance; Health; Rules; Social Services

Committees: Puerto Rican/Latino Caucus (Chair); Housing, Construction and Community Development (Ranking Member); Environmental Conservation, Economic Development; Codes; Insurance; Judiciary ADRIANO ESPAILLAT Democrat District #: 31st SD

Twitter: @JohnDeFrancisco

Area represented: All of Fulton and Hamilton counties; parts of Herkimer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties HUGH T. FARLEY Republican District #: 49th SD Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The new law to ensure the screening of newborns for heart defects. In terms of local bills, the constitutional amendment to resolve the century-old land title disputes in the Adirondack Park community of Raquette Lake, which I represent.

Top priority in 2014? Economic development and reducing the tax burden, both of which are necessary to make New York a more attractive and viable place to live and do business.

Policy focus? As a former college professor, I have been very interested in libraries and educational issues. cityandstateny.com

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cityandstateny.com

Elected: 2012

Elected: 2002

Twitter: @simcha_felder

Committees: Education (Chair); Codes; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Finance; Higher Education; Insurance; Judiciary; Rules; Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs

Committees: Children and Families (Chair); New York City Education Subcommittee (Chair); Aging; Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business; Health; Mental Health

SIMCHA FELDER Democrat District #: 17th SD

Area represented: Parts of Brooklyn, including Midwood, Flatbush, Borough Park, Kensington, Sunset Park, Madison and Bensonhurst

Top priority in 2014? My main focus in the 2014 legislative session will continue to be the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable children in our society. I will also work hard to preserve and seek additional funding for the many successful programs that help impoverished and at-risk families in New York State.

Policy focus? As chairman of the Children and Families Committee, I am responsible for reviewing all legislation concerning children, including, but not limited to, abuse, adoptions, cults, custody, day care, foster care, neglect, visitation and protections and preventative services.

Twitter: N/A

JOHN J. FLANAGAN Republican District #: 2nd SD

Area represented: Smithtown and portions of Brookhaven and Huntington

Flanagan on a series of recent hearings on the state’s Common Core education standards: There was no shortage of opinions from the witnesses testifying at these hearings. It was a robust and thoughtful discussion on the many important issues and problems related to the implementation of the State’s new learning standards. Some of the most passionate testimony came from parents who, at the end of the day, all want the same thing for their children regardless of where they live—a good education. Our state’s most basic obligation is to provide the funding and resources to ensure that every student has the best chance at success.

Policy focus? Education.

Elected: 2010

Elected: 2010

Twitter: @senatorgallivan

Committees: Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections (Chair); Agriculture; Codes; Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business; Elections; Higher Education; Housing, Construction and Community Development; Infrastructure and Capital Investment; Labor; Transportation

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PATRICK M. GALLIVAN Republican District #: 59th SD

Area represented: Parts of Erie County, including West Seneca and Lancaster, and parts of Wyoming, Livingston and Monroe counties

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? A series of regulatory reform bills that created a bipartisan panel to work with businesses across the state to cooperatively identify overly burdensome or antiquated state rules and regulations and put forward recommendations for their review, reform or repeal.

Top priority in 2014? Continued tax reduction, regulatory reform, fiscal discipline and equitable distribution of education aid to rural and high-need school districts. Also, Scaffold Law Reform (S111) and Alix’s Law (S1968A), which closes a dangerous loophole in hit-and-run cases.

Twitter: @SenGianaris

Committees: Democratic Conference Deputy Leader; Ethics (Ranking Member); Finance; Rules

MICHAEL GIANARIS Democrat District #: 12th SD

Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside, Ridgewood and Woodhaven

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Extending the middle-class tax cut for three years.

Top priority in 2014? Student loan affordability. Relieving the hardship on our young people who are overburdened by debt will help grow our economy and create jobs.

Policy focus? To restore trust in government by reforming our government and passing comprehensive ethics reform. I am also focused on addressing income inequality.

Policy focus? Economic development and job creation.

Elected: 2012

Elected: 2002

Twitter: @TerryGipsonNY

city & state — January 8, 2014

Committees: Agriculture (Ranking Member); Local Government (Ranking Member); Banks; Consumer Protection; Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation; Legislative Commission on Rural Resources; Transportation; Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs TERRY GIPSON Democrat District #: 41st SD

Area represented: Red Hook, Milan, Pine Plains, Rhinebeck, Clinton, Stanford, North East, Hyde Park, Pleasant Valley, Washington, Amenia, Town of Poughkeepsie, City of Poughkeepsie, La Grange, Union Vale, Dover, Wappinger, East Fishkill, Fishkill, City of Beacon, Philipstown, Putnam Valley, Kent

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Restoring 90 million in funding to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Top priority in 2014? Reducing the cost of living and doing business in the Hudson Valley and New York State, with a specific focus on property tax and unfunded mandate relief.

Twitter: @senmartygolden

Committees: Civil Service and Pensions (Chair); Science, Technology, Incubation and Entrepreneurship (Chair); Aging; Banks; Codes; Finance; Health; Insurance; Investigations and Government Operations; Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs MARTIN J. GOLDEN Republican District #: 22nd SD

Area represented: Parts of Brooklyn, including Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend, and parts of Sheepshead Bay, Borough Park and Midwood

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The on-time budget.

Top priority in 2014? Keeping taxes down and creating jobs.

Policy focus? Economic development.

Policy focus? Improving the quality of our education system and finding a more equitable way to fund it, so that owning a home or business in our community is more affordable. cityandstateny.com

city & state — January 8, 2014

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cityandstateny.com

Elected: 2006

Elected: 2010

Twitter: @SenGriffo

Committees: Environmental Conservation (Chair); Cities; Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation; Finance; Higher Education Infrastructure and Capital Investment; Insurance; Labor; Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs

Committees: Banks (Chair); Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business; Crime Victims, Crime and Correction; Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation; Energy and Telecommunications; Finance; Higher Education; Infrastructure and Capital Investment; Racing, Gaming and Wagering; Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs JOSEPH A. GRIFFO Republican District #: 47th SD

Area represented: Oneida, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? I’m pleased with two of my bills: one would prohibit the state from handing down unfunded mandates to local governments and school districts; the second would evaluate public authorities, rules and regulations to eliminate unnecessary or outdated elements.

Top priority in 2014? Providing real tax relief for New Yorkers.

Policy focus? We’ve got to make the state more friendly to entrepreneurs.

Elected: 1989

MARK GRISANTI Republican District #: 60th SD

Top priority in 2014? To continue to lower taxes for middle class and working families.

Policy focus? The environment. I also personally have a keen interest in tax policy, as well as our education system.

Elected: 2000

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Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? My hepatitis C legislation (Chapter 425) was a great bill on a personal level, but overall, the bipartisan Sandy aid package was one of the best examples of our working together to assist New Yorkers at a time of greatest need.

Top priority in 2014? Cutting spending, reducing taxes and creating jobs, and ensuring the many changes being made to our healthcare system are being implemented correctly.

RUTH HASSELLTHOMPSON Democrat District #: 36th SD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The Upstate NY Gaming Economic Development Act. Top priority in 2014? Civil rights and economic justice. S3337-B, the Domestic Violence Survivors Act, provides criminal court judges the discretion to deviate from mandatory prison sentences, and S1409 seeks to raise the age of criminal liability to 18.

Elected: 2010 Twitter: @SenKennedy Committees: Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business (Ranking Member); Infrastructure and Capital Investment (Ranking Member); Finance; Transportation; Energy and Telecommunications; Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation; Higher Education; Insurance; State-Native American Relations

Twitter: @BradHoylman

Committees: Consumer Protection (Ranking Member); Investigations and Government Operations (Ranking Member); Codes; Crime Victims, Crime and Correction; Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation; Health; Infrastructure and Capital Investment; Judiciary; Libraries

city & state — January 8, 2014

BRAD HOYLMAN Democrat District #: 27th SD

Area represented: Mount Vernon, and parts of the Bronx, including Norwood, Bedford Park, Williamsbridge, Co-op City, Wakefield and Baychester

Policy focus? The implementation of Common Core.

Policy focus? Healthcare.

Elected: 2012

Twitter: N/A

Committees: New York State Conference of Black Senators (Chair); Judiciary (Ranking Member); Crime Victims, Crime and Correction (Ranking Member); Rules; Health; Finance; Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business

Committees: Health (Chair); Finance; Judiciary; Labor; Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities; Rules

KEMP HANNON Republican District #: 6th SD

Area represented: Tonawanda, Grand Island, Hamburg, Evans, Brant, Orchard Park, City of Tonawanda and parts of the City of Buffalo

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? An historic package of bills that would ensure equal pay for women, strengthen laws against human trafficking, provide greater support and protection for victims of domestic violence, stop sexual harassment, and end the discrimination of women in the workplace related to gender, pregnancy and family status. I was proud to co-sponsor and vote for these measures in 2013, and hope that they will become law during the 2014 session.

Twitter: @kemphannon

Area represented: Parts of Nassau County, including Bethpage, East Meadow, Farmingdale, Franklin Square, Garden City, Hempstead, Hicksville, Lakeview, Levittown, Malverne, Massapequa, Old Bethpage, Plainview, Seaford, Wantagh, West Hempstead and Westbury

Twitter: @senatorgrisanti

Area represented: Parts of Manhattan, including Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea, Greenwich Village, the Upper West Side, Midtown/East Midtown, the East Village and the Lower East Side

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The NY SAFE Act. Top priority in 2014? Campaign finance reform.

Policy focus? Improving health, housing, education and economic opportunities for the most vulnerable New Yorkers.

TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY Democrat District #: 63rd SD

Area represented: Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Lackawanna

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Jay-J’s Law, which strengthens state penal codes against repeat child abuse.

Top priority in 2014? The economic resurgence of Buffalo and Western New York. Also, we must finally pass the Fair Pay Act and ensure equal pay for equal work.

Policy focus? Economic development and job creation. Also, child protective services policy and education.

cityandstateny.com

Committees: Finance (Ranking Member); Codes; Elections; Higher Education; Housing, Construction and Community Development; Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities; Rules

Area represented: Parts of the Bronx, Mt. Vernon, Pelham

Area represented: Parts of Manhattan, including the Upper East Side and East Midtown

LIZ KRUEGER Democrat District #: 28th SD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The SAFE Act, a major increase to New York’s minimum wage, and extending the lowest middle class tax rates.

Top priority in 2014? Making New York more affordable for the middle class.

Policy focus? Creating jobs, improving our schools and keeping our communities safe.

Elected: 2006

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The NY SAFE Act, which, while it wasn’t perfect, represented a massive step forward for responsible gun safety.

Overall, the Legislature’s work product in 2013 was underwhelming, with a weak minimum wage deal and no progress on election reform, anti-corruption legislation or the Women’s Equality Act. Top priority in 2014? Robust campaign finance reform.

Policy focus? Reducing poverty, strengthening the social safety net, ensuring living wages for those who can work, expanding and protecting affordable housing, and guaranteeing every child a quality education.

Twitter: N/A

Elected: 1990

Committees: Republican Conference Whip; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Finance; Health; Insurance; Rules; Transportation; Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs

Area represented: Parts of Staten Island

Area represented: Orange County: Crawford, Montgomery, Newburgh and City of Newburgh, New Windsor, Cornwall, Highlands, Blooming Grove, Woodbury, Monroe, Chester; Rockland County: Stony Point, Haverstraw; Ulster County: Plattekill, Marlborough

Top priority in 2014? Reducing taxes and tolls, eliminating burdensome regulations, creating incentives for new job opportunities and cutting government waste.

Policy focus? Criminal justice.

Elected: 2012

WILLIAM J. LARKIN, JR. Republican District #: 39th SD

Top priority in 2014? Tax relief for homeowners, eliminating the MTA taxes and fees in upstate counties and reducing the overall tax burden on all New Yorkers.

Policy focus? Supporting our veterans and active duty military.

Twitter: @GeorgeLatimer37

Area represented: Bedford, Bronxville, Eastchester, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, parts of the City of New Rochelle, North Castle, Port Chester, City of Rye, Town of Rye, Tuckahoe, parts of White Plains, parts of Yonkers

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The 2013-2014 budget was a balanced document that controlled spending and was passed on-time for the third consecutive year. While no budget is perfect, it was the single most important piece of legislation produced.

Top priority in 2014? Cutting escalating local property taxes by eliminating mandated costs: phasing out the local share of Medicaid expenses, capping local governments’ pension costs, eliminating the MTA payroll tax for local governments.

Policy focus? Education policy, with component elements of Common Core, Race to the Top, rising school property taxes, aid to needy districts, Special Act schools.

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Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Legislation that will require birthing facilities to screen newborn babies for congenital heart defects.

Elected: 1976

Committees: Education (Ranking Member); Consumer Protection; Environmental Conservation; Local Government; Mental Health; Racing, Gaming and Wagering

cityandstateny.com

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Cities (Chair); Legislative Ethics Commission (Co-Chair); Senate Bipartisan Task Force on Hurricane Sandy Recovery (Co-Chair); Civil Service and Pensions; Codes; Education; Finance; Insurance; Judiciary

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The Trafficking Victims Protection and Justice Act, which will strengthen New York’s laws and fight human trafficking by increasing protection for victims and holding the traffickers and buyers who fuel the commercial sex industry accountable.

GEORGE S. LATIMER Democrat District #: 37th SD

Twitter: @LizKrueger

Committees: Senate Temporary President; Senate Majority Coalition Co-Leader; Senate Independent Democratic Conference Leader

JEFFREY D. KLEIN Democrat District #: 34th SD

ANDREW J. LANZA Republican District #: 24th SD

Elected: 2002

Twitter: @JeffKleinNY

Twitter: @senatorlavalle

Committees: Higher Education (Chair); Aging; Education; Environmental Conservation; Finance; Insurance; Judiciary; Rules

KENNETH P. LaVALLE Republican District #: 1st SD

Area represented: Parts of Suffolk County, including Brookhaven, Riverhead, Southampton, Easthampton, Southold and Shelter Island

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? S03643 establishes the Enterprise Park at Calverton Reuse and Revitalization Area to promote the redevelopment of the EPCAL site in Riverhead, Long Island.

Top priority in 2014? Real property tax relief.

Policy focus? Education and environment.

city & state — January 8, 2014

Elected: 2006

Elected: 1988

Twitter: N/A

Elected: 2002

Committees: Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation (Chair); Consumer Protection; Crime Victims, Crime and Correction; Education; Environmental Conservation; Finance; Judiciary

Committees: Deputy Majority Coalition Leader; Rules (Vice-Chair) TOM LIBOUS Republican District #: 52nd SD

Area represented: Broome County, Tioga County, parts of Chenango and Delaware counties

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The Public Assistance Integrity Act (S966) would prohibit welfare cash assistance from being used to purchase alcohol, tobacco and lottery tickets, and also at strip clubs and casinos.

Top priority in 2014? To fight the mental health and developmental disability facility closures to keep jobs and essential mental hygiene services in the Southern Tier, particularly at the Greater Binghamton Health Center and the Broome Developmental Center.

Twitter: @bettylittle

BETTY LITTLE Democrat District #: 45th SD

Area represented: Clinton, Essex, Franklin and Warren counties and parts of St. Lawrence and Washington counties

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Although neither were bills, the two legislative resolutions to amend the State Constitution to help families and businesses in the Adirondacks.

Top priority in 2014? Economic revitalization and job creation.

Policy focus? Tourism.

Policy focus? Mental health and developmental disabilities.

Elected: 1995

Elected: 2012

Twitter: @Senator98

Committees: Investigations and Government Operations (Chair); Rules; Finance; Banks; Consumer Protection; Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation; Education; Environmental Conservation; Labor

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CARL L. MARCELLINO Republican District #: 5th SD

Area represented: Oyster Bay, Huntington and the City of Glen Cove

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? This year’s budget contained a number of important initiatives to reduce spending, lower taxes, create jobs, increase aid to education and keep improving the overall trajectory of New York State’s economy.

KATHLEEN A. MARCHIONE Republican District #: 43rd SD

Committees: Administrative Regulations Review Commission (Chair); Aging; Banks; Consumer Protection; Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation; Elections; Labor; Local Government; Racing, Gaming and Wagering Area represented: 45 municipalities located in parts of Saratoga, Rensselaer and Washington counties, and all of Columbia County

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? I was proud of the fact that as a freshman legislator 10 of my bills became state law. Without question, the worst bill—and an even worse law—was the unconstitutional SAFE Act.

Top priority in 2014? Enacting a comprehensive package of bills to deliver tax relief and create jobs.

Top priority in 2014? Delivering real tax relief to help families and job creators, capping state spending, banning unfunded mandates, cutting job-killing rules, regulations and red tape, and restoring fiscal responsibility through long-term debt relief and common sense reforms.

Policy focus? Education. The Common Core debate is going to be front and center during the 2014 legislative session.

Policy focus? I am interested in all areas of public policy. My focus is improving the quality of life for my constituents in the 43rd District and all New Yorkers.

Elected: 2011

Twitter: @SenatorMartins

Elected: 1995

JACK M. MARTINS Republican District #: 7th SD

Area represented: Parts of Nassau County, including Mineola, Port Washington and Great Neck

On a new law increasing oversight of LIPA: I think we can all agree that LIPA was a colossal failure after Superstorm Sandy. We pay some of the highest rates in the country and there is no reason that we should, literally, be left in the dark when the next storm hits. This new law would allow us to file complaints regarding gas or election service with the Public Service Commission so that the commission can provide the necessary oversight, ensuring that we receive the best service possible during the times when we need it the most.

On other laws going into effect in 2014: Hundreds of thousands of small businesses and manufacturers in New York will see a reduction in their state taxes as a result of new tax cuts that take effect on January 1, 2014. In addition, tax relief for hardworking, middle class families, new healthcare protections, and the START-UP NY economic development program are among the new state laws that take effect on New Year’s Day.

Twitter: @senatormaziarz

Committees: Energy and Telecommunications (Chair); State-Native American Relations (Chair); Consumer Protection; Crime Victims, Crime and Correction; Education; Environmental Conservation; Higher Education; Libraries; Rules; Transportation

Committees: Local Governments (Chair); Education; Transportation; Banks; Civil Service and Pensions; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Insurance; Labor; Libraries; Housing, Construction and Community; Social Services

city & state — January 8, 2014

Twitter: @kathymarchione

GEORGE D. MAZIARZ Republican District #: 62nd SD

Area represented: All of Niagara County, all of Orleans County, Towns of Sweden and Ogden in Monroe County

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The veterans’ tax credit passed in the budget, which provides an incentive to businesses that hire returning veterans.

Top priority in 2014? Working to further reduce taxes and unnecessary regulatory burdens for business, especially in the energy sector where businesses and individuals face some of the highest rates in the nation.

Policy focus? Energy and telecommunications are very important to me and to my district, which is home to the Niagara Power Project. Also, economic development across all sectors, including agriculture and tourism. cityandstateny.com

Elected: 1992

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Codes (Chair); Finance; Rules; Crime Victims, Crime and Correction; Elections; Housing, Construction and Community Development; Investigations and Government Operations; Judiciary; Racing, Gaming and Wagering; Transportation

Committees: Children and Families (Ranking Member); Agriculture; Crime Victims, Crime and Correction; Education; Finance; Health; Rules Area represented: North and Central Brooklyn On legislation to reform New York’s education system: During the 2013 legislative session, I introduced legislation that responds to concerns raised by parents of New York City students, teachers, and other education advocates to reform the city’s education system. Together, my legislation allows for greater parental input in school governance, as well as transparency and accountability. S1406/A792 seeks to restore a Democratic system of checks and balances by changing the composition of the Board of Education, ending mayoral control of the public school system, and giving parents greater involvement in education policy creation and decision making. The legislation returns to the New York City Board of Education appointment authority for the City School District Chancellor. It also allows parents and educators to be board members, and disburses appointing authority for Board members among borough presidents, City Council members and the mayor.

VELMANETTE MONTGOMERY Democrat District #: 25th SD

Elected: 2012

MICHAEL F. NOZZOLIO Republican District #: 54th SD

Top priority in 2014? We must continue our state’s economic recovery and reduce the burden on New York’s hardworking taxpayers and job-producing businesses. Additionally, Brittany’s Law would create a statewide registry tracking violent felony offenders.

Policy focus? Enacting a budget that cuts taxes, while supporting job creation and economic development. We must do everything possible to grow jobs, cut taxes and control spending to create a better future for our citizens.

Elected: 2002

Committees: Banks (Ranking Member); Codes; Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business; Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation; Health; Insurance; Local Government; Science, Technology, Incubation and Entrepreneurship TED O’BRIEN Democrat District #: 55th SD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Chapter 184, which requires hospitals to perform an inexpensive and non-invasive test on newborn infants for congenital heart defects.

Top priority in 2014? To lower taxes for families and decrease the burdens placed on local businesses. Part of the solution will be S4094, the Unfunded Mandate Reform Act, a bill I am proud to have introduced.

Policy focus? Job creation and economic development. I represent Rochester and the Finger Lakes region, which have seen high-profile employers disappear, high unemployment and a staggering population loss.

Elected: 2010

KEVIN S. PARKER Democrat District #: 21st SD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The 2 percent cap on agricultural assessments. Also, the budget began a meaningful tax cut for upstate manufacturers, one that we can build on to continue revitalizing our manufacturing sector.

Top priority in 2014? Upstate New York’s economic renewal and revitalization through tax, mandate and regulatory relief, as well as privatesector job creation and long-term economic growth.

Policy focus? New York’s energy future; fiscal accountability and common sense, especially in the area of Medicaid reform; law and order. cityandstateny.com

Area represented: Parts of Brooklyn, including Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington, Windsor Terrace and Park Slope

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? A6692, which restored $90 million cut from OPWDD’s budget.

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Top priority in 2014? Creating a right to counsel in civil trials where basic human necessities like shelter, food, family and employment are threatened.

Policy focus? Energy, telecommunications and technology, and how these areas can be leveraged to promote economic development and job creation, civil rights and classic progressive issues like responsive government, civil liberties and justice.

Elected: 2010

Committees: Elections (Chair); Agriculture; Banks; Codes; Energy and Telecommunications; Environmental Conservation; Finance; Insurance; Investigations and Operations; Judiciary; Transportation

THOMAS F. O’MARA Republican District #: 58th SD

Twitter: @SenatorParker

Committees: Energy and Telecommunications (Ranking Member); Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (Ranking Member); Banks; Finance; Higher Education; Insurance; Rules

Twitter: N/A

Area represented: Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Yates counties, and part of Tompkins County

Area represented: All of Seneca and Wayne, parts of Cayuga, Monroe, Ontario and Tompkins

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The state budget held the line on spending and taxes, while eliminating the job-killing utility tax surcharge over three years.

Twitter: @SenTedOBrien

Area represented: Eastern half of the City of Rochester, Irondequoit, Pittsford, Penfield, Perinton, East Rochester, Rush, Mendon, Victor, West Bloomfield, East Bloomfield, Richmond, Bristol, Canadice, South Bristol, Naples

Twitter: @SenatorNozzolio

Twitter: @SenatorPeralta

Committees: Labor (Ranking Member); Insurance; Health; Finance; Crime Victims, Crime and Correction

JOSÉ PERALTA Democrat District #: 13th SD

Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Jackson Heights, Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Astoria Heights and Woodside

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The SAFE Act. Top priority in 2014? The DREAM Act. Policy focus? Economic and educational opportunity.

city & state — January 8, 2014

Elected: 1984

Elected: 2006

Twitter: N/A

Elected: 2008

Committees: Corporations, Authorities and Commissions (Chair); Agriculture; Banks; Education; Finance; Judiciary; Racing, Gaming and Wagering; Transportation

Committees: Corporations, Authorities and Commissions (Ranking Member); Codes; Judiciary; Rules; Finance; Labor; Transportation; Civil Service and Pensions

BILL PERKINS Democrat District #: 30th SD

Area represented: Parts of Manhattan, including Harlem, East Harlem and a portion of the Upper West Side

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The Non-Profit Revitalization Act of 2013 and J-Jay’s Law, which strengthens penalties against repeat child abusers.

Top priority in 2014? The DREAM Act, the Women’s Equality Act and a hydrofracking moratorium. Also, banning the consumption of food in New York City’s subway to address the rat/vermin problem, and a reform of the Urban Development Corporation Act.

Twitter: N/A

MICHAEL H. RANZENHOFER Republican District #: 61st SD

Area represented: Amherst, Clarence and Newstead; Villages of Akron and Williamsville in Erie County; all of Genesee County; Towns of Chili and Riga, the Village of Churchville and part of the City of Rochester in Monroe County

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The Non-Profit Revitalization Act of 2013.

Top priority in 2014? Tax relief and job creation.

Policy focus? Reforming, reducing and simplifying New York’s tax policy to improve its ranking as the 50th state in the nation in terms of business tax climate.

Policy focus? Public health, the environment, education and civil rights.

Elected: 2010

Elected: 2010

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Agriculture (Chair); Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Civil Service and Pensions; Crime Victims, Crime and Correction; Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation; Energy and Telecommunications; Local Government; Higher Education PATTY RITCHIE

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Area represented: Ogdensburg, Watertown and Oswego

On a bill she sponsored to use state government buying Republican power to boost purchases of locally grown foods: Eating District #: 48th SD local is a big trend right now—and it can mean big business for local farmers and food producers. This legislation builds upon that movement, seeking to use the purchasing power of state government to help farmers grow. Not only will this measure promote nutrition by putting more locally grown foods in our prisons, hospitals and other state facilities, it will also boost the bottom lines of our state’s hardworking farmers.

On the NY SAFE Act, via the Watertown Daily Times: I currently sponsor two bills that would repeal the SAFE Act: S3948 and S5626. In addition, I have also introduced a third measure that would enshrine our right to keep and bear arms in the New York State Constitution, as our state is just one of six states that does not specifically list this protection in its foundational document.

Elected: 2001

Committees: Health (Ranking Member); Ethics; Finance; Higher Education; Labor

GUSTAVO RIVERA Democrat District #: 33rd SD

Top priority in 2014? Addressing recent federal and state funding cuts to health, social services and educational programs and services. Also, the state DREAM Act, campaign finance reform and the full Women’s Equality Agenda.

Policy focus? Health and healthcare. I define “health” rather broadly, and include in it issues like health disparities, access to quality care, access to healthy food and ensuring that social services are provided for those who need it.

Elected: 1996

Twitter: @SenatorRobach

city & state — January 8, 2014

Area represented: Brighton, Clarkson, Gates, Greece, Hamlin, Hilton, Parma and the City of Rochester

Area represented: Parts of the Bronx, including Kingsbridge Heights, East Tremont, Crotona Park, Fordham, Belmont, Van Nest, Claremont, High Bridge and Morris Park

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? While I have some concerns about some of the provisions, the SAFE Act was an important step forward in 2013.

Committees: Deputy Majority Whip; Infrastructure and Capital Investment (Chair); Transportation (Vice-Chair); Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business; Education; Energy and Telecommunications; Finance; Higher Education; Labor JOSEPH E. ROBACH Republican District #: 56th SD

Twitter: @NYSenatorRivera

Twitter: N/A

Committees: None

JOHN L. SAMPSON Democrat District #: 19th SD

Area represented: Parts of Brooklyn, including Canarsie, East New York, Spring Creek, sections of Brownsville, Georgetown, Bergen Beach, Mill Basin, Mill Island, Flatlands, Marine Park and Sheepshead Bay

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? S5605, which I proudly sponsored. This bill gives increased protection to victims of domestic violence from their accused abusers.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The 2013 Hurricane Sandy Recovery Package.

Top priority in 2014? An on-time and transparent budget. I would also like to see New York State consider some form of initiative and referendum so voters can have a voice on more issues that affect them.

Top priority in 2014? To continue to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy rebuild their lives, businesses and communities. Also, job creation and reducing gun violence.

Policy focus? Job creation and retention.

Policy focus? Improving New York’s economy so that we may create and retain jobs. cityandstateny.com

Elected: 2012

JAMES SANDERS JR. Democrat District #: 10th SD

Twitter: @JSandersNYC

Committees: Civil Service and Pensions (Ranking Member); Social Services (Ranking Member); Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Banks; Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business; Labor; Racing, Gaming and Wagering; Science, Technology, Incubation and Entrepreneurship; Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Far Rockaway, Rochdale, Jamaica, South Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Rosedale, Springfield Gardens and Laurelton

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The minimum wage bill was the worst bill in 2013. This bill falls far short in the face of the glaring need of the people of the state of New York.

Top priority in 2014? Continuing the rebuilding and restoration of the Rockaway Peninsula in my district, which was badly hit by Superstorm Sandy, and pursing development opportunities throughout Southeast Queens.

Elected: 2004

Twitter: @dianesavino

Committees: Labor (Chair); Banks; Civil Service and Pensions; Consumer Protection; Elections; Finance; Health; Higher Education; Subcommittee on New York City Education; Senate Bi-Partisan Task Force on Hurricane Sandy DIANE J. SAVINO Democrat District #: 23rd SD

Area represented: Parts of Staten Island and Brooklyn

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? S4777, which restored the funding cut to OPWDD programs.

Top priority in 2014? Passing my medical marijuana legislation.

Policy focus? Labor issues, because these are the policies that have the greatest impact on middle class New Yorkers.

Policy focus? Economic development.

Elected: 2004

Twitter: @SenatorSerrano

Committees: Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation (Ranking Member); Agriculture; Consumer Protection; Environmental Conservation; Higher Education; Libraries; Science, Technology, Incubation and Entrepreneurship JOSÉ M. SERRANO Democrat District #: 29th SD

Area represented: Parts of the South and West Bronx; parts of Manhattan, including East Harlem, Upper Yorkville, Roosevelt Island, Central Park and the Upper West Side

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Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The SAFE Act. Top priority in 2014? Strengthening our education system, providing immigrant youth with the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of going to college, passing all ten points of the Women’s Equality Agenda, banning the unsafe practice of hydrofracking and pushing for good government, including campaign finance reform and enacting a solution to the problematic member item system by passing my bill (S920).

Policy focus? Improving and strengthening our cultural sector and parks.

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Elected: 1986

Twitter: N/A

JAMES L. SEWARD Republican District #: 51st SD

Area represented: All or parts of the following counties: Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Otsego, Schoharie, Tompkins, Ulster

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Building on the Iranian Divestment Act (S5083), enacted in 2012, which I sponsored, that bans insurance companies from investing in Iran or Iranian companies. Recently signed by the governor, this is another blow to a terrorist nation and enhances national security.

Top priority in 2014? Across the board tax cuts, meaningful mandate relief and related measures that will improve our state’s ability to compete globally.

Policy focus? Insurance. cityandstateny.com

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city & state — January 8, 2014

Committees: Insurance (Chair); Agriculture; Education; Finance; Health; Higher Education; Libraries; Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities; Rules

Elected: 1984

Elected: 2000

Twitter: @SenatorSkelos

Committees: None

Committees: Senate Temporary President; Senate Majority Coalition Co-Leader; Senator Republican Conference Leader; Rules (Chair)

DEAN G. SKELOS

Area represented: Parts of Nassau County, including the Town of Hempstead and the City of Long Beach

Republican District #: 9th SD Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? An early state budget that controlled spending, reduced taxes on hardworking families and provided tax relief to businesses to help create new private sector jobs.

Top priority in 2014? Without question, reducing taxes and helping businesses create private sector jobs.

Twitter: @malcolmasmith

MALCOLM A. SMITH Democrat District #: 14th SD

Area represented: Parts of Queens, including St. Albans, Addisleigh Park, Jamaica, Cambria Heights, Laurelton, Springfield Gardens, Hollis, sections of Queens Village, Jamaica Estates, Ozone Park and Rosedale

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? NY SAFE Act, Superstorm Sandy relief and START-UP NY. Top priority in 2014? The NYS DREAM Act. Policy focus? Education, economic development, health and transportation.

Policy focus? Tax relief and economic development. These areas of interest reflect the priorities of my constituents and all New Yorkers and we must address them in an aggressive way this year.

Elected: 2008

Elected: 1999

Twitter: @DanielSquadron

Committees: Codes (Ranking Member); Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Finance; Investigations and Government Operations; Social Services; Transportation

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DANIEL L. SQUADRON Democrat District #: 26th SD

Area represented: Brooklyn: Greenpoint, Williamsburg, Vinegar Hill, DUMBO, Fulton Ferry, Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens and Columbia Waterfront; Manhattan: Tribeca, Battery Park City, the Lower East Side, Chinatown, the Financial District, Little Italy, SoHo and the East Village

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The SAFE Act, which included my provision to strengthen New York’s assault weapons ban.

Top priority in 2014? The Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and campaign finance reform, including the Corporate Political Activity Accountability to Shareholders Act. Policy focus? New York is facing a crisis of affordability. We must address this crisis—from housing, to schools, to transit, to open space, and the safety net.

Elected: 2006

Committees: Higher Education (Ranking Member); Aging; Education; Special Subcommittee on New York City Education; Finance; Insurance; Judiciary; Transportation TOBY ANN STAVISKY Democrat District #: 16th SD

Top priority in 2014? Legislative ethics and campaign finance reform.

Policy focus? Expanding educational opportunities, from pre-k to postgraduate. We must look to improve the economy by providing jobs for an educated workforce.

Elected: 2013

Area represented: Greenburgh; part of White Plains; parts of New Rochelle; part of Yonkers and Scarsdale

city & state — January 8, 2014

Twitter: @SenTkaczyk

Committees: Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (Ranking Member); Environmental Conservation (Ranking Member); Agriculture; Children and Families; Education; Elections; Legislative Commission on Rural Resources; Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs

Committees: Senate Democratic Conference Leader; Rules

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The takeaway from the 2013 session was not what was passed, but what was left unaccomplished. The Women’s Equality Act, real ethics reform and real mandate relief were all left unresolved and New Yorkers deserve action on these critical bills.

Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Flushing, Oakland Gardens, Bayside, Fresh Meadows, Hillcrest, Rego Park, Forest Hills, Elmhurst, Woodside and Jackson Heights

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? I was proud of my part in the passage of the NY SAFE Act, which takes critical steps to protect New Yorkers from gun violence.

Twitter: @AndreaSCousins

ANDREA STEWART-COUSINS Democrat District #: 35th SD

Twitter: N/A

CECILIA TKACZYK Democrat District #: 46th SD

Area represented: Montgomery and Greene counties, part of Ulster, Schenectady and Albany counties

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Increasing state aid to education, which not only improves the quality of our local schools and the education they provide, but also helps reduce the local property tax burden.

Top priority in 2014? Provide New Yorkers with a common sense, progressive government that will promote economic prosperity, facilitate job growth, achieve real mandate relief and pass the legislation that stalled in 2013.

Top priority in 2014? Continuing to reduce the tax burden on middle-class and working individuals and families.

Policy focus? Growing the state economy, standing up for women’s rights and real ethics reform and ensuring that the next generation of New Yorkers is prepared for the challenges of the future.

Policy focus? Increasing employment and economic development opportunities, particularly in rural areas of the state.

cityandstateny.com

TELL ALBANY TO HELP MAYOR DE BLASIO CREATE 4,500 PRE-K SEATS BY REFORMING THE SCAFFOLD LAW NOW

MAKING CONSTRUCTION SITES LESS SAFE FOR WORKERS

FORCING OUR CHILDREN INTO OVERCROWDED CLASSROOMS

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Rich trial attorneys won't reform a 130 year old law to preserve injured workers’ rights to sue, make construction sites safer, and create thousands of new jobs. In this tale of two cities only trial lawyers are getting rich while the rest of us are paying the price.

The New Agenda

Louis J. Coletti

President and CEO of the Building Trades Employers Association

Monica Foster NYS Association of Minority Contractors

Samuel P. Padilla, P.E. National Hispanic Business Group

Edwin Lopez New York City Chapter, Inc. NECA

Quenia Abreu New York Women's Chamber of Commerce

James Heyliger Association of Minority Enterprises

Nayan Parikh Indo-American Architects & Engineers

Lloyd Douglas Minority Business Leadership Council

Edwin Lopez NYC Electrical Contractors

Patricia Ricketts Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce

Kieran Ahern Structural Steel Painting Contractor Association

Walter Edwards Harlem Business Alliance

Timothy H. Marshall Jamaica Business Resource Center

Tony Saporito Mechanical Contractors Association

Michael Elmendorf Associated General Contractors of NYS

Cheryl McKissack Women Business Council

William Shuzman Allied Building Metal Industries

David Etkind Interior Demolition Contractors Association

Paul O'Brien Building Contractors Association

Elizabeth Velez Latino Builders Council

Ray McGuire Contractors Association of Greater New York William Rothberg Boilermakers Association of Greater New York, Building Restoration Contractors Association, Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors of NY

JOBS, SAFETY AND JUSTICE cityandstateny.com

John DeLollis Association of Wall-Ceiling & Carpentry Industries Jerry Haber Window & Plate Glass Dealers Association

city & state — January 8, 2014

Rev. Jacques Andre DeGraff

Kevin O’Callaghan The Hoisting and Scaffolding Trade Association, Sunstream Corporation Vincent Coletti Plastering & Spray Fireproofing Contractors Association

making

NYwork NYwork

for hardworking New Yorkers makingnywork.org

making

forsession, hardworking New Yorkers This let’s make NY work makingnywork.org for hardworking New Yorkers This session, let’s make NY work for New Yorkers This year,hardworking the start of the legislative session brings with it a clear choice

By Mario Cilento, New York State AFL-CIO President

– continue trying to cut our way to prosperity, or change course and

By Mario Cilento, New York State AFL-CIO President begin to invest in the hardworking New Yorkers that make our state great.

This year, the start of the legislative session brings with it a clear choice

Elected: 2004

Committees: Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business (Chair); Aging; Agriculture; Banks; Education; Higher Education; Insurance; Rules

DAVID J. VALESKY Democrat District #: 53rd SD

share in the prosperity, is to start investing in New Yorkers and the

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New York must finally services are angood, asset to services they rely on, recognize not cuttingthat thempublic further, and to create businesses and economic development. A quality education system career oriented jobs. produces a skilled workforce.

A highly maintained transportation New York must finally recognize that public services are an asset to infrastructure allows workers, customers,Aand goods and services businesses and economic development. quality education systemto flow.

In addition, employees we hope to attract will want produces a skilled workforce.atA businesses highly maintained transportation infrastructure allows workers, customers, goods and services to fire a strong public health care system.

And, and we all want strong police, flow.

In addition, employees at businesses we hope to attract will want and sanitation services. a strong public health care system. And, we all want strong police, fire

Contrary to what we’ve all been led to believe, investing in these and sanitation services. services and the workers that provide them helps grow our economy.

Contrary to what we’ve all been led to believe, investing in these

Weservices also must a look at theprovide $7 billion corporate taxeconomy. breaks that andtake the workers that theminhelps grow our the state and local governments give out each year. In 2011, 46% of We also must take a look at the $7 billion in corporate tax breaks that projects receiving from IDAs, for each example, local tax the state and localsupport governments give out year. which In 2011,grant 46% of breaks to businesses, lost jobs, failed to create jobs, or never promised projects receiving support from IDAs, for example, which grant local tax anybreaks jobs. to businesses, lost jobs, failed to create jobs, or never promised

Top priority in 2014? Making New York State more affordable for middle class families.

Policy focus? Economic development.

Elected: 2005

CATHARINE YOUNG Republican District #: 57th SD

Top priority in 2014? More needs to be done to provide much needed relief to taxpayers. The Middle Class STAR Rebate Program should be reinstated, family tax credits increased and burdensome taxes reduced.

Policy focus? Economic development and job creation.

Elected: 2010

city & state — January 8, 2014

AFL-CIO AFL-CIO

Helping Working Families Achieve A Better Life

Helping Working Families Achieve A Better Life

Twitter: @leezeldin

Committees: Consumer Protection (Chair); Aging; Higher Education; Investigations and Government Operations; Judiciary; Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities; Transportation; Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs

basic standards to ensure that we’re not subsidizing poverty jobs.

New York New York State State

Area represented: All of Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties; the towns of Livonia, Conesus, Springwater, Sparta, North Dansville, Ossian, Nunda and Mount Morris in Livingston County

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? In addition to passing a responsible on-time budget that avoided new taxes and fees for the third straight year, holding spending below 2 percent, and approving an historic Women’s Equality Agenda, we extended the lowest middle class tax rates in 60 years and delivered a new $350 family tax relief credit to middle class families.

We can’t businesses that to up create – or even promise toafford createto–subsidize jobs. If businesses don’tfaillive to their end of the promise to create – jobs.

If businesses up toWe their end of the bargain, then we need a way to recoupdon’t our live money. also need to bargain, then we need a way to recoup our money.

We also need to ensure that there is a focus on long-term, generational jobs that meet ensure that there is a focus on long-term, generationalpoverty jobs thatjobs. meet basic standards to ensure that we’re not subsidizing

TheThe focus onontaxes, development programs, focus taxes,jobs, jobs,and and economic economic development programs, andand all all public policy debates for that matter, should begin and end with public policy debates for that matter, should begin and end with making New NewYorkers.

Yorkers.That’s That’s how making NewYork Yorkwork workfor for hardworking hardworking New how wewe succeed succeedtogether. together.

Twitter: @SenatorYoung

Committees: Housing, Construction and Community Development (Chair); Legislative Commission on Rural Resources (Chair); Agriculture; Children and Families; Environmental Conservation; Finance; Health; Insurance; State-Native American Relations; Transportation

jobs.

Weany can’t afford to subsidize businesses that fail to create – or even

Ultimately, we must remember that tax cuts alone are not economic Ultimately, we must remember that tax cuts alone are not economic development policy. Without investment in the people that call our development policy. Without investment in the people that call our state home, they are destined to fail. state home, they are destined to fail.

Area represented: Most of the City of Syracuse and the towns of Salina, Cicero, LaFayette, Pompey, Tully, and Fabius in Onondaga County; all of Madison County; and the towns of Augusta and Kirkland in Oneida County.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The enacted budget. It was the third on-time budget in a row, kept state spending increases below 2 percent, increased funding for schools and healthcare, and provided a minimum wage increase along with tax relief for businesses.

– continue to cut our way to prosperity, change and You see, overtrying the last several years, as a state, or we’ve cut,course cut and cut begin to invest in theYorkers hardworking Yorkers makeunemployment, our state some more, but New are noNew better off. that Poverty, great. underemployment and income inequality are hurting communities You see, across the over state.the last several years, as a state, we’ve cut, cut and cut some more, but New Yorkers are no better off. Poverty, unemployment, If we’re going to turn our state around, then we need to do things underemployment and income inequality are hurting communities differently. The only path to a sustainable recovery, in which all of us across the state. share in the prosperity, is to start investing in New Yorkers and the If we’rethey going to on, turnnot ourcutting state around, we need to create do things services rely themthen further, and to good, differently. The only path to a sustainable recovery, in which all of us career oriented jobs.

Twitter: @SenDaveValesky

LEE M. ZELDIN Republican District #: 3rd SD

Area represented: Parts of Suffolk County, including Brookhaven, Ronkonkoma, Farmingville, Central Islip, Hauppauge, Lake Ronkonkoma, Medford, North Patchogue, East Patchogue, Patchogue, East Islip and Bohemia

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Expanding the PFC Joseph Dwyer Peer Support Program from four counties to 11 counties in order to help our returning veterans cope with the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.

Top priority in 2014? Cutting taxes, reducing wasteful government spending and creating jobs.

Policy focus? This year I am hearing more and more concern surrounding the state of our education system. For that reason, my greatest interest currently is education policy. cityandstateny.com

Elected: 1986

Elected: 2010

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Subcommittee on Election Day Operations and Voter Disenfranchisement (Chair); Codes; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Election Law; Environmental Conservation; Insurance; Libraries and Education Technology

Committees: Governmental Employees (Chair); Aging, Consumer Affairs and Protection, Banks; Labor Area represented: Parts of Brooklyn, including Sunset Park, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst PETER ABBATE, JR. Democrat District #: 49th AD

Twitter: @tomabinanti

THOMAS J. ABINANTI Democrat District #: 92nd AD

Area represented: : Greenburgh, Mount Pleasant and part of Yonkers

Top priority in 2014? Jobs, jobs and MORE jobs!

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The SAFE Act, particularly banning new assault weapons, licensing existing assault weapons and making all gun licenses five-year renewable.

Policy focus? Ensuring our children have the best education and providing them the resources to achieve that.

Top priority in 2014? Providing more state money for pre-school, kindergarten, and after-school programs.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The minimum wage increase.

Policy focus? Environmental protection.

Elected: 1992

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Aging; Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Children and Families; Education

Committees: Speaker Pro Tem; Ways and Means, Rules, Governmental Employees and Social Services

Area represented: South Bronx JEFFRION L. AUBRY

CARMEN E.

Arroyo

Democrat District #: 84th AD

Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, Corona, LeFrak City and Rego Park

Democrat District #: 35th AD

Fun facts: Arroyo was born in the mountain town of Corozal, Puerto Rico. In 1964, she moved alone to New York and worked in a factory, saving money until she was able to bring her seven children from Puerto Rico. She later became the first Puerto Rican woman elected to any State Assembly in the U.S. In the news: This summer, the assemblywoman raised eyebrows for reporting outside earnings of almost $30,000, which she attributed to “casino gambling.”

Elected: 2002

Top priority in 2014? The Safe Parole Act and the Special Housing Unit Reform Bill.

Policy focus? Criminal justice.

Elected: 2012

Twitter: N/A

Area represented: The Oswego County towns of Albion, Amboy, Boylston, Constantia, Granby, Hastings, Mexico, New Haven, Orwell, Palermo, Parish, Redfield, Richland, Sandy Creek, Schroeppel, Scriba, Volney, West Monroe and Williamstown; the cities of Oswego and Fulton; the Onondaga County town of Lysander; and the Jefferson County town of Ellisburg.

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Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Women’s Rights Agenda and The Dream Act.

Committees: Insurance (Ranking Member); Judiciary; Energy; Ways and Means; Rules

WILLIAM A. BARCLAY Republican District #: 120th AD

Twitter: N/A

Twitter: @dinerdialogues

Committees: Subcommittee on Outreach and Oversight of Senior Citizen Programs (Chair); Aging; Agriculture; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Mental Health; Veterans’ Affairs

DIDI BARRETT Democrat District #: 106th AD

Area represented: Poughkeepsie, Hyde Park, Pleasant Valley, Clinton, Stanford, Amenia, North East, Pine Plains, Milan, Gallatin, Ancram, Clermont, Germantown, Livingston, Taghkanic, Copake, Claverack, Greenport, Ghent, Hudson and parts of Wappingers Falls and Chatham

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The worst bills were the SAFE Act and relying on casino gaming for our hope of economic recovery.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Passing the ten-point Women’s Equality Agenda.

Top priority in 2014? Repealing all of the bad bills of 2013. In addition, I plan to focus on ethics, education reform and synthetic drug law reform.

Top priority in 2014? Passing a bill I introduced last year but have been revising to better support physicians and patients in the treatment of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases in New York State.

Policy focus? Insurance, energy and economic development.

Policy focus? To protect and enhance the economic interests; agricultural assets; cultural, natural and historic resources; and general welfare of the residents of the 106th AD. cityandstateny.com

city & state — January 8, 2014

Elected: 1994

Elected: 2004

MICHAEL R. BENEDETTO Democrat District #: 82nd AD

Elected: 2011

Twitter: @HarryBBronson

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Chair: Veterans Affairs; Member: Agriculture; Education; Housing; Government Operations; Ways & Means

Committees: Agriculture; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Insurance; Social Services; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development

Area represented: Parts of the Bronx, including Throggs Neck, Pelham Bay, City Island, Co-op City and Morris Park

Area represented: De Kalb, Gouverneur, Hermon, Russell, Fowler, Edwards, Pitcairn, Wilna, Le Ray, Champion, Rutland, Watertown, Henderson, Adams, Rodman, Lorraine, Worth, all of Lewis County, Forestport, Remsen, Ava, Florence, Annsville, Camden, Vienna, Verona, Westmoreland, Kirkland

KENNETH BLANKENBUSH Republican District #: 117th AD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Business tax credit for hiring veterans.

Top priority in 2014? Veterans’ jobs bill; universal design for learning bill; whistleblower legislation.

Policy focus? Veteran and educational issues.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Restoration of the $90 million for the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities ties with the 2 percent agriculture cap.

Top priority in 2014? The 21st Century Education Initiative will help our students and future workforce fill the immediate needs of our state’s manufacturers.

Policy focus? Agriculture is a leading economic driver in my district and policy issues affecting our local farms is always on my mind.

Elected: 2012

Elected: 2003

Twitter: @BorelliJoe

Committees: : Cities (Ranking Member); Health; Mental Health; Transportation; Banks

Committees: Parts of Brooklyn, including Brownsville, Bedford Stuyvesant, East New York, Ocean Hill, East Flatbush and Crown Heights

Area represented: The South Shore of Staten Island JOSEPH BORELLI

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WILLIAM F. BOYLAND JR. Democrat District #: 55th AD

Republican District #: 62nd AD Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The most significant legislation of 2013 was restoring the governor’s $90 million cut to services for people with developmental disabilities.

Top priority in 2014? Passing taxpayer-funded elections seems to be on a lot of people’s mind this year and one of my biggest priorities will be to try and stop it. The taxpayers don’t need to give Albany politicians any more of their money to spend. It hasn’t been good for New York City and it won’t be good for the state.

Policy focus? The economics of taxation and public finance. It’s definitely not the sexiest area of law, but I find it challenging and exciting.

Elected: 2010

Top priority in 2014? Education infrastructure, and making sure the schools in our underserved areas are equipped with the tools to help our students matriculate.

Policy focus? Education/education infrastructure; affordable housing; services for seniors; domestic violence awareness; youth activities; job placement and creation.

Twitter: @edbraunstein

city & state — January 8, 2014

Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Auburndale, Bay Terrace, Bayside, Bayside Hills, Broadway-Flushing, Douglaston, Floral Park, Glen Oaks, Little Neck, New Hyde Park, North Shore Towers, Oakland Gardens and Whitestone

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? A7697, which would require the Port Authority to conduct a noise and land use compatibility study to determine the environmental impact of airplane traffic on communities adjacent to airports.

Top priority in 2014? A3010, which I first introduced in 2010, to make New York City’s property tax system fairer for outer borough co-op owners. It would cap tax assessment increases at 8 percent in any one year, and no more than 30 percent over five years, similar to the protections already in place for single-family homeowners.

Area represented: Aging; Banks; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Housing; Local Governments

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The NY SAFE Act.

Elected: 1984

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Corporations, Authorities and Commissions (Chair); Codes; Education; Real Property Taxation

Committees: Subcommittee on Trust and Estates (Chair); Aging; Cities; Insurance; Judiciary; Small Business; Transportation

EDWARD C. BRAUNSTEIN Democrat District #: 26th AD

Twitter: @willboyland

Area represented: Parts of Brooklyn, including Boro Park, Flatbush, Kensington, Midwood, Park Slope and Windsor Terrace JAMES F. BRENNAN Democrat District #: 44th AD Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The minimum wage increase and the Non-Profit Revitalization Act. Top priority in 2014? Increased state support for New York City and its residents.

Policy focus? Corporations, authorities and commissions.

Policy focus? Issues affecting senior citizens. cityandstateny.com

Twitter: @ABrindisi1

Elected: 2010

Committees: Subcommittee on Volunteer Emergency Services (Chair); Energy; Economic Development; Job Creation Commerce and Industry; Higher Education; Veterans’ Affairs; Local Governments; Aging

ANTHONY J. BRINDISI Democrat District #: 119th AD

Area represented: Utica, Rome, Whitestown, Marcy, Floyd, Frankfort

Twitter: @HarryBBronson

Committees: Subcommittee on Emerging Workforce (Chair); Agriculture; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Labor; Local Governments; Transportation HARRY B. BRONSON Democrat District #: 138th AD

Area represented: Parts of Rochester, Chili, Henrietta

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The START-UP NY bill, because it will help create good paying nanotechnology jobs at SUNY-IT in the Assembly District I represent.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The budget bills. Also, the “Central Technicians” bill, which will increase training of healthcare professionals and result in improved patient safety.

Top priority in 2014? Creating a career and technical education pathway to a high school diploma so students interested in manufacturing and technical careers have an alternative to the traditional one-size-fits-all Regents diploma.

Top priority in 2014? Rebuilding the economy, jobs and education.

Policy focus? Education and economic development. Many of the job creation initiatives I am working on are tied to academia.

Elected: 2006

Policy focus? The intersection of education and the workforce.

Elected: 2012

Twitter: @AlecBrookKrasny

Committees: Aging; Cities; Election Law; Governmental Employees; Housing

ALEC BROOK-KRASNY Democrat District #: 46th AD

Area represented: Parts of Brooklyn, including Fort Hamilton, Dyker Heights and Sea Gate

On the NY SAFE Act: The massacre of schoolchildren in Newtown, Conn., and first responders in Webster, N.Y., were horrific tragedies, but—sadly—we see terrible gun violence every day in cities and neighborhoods across New York.

We need aggressive legislation to put a stop to the madness. The Assembly’s measure takes a comprehensive look at the issue of gun violence and provides real solutions by strengthening gun-control measures and safety, increasing criminal penalties for the illegal use of guns and ensuring that those who may be a danger to themselves or others due to a mental illness do not have access to firearms.

Elected: 1995

Committees: Consumer Affairs and Protection; Election Law; Governmental Operations; Judiciary; Local Governments DAVID BUCHWALD Democrat District #: 93rd AD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? I believe one of the most significant pieces of legislation passed in 2013 was the START-UP NY program, which may help give us the opportunity in Central New York to create a transformational hightech nanotechnology facility adjacent to the campus at SUNYIT in Marcy.

25

Top priority in 2014? I’ve introduced a bill that would amend the New York State Constitution to take away pension benefits from public officials convicted of a felony in violation of the public trust.

Policy focus? As someone who has worked as a tax attorney, it’s important to me that New York State create sensible tax policy in order to encourage job creation and ensure that our state is affordable.

Elected: 1992

Committees: Agriculture; Higher Education; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Insurance

MARC W. BUTLER Republican District #: 118th AD

Area represented: Bedford, Harrison, Lewisboro, Mt. Kisco, New Castle, North Castle, North Salem, Pound Ridge, White Plains

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The minimum wage increase.

Twitter: N/A

Area represented: All or parts of Herkimer, Fulton, Hamilton, Oneida and St. Lawrence counties

Twitter: @DavidBuchwald

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Insurance (Chair); Higher Education; Health; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Ethics and Guidance; Ways and Means

KEVIN A. CAHILL Democrat District #: 103rd AD

Area represented: : The City of Kingston and Towns of Esopus, Gardiner, Hurley, Kingston, Marbletown, New Paltz, Olive, Platekill, Redhook (Dutchess), Rhinebeck (Dutchess), Rochester, Rosendale, Shandaken, Ulster, Woodstock.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The minimum wage increase. The Fair Elections Act or the Women’s Equality Agenda would have topped my list had the Senate taken up these important matters.

Top priority in 2014? ? My main legislative priority continues to be economic development and job creation.

Top priority in 2014? Crafting and passing legislation which would update New York’s automobile insurance laws to modern standards, coverage amounts and our antiquated no-fault laws.

Policy focus? Job creation and economic development, along with the education required for the new generation of jobs we hope to develop in the state.

Policy focus? Ensuring that New Yorkers obtain quality, affordable healthcare and improving our education funding system.

cityandstateny.com

city & state — January 8, 2014

Elected: 2011

Elected: 2005

Elected: 2010

Twitter: @KarimCamara

Committees: Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus (Chair); Commission on Skills Development and Career Education (Chair); Banks; Small Business; Education; Housing; Mental Health; Consumer Affairs and Protection KARIM CAMARA Democrat District #: 43rd AD

Area represented: Parts of Brooklyn, including Crown Heights, East Flatbush and Lefferts Gardens

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The minimum wage increase.

Although it was not the version of the bill I initially supported, it is an important step in the right direction.

Top priority in 2014? A tie between the Dream Act and the standardization of marijuana arrests.

Policy focus? Education.

Elected: 1986

Committees: Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development (Ranking Member); Cities; Election Law; Energy; Labor

JOHN D. CERETTO Republican District #: 145th AD

On the DREAM Act: The average New York student leaves college with almost $26,000 in debt. We should be looking to help these lawful students with their oppressive debt and lowering their costs before we help illegal aliens.

It is fundamentally unfair for students and families who are lawful citizens to be burdened with their debts, while those who break our laws receive help.

Elected: 1996

Committees: Deputy Majority Whip; Children and Families; Education; Health; Labor; Libraries and Education Technology

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BARBARA M. CLARK Democrat District #: 33rd AD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The restoration of funding to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and A2623A/Chaptered 172, which changes the penal code so that anyone charged with committing an assault of a child who has a previous conviction for an assault or attempted assault of a child will be charged with assault in the first degree.

Top priority in 2014? Along with A2676 (establishment of the Office of the Child Advocate), I have introduced a new bill that will require state agencies to locate all children in state care and report to the governor and Legislature.

Area represented: Niagara Falls, Cambria, Grand Island, Lewiston, Niagara, Wheatfield and parts of North Tonawanda

On the NY SAFE Act: The SAFE Act is a very bad law that was passed through a very bad process. This is why we had to amend the law during the budget negotiations, and we had to return to amend the law again five months later. The law as a whole must be repealed.

Twitter: N/A

Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Bellerose, Cambria Heights, Queens Village, and parts of Floral Park, Glen Oaks and Hollis

Twitter: N/A

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Majority Whip; Ways and Means; Environmental Conservation; Labor; Government Employees; Correction

WILLIAM COLTON Democrat District #: 47th AD

Area represented: Parts of Brooklyn, including Bensonhurst, Gravesend, Bath Beach, Dyker Heights and Midwood

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Relief for families devastated by Superstorm Sandy and needed infrastructure improvements.

Top priority in 2014? Education and public transportation.

Policy focus? Elementary and higher education.

Policy focus? Education and supporting, improving and creating initiatives to protect children and families.

Elected: 1990

Twitter: N/A

Elected: 2008

city & state — January 8, 2014

Committees: Committees (Chair); Codes; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Housing; Insurance; Rules; Ways and Means

VIVIAN COOK Democrat District #: 32nd AD

Committees: Minority Leader Pro Tempore; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions (Ranking Member); Education; Environmental Conservation; Mental Health; Ways and Means

Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Jamaica Estates, South Jamaica Estates, Rockdale Village and Springfield

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The Women’s Equality Agenda; Comprehensive Sandy Insurance Reform Package; the state budget; and the appropriation to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Top priority in 2014? The Women’s Equality Agenda; Comprehensive Sandy Insurance Reform Package; rent regulations; affordable housing; education.

Policy focus? Education and affordable housing.

Twitter: @Jane_Corwin

JANE L. CORWIN Republican District #: 144th AD

Area represented: Erie County: Clarence, Newstead, Alden; Niagara County: Lockport, Royalton, Hartland, Somerset, Newfane, Wilson, Porter; Orleans County: Shelby

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The restoration of the OPWDD funding that was omitted/cut during the budget negotiations.

Top priority in 2014? Implementing policies that will lower taxes across the board for New Yorkers, including permanent middle class tax cuts.

Policy focus? Economic development and its direct correlation to job creation and industry growth. cityandstateny.com

Elected: 2009

MARCOS A. CRESPO Democrat District #: 85th AD

Twitter: @MarcosCrespo85

Elected: 1995

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Task Force on New Americans (Chair); Transportation; Energy; Environmental Conservation; Cities; Alcoholism and Drug Abuse

Committees: Republican Conference Chair; Agriculture; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Labor; Ways and Means; Rules

Area represented: Parts of the Bronx, including Soundview, Bronx River, Hunts Point, Clason Point and Harding Park

Area represented: Broome, Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Superstorm Sandy was a wake-up call that clearly indicated that New York State was ill prepared to deal with a major disaster. Legislation that I authored created a planning mechanism on how New York should ensure a reliable energy supply to critical health and safety infrastructure was included in the adopted 2013-14 state budget.

Top priority in 2014? Combating the obesity epidemic, improving the health and safety of our residents and increasing economic activity in the Bronx.

CLIFFORD W. CROUCH Republican District #: 122nd AD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Another on-time budget that increased funding for education, provided tax relief, provided funding for initiatives to create jobs and did not raise taxes.

Top priority in 2014? Rebuilding the economy, jobs and education.

Policy focus? The intersection of education and the workforce.

Policy focus? Energy and transportation.

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NYC Uniformed Traffic & Sanitation Enforcement Agents – welcomes the newly incoming –

We also welcome back our sitting City & State legislators as we look forward to rewarding partnerships as New York’s Toughest work hard to keep New York Moving and Clean.

This ad is paid for by the members of CWA Local 1182 cityandstateny.com

New York City Uniformed Traffic & Sanitation Enforcement Agents

city & state — January 8, 2014

New York City & New York State Legislators.

Elected: 2009

Twitter: @BrianCurranNY

Elected: 2002

Committees: Ethics and Guidance (Ranking Member); Banks; Insurance; Labor; Veterans’ Affairs

BRIAN CURRAN Republican District #: 21st AD

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Election Law (Chair); Governmental Employees; Higher Education; Mental Health; Transportation; Veterans’ Affairs; Ways and Means

Area represented: East Rockaway, Franklin Square, Freeport, Hewlett, Lynbrook, Malverne, Oceanside, Rockville Centre, South Hempstead MICHAEL CUSICK Democrat District #: 63rd AD

Area represented: Parts of Staten Island, including Arden Heights, Arlington, Bloomfield, Bulls Head, Castleton Corners, Chelsea, Dongan Hills, Emerson Hill, Graniteville, Greenridge, Lighthouse Hill, Mariners Harbor, Meier’s Corners, New Springville, Sea View, Sunnyside, Todt Hill, Travis, Westerleigh and Willowbrook

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? It’s a tie: fully restoring the governor’s draconian cuts to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and passing an on-time budget with no new taxes.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The Comprehensive Sandy Reform Insurance Package to protect homeowners and businesses in the event of a natural disaster.

Top priority in 2014? Making the middle class tax cuts permanent to give relief to our working families and seniors.

Top priority in 2014? An on-time, balanced budget that does not severely impact worthwhile programs and services. Also, my bill, A1826-B, which establishes the “education investment tax credit act” to encourage charitable donations and help families.

Policy focus? Education.

Policy focus? Transportation issues, education and healthcare.

Elected: 2000

Elected: 2013

Twitter: @SteveCym

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Unassigned Committees: Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (Chair); Codes; Environmental Conservation; Health; Insurance

STEVEN CYMBROWITZ

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Area represented: Parts of Brooklyn, including Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach, Gravesend and Midwood

Democrat District #: 35th AD Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Restoring up to $90 million to the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities.

Top priority in 2014? Making sure the state provides sufficient resources to New Yorkers suffering from substance abuse addictions. Prescription drug abuse has reached epidemic proportions.

Policy focus? Alcoholism and drug abuse.

Elected: 2008

MARITZA DAVILA Democrat District #: 53rd AD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? A law which increases tenant representation on the NYCHA Board.

In 2014, bills requiring public review of NYCHA land disposition and expanding the criteria for Mitchell-Lama qualification are also important legislative priorities to continue to make affordable housing options more accessible for New Yorkers.

Top priority in 2014? Legislation that will help stabilize vulnerable families in my district, including anti-discrimination for victims of domestic violence and permanence planning for children in the juvenile justice system.

Policy focus? The well-being of children and families in my district, which includes housing, education and social services.

Twitter: @mgdendekker

Elected: 1994

city & state — January 8, 2014

Area represented: Parts of Queens, including East Elmhurst, Woodside, Jackson Heights and sections of Corona and Maspeth

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? A6692C, which restored $90 million in funding to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Top priority in 2014? A8198, which would combine the federal, state and local primary election dates, saving an estimated $50 million and increasing the likelihood of participation in elections.

Policy focus? Labor and economic development.

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Consumer Affairs and Protection (Chair); Health; Election Law; Judiciary

Committees: Secretary, Majority Conference; Aging; Transportation; Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Veterans’ Affairs; Governmental Employees; Labor

MICHAEL G. DenDEKKER Democrat District #: 34th AD

Area represented: Parts of Brooklyn, including Williamsburg and Bushwick

JEFFREY DINOWITZ Democrat District #: 81st AD

Area represented: Parts of the Bronx, including Riverdale, Kingsbridge, Van Cortlandt Village, Norwood, Woodlawn and Wakefield

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The NY SAFE Act. Top priority in 2014? Getting A4422, The National Popular Vote, through both Legislature. For the first time ever it passed the Assembly by a vote of houses of the 100-40.

Policy focus? Consumer affairs and protection.

cityandstateny.com

city & state — January 8, 2014

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cityandstateny.com

Elected: 2012

Elected: 2006

Twitter: @DiPietro4NY

Committees: Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Health; Labor; Small Business; Transportation

Committees: Government Operations (Ranking Member); Correction; Ethics and Guidance; Higher Education; Rules; Ways and Means

Area represented: The southern part of Erie County and all of Wyoming County

Area represented: 1 city, 37 towns and 10 villages in Clinton, Franklin and St. Lawrence counties

DAVID DiPIETRO

JANET L. DUPREY

Republican District #: 147th AD

Republican District #: 115th AD

On the restoration of funding to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities: During the budget negotiations in March and April, I fought to prevent the budget from becoming law without this $90 million.

We passed a resolution telling the governor that we would not stand for cutting programs which affect the developmentally disabled. I am proud to say that the consistent pressure applied by the people of New York and myself brought back this large sum of money to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Restoration of funding ($90 million) to OPWDD.

On the state’s tax climate: New York’s citizens and businesses continue to suffer. It’s time to make our state more viable for economic growth. A better business climate means better jobs, and better jobs mean a better economy.

Elected: 1992

Top priority in 2014? Revisions to Common Core and standardized testing to assure teachers receive adequate professional development and can restore more creativity to classroom teaching.

Policy focus? Economic development throughout the North Country with an emphasis on our rural communities within the Adirondack Park. Future development is contingent upon federal and state funding for infrastructure improvements and increased broadband, high-speed Internet service.

Elected: 2012

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Governmental Operations (Chair); Education; Energy; Higher Education; Rules

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Twitter: N/A

STEVE ENGLEBRIGHT Democrat District #: 4th AD

Area represented: Parts of Suffolk County, including Port Jefferson Station, Coram, Centereach, Selden and Lake Grove

On a law allowing access to low-cost loans for residential solar energy installations: Solar power is one major piece of the puzzle in allowing our citizens, our state and our nation to become fully energy independent. Solar power is clean, sustainable, and abundant on Long Island, and this new law makes it possible for homeowners to take advantage of loans that will help make this technology as affordable as ever.

Past experience: Englebright began serving on the Suffolk County Legislature in 1983. He helped lead the movement to protect the Pine Barrens watershed, successfully fought the opening of the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant and pushed through the first local law in the nation to require biodegradable packaging.

Elected: 1974

Twitter: @patriciafahy109

Committees: Higher Education; Banks; Environmental Conservation; Children and Families; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development

PATRICIA FAHY Democrat District #: 109th AD

Area represented: Albany, Bethlehem, Guilderland, New Scotland

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The state budget, particularly the largest increase in education funding in four years and the minimum wage increase.

Top priority in 2014? Increase state funding for education, the ten points of the Women’s Equality Agenda, campaign finance reform and greater transparency in the political process.

Policy focus? Economic development and education.

Elected: 1999

Twitter: @dennyfarrell

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Ways and Means (Chair); Rules Committees: Agriculture; Correction; Energy; Environmental Conservation; Insurance; Rules

city & state — January 8, 2014

Area represented: Parts of Manhattan, including West Harlem, Washington Heights and Inwood HERMAN D. FARRELL JR. Democrat District #: 71st AD On the earned income tax credit program: Lately, in Albany, there has been a lot of discussion of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s intention to cut additional taxes during 2014. One part of that discussion has been the possibility of increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit, which is a joint State and Federal tax program that has been responsible for keeping many low-income workers off of public assistance. New York State already pays a set portion of the Federal EITC benefit, 30 percent, and it may come to pass that the State will pay a larger percentage, which could help low-income families.

GARY D. FINCH

Area represented: Parts of Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland and Onondaga counties

Republican District #: 126th AD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Restoration of funds for the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Top priority in 2014? To support the implementation of the Common Core.

Policy focus? Education, agriculture and economic development.

cityandstateny.com

Hon. Alfonse M. D’Amato Founder and Managing Director, Park Strategies, LLC

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is proud to announce that

Lobbying/Public Relations/Political Consulting/Business Development/Issue Advocacy

cityandstateny.com

city & state — January 8, 2014

Fred Hiffa has joined the firm.

Elected: 2002

Elected: 1995

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Children and Families (Ranking Member); Local Governments (Ranking Member); Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Aging; Housing

Committees: Housing (Ranking Member); Ways and Means; Higher Education; Labor Area represented: Smithtown and Islip CHRISTOPHER S. FRIEND Republican District #: 124th AD

MICHAEL J. FITZPATRICK Republican District #: 8th AD

Twitter: N/A

Area represented: Broome County: Maine; Chemung County: Elmira, Ashland, Baldwin, Big Flats, Chemung, Elmira, Horseheads, Southport, Elmira Heights, Horseheads, Wellsburg; all of Tioga County

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? A7188A [“Relates to an order of visitation or custody to a person who has been convicted of sexual assault when the child was conceived as a result of such assault.”].

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? It would certainly not be any of the legislation that increased taxes, grew government or increased government regulation and oversight.

Top priority in 2014? Mandate relief.

Top priority in 2014? Decrease taxes for existing businesses, families and individuals. Cut government spending. Reduce regulatory intrusion.

Policy focus? Pension reform.

Policy focus? Limiting the size, scope, role and reach of government.

Elected: 2006

Twitter: N/A

Elected: 1992

Committees: Real Property Taxation (Chair); Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Election Law; Governmental Operations; Health

Committees: Rural Resources Commission (Chair); Consumer Affairs; Local Governments; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Energy; Transportation; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development

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DENNIS GABRYSZAK Democrat District #: 143rd AD

Area represented: Cheektowaga, Lancaster, Depew and Sloan

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Jay-J’s Law, which increases the look back period on repeat child abusers.

Top priority in 2014? Passing Alix’s Law (A2550) and A2744, which would allow for blood to be drawn at the scene of a major car accident that results in injury or death. Also, to repeal the yearly notification requirement per the Wage Theft Prevention Act (A2482).

Policy focus? Energy, especially as it relates to economic development and job creation.

Elected: 1983

SANDY GALEF

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? In the Assembly only: Women’s Equality Act—all 10 points. By both houses and signed by governor: boating safety.

Top priority in 2014? A middle class property tax circuit breaker that offers a more equitable distribution of available state resources to help those being taxed out of their homes.

Policy focus? Reform of the Legislature, including member items, campaign finance reform, election reform, shared services and a paperless Legislature.

Twitter: N/A

city & state — January 8, 2014

Area represented: Parts of Rochester and Gates

On the START-UP NY initiative: With START-UP NY, we can help nurture successful partnerships between universities and private-sector businesses, which, in turn, will increase opportunities in Rochester, boost economic activity and provide better-paying jobs so we don’t continue losing bright, young talent.

On the state minimum wage increase: Families living on inadequate minimum wage salaries are struggling to stay afloat as the cost of living continues to rise. It’s a matter of fairness and economic common sense. Increasing the minimum wage will help working families make ends meet, and a rise in their purchasing power will provide a much-needed boost for Rochester’s economy.

Area represented: Ossining, Cortlandt, City of Peekskill, Philipstown and Kent

Democrat District #: 95th AD

Elected: 2012

Committees: Transportation (Chair), Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Local Governments; Rules; Ways and Means DAVID F. GANTT Democrat District #: 137th

Twitter: N/A

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Racing and Wagering (Ranking Member); Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Environmental Conservation; Higher Education; Banks ANDREW R. GARBARINO Republican District #: 7th AD

Area represented: Parts of Suffolk County, including Bayport, Bay Shore, Blue Point, Bohemia, East Islip, Islip, Oakdale, Patchogue and Sayville

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The Superstorm Sandy Assessment Relief Act. Top priority in 2014? Eliminate the Gap Elimination Adjustment.

Policy focus? Economic growth.

cityandstateny.com

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city & state — January 8, 2014

Consumer-Friendly Fairness in all Dealings Active and Contributing to Local Community Most employees live and work in NYC Special Rates to Non-Profits Groups Discount Rates for Campaigns and Special Events

Elected: 2005

JOSEPH M. GIGLIO Republican District #: 148th AD

Twitter: @N/A

Committees: Banks; Local Governments; Real Property Taxation; Small Business; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development

Committees: Minority Steering (Chair); Correction (Ranking Member); Children and Families; Aging; Ethics and Guidance; Codes Area represented: All of Cattaraugus County, all of Allegany County and the towns of Greenwood, Jasper, Troupsburg and West Union in Steuben County

Top priority in 2014? A responsible, on-time budget; mandate relief for local government; review and elimination of agency rules and regulations that place burden on operation/cost of businesses; reform/modernize the rules of the Assembly.

Policy focus? Criminal justice.

Twitter: @MarkGjonaj

Elected: 2012

MARK GJONAJ Democrat District #: 80th AD

Area represented: Parts of the Bronx, including Allerton, Bedford Park, Morris Park, Mosholu Parkway, Norwood, Pelham Gardens, Pelham Parkway and Van Nest

Policy goals: Creating good paying jobs, affordable housing, quality education, the expansion of healthcare facilities, senior protection, safe streets in all neighborhoods and a better quality of life for all.

Community nvolvement: Gjonaj started the Gjonaj CARES (community, accountability, responsibility, encouragement, service) initiative because “you can only get out of a community what you put into it.” The initiative promotes community participation to improve neighborhoods.

Fun fact: Gjonaj is the son of Albanian immigrants.

Elected: 1990

Elected: 2011

Twitter: @DeborahJGlick

Committees: Higher Education (Chair); Environmental Conservation; Governmental Operations; Rules; Ways and Means

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DEBORAH J. GLICK Democrat District #: 66th AD

Area represented: Parts of Manhattan, including the West Village, SoHo, Tribeca and parts of the East Village

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The Assembly passage of the 10-Point Women’s Equality Agenda. Also, the speed camera pilot project in New York City.

Top priority in 2014? Passing a new Women’s Equality package. Also, banning hydrofracking.

Policy focus? Environmental protection and broad protection for women and children.

Twitter: @YPGoldfeder

Committees: Subcommittee on Autism Retention (Chair); Aging; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Governmental Employees; Mental Health; Racing and Wagering PHIL GOLDFEDER Democrat District #: 23rd AD

Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Ozone Park, Lindenwood, Howard Beach, Broad Channel and the Rockaways

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The “Breezy Point” bill (A04835B) that I drafted, which waived the appeal process with the Board of Standards and Appeals to allow hundreds of homeowners in Breezy Point to rebuild their houses that were lost by fire or flood during Sandy.

Top priority in 2014? To hold insurance companies accountable and keep homes affordable to allow our families in Southern Queens and Rockaway to recover permanently after Sandy.

Policy focus? Sandy recovery.

Elected: 2010

Twitter: @andygoodell

Elected: 1970

city & state — January 8, 2014

Committees: Social Services (Ranking Member); Health; Governmental Operations; Alcoholism and Substance Abuse; Housing ANDY GOODELL Republican District #: 150th AD

Area represented: All of Chautauqua County

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Eliminating Medicaid cost increases for county governments; reducing utility assessments for businesses and individuals; restructuring unemployment charges for employers; providing clear statutory guidance to PSC for repowering options; capping agricultural assessment growth to 2 percent.

Top priority in 2014? Reducing taxes on individuals and businesses; making health insurance more affordable; improving welfare-to-work programs.

Policy focus? Streamlining government and reducing costs (and taxes) wherever and whenever possible.

Twitter: @DickGottfried

Committees: Health (Chair); Higher Education; Rules

RICHARD N. GOTTFRIED Democrat District #: 75th AD

Area represented: Parts of Manhattan, including Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, Murray Hill, Midtown and Lincoln Square

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The NY SAFE Act and restoring $90 million in funding for developmental disabilities services.

Top priority in 2014? Medical marijuana, responding to the crisis facing many safety net hospitals, the Reproductive Health Act, the Gender Expression NonDiscrimination Act, NY Health single payer health plan and restoring regional health planning.

Policy focus? Health.

cityandstateny.com

Elected: 2010

Twitter: N/A

Elected: 2003

Committees: Codes; Judiciary; Education; Aging; Governmental Employees

AL GRAF

Area represented: Holbrook, Holtsville, Ronkonkoma, Centereach, Selden, parts of Farmingville, N. Patchogue, Islandia and Lake Grove

Republican District #: 5th AD Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The restoration of Office for People with Developmental Disabilities funding.

Top priority in 2014? A-07997, to withdraw New York State from the Common Core and Race to the Top programs.

Policy focus? Education, LIPA and employee policies.

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Mental Health (Chair); Agriculture; Environmental Conservation; Health; Racing and Wagering; Real Property Taxation; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development AILEEN M. GUNTHER Democrat District #: 100th AD

Area represented: Sullivan County, except the town of Neversink; Orange County: Mt. Hope, Wallkill and the City of Middletown

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The casino gaming amendment, without question.

Top priority in 2014? Ensuring that individuals with mental illness and developmental disabilities have access to the care they need. In addition, safe patient handling is a priority.

Policy focus? As the only nurse in the Assembly, healthcare is my greatest interest.

STEPHEN HAWLEY Republican District #: 139th AD

Elected: 2000

Twitter: N/A

Twitter: @CarlHeastie

Committees: Veterans’ Affairs (Ranking Member); Agriculture; Insurance; Racing and Wagering; Ways and Means

Committees: Labor (Chair); Ways and Means; Housing; Education; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions

Area represented: All of Genesee County; Orleans County: Yates, Carlton, Kendall, Ridgeway, Gaines, Albion, Murray, Barre, Clarendon; Monroe County: Hamlin, Clarkson, Sweden, Riga

Area represented: North Bronx CARL HEASTIE Democrat District #: 83rd AD

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Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The renaming of Route 98 to the Genesee and Orleans Veterans’ Memorial Highway.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The law to raise the minimum wage to $9 per hour.

Top priority in 2014? Repeal of the SAFE Act.

Top priority in 2014? Ensuring that the state budget provides for the interests of New York’s residents.

Policy focus? Agriculture and taxes.

Elected: 2012

Policy focus? Finance and labor.

Twitter: @Hennessey3AD

Elected: 2004

Committees: Oversight, Analysis and Investigation (Chair); Energy; Health; Insurance; Labor

Committees: Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Consumer Affairs and Protection; Energy; Judiciary; Transportation

EDWARD HENNESSEY Democrat District #: 3rd AD

Area represented: All of Medford, Bellport, Brookhaven, Yaphank; parts of Holtsville, Patchogue, Farmingville, Gordon Heights, Middle Island, Ridge, Shirley, Mastic, Mastic Beach

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? A7428, to restore $1.2 million in building aid to the South Country Central School District, passed both houses but was vetoed.

Top priority in 2014? A7315, which would increase jail time for leaving the scene of a hit-and-run accident that results in death.

Policy focus? Sustainable redevelopment for Long Island. cityandstateny.com

Twitter: @AndrewHevesi

Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Forest Hills, Rego Park and Kew Gardens On statewide child protective services: The … issue, which I co-chaired hearings on in both Buffalo and New York City, was the result of two child fatalities in Erie County. The incidents with both of the children were preceded by contact with the county’s Child Protective Services agency, which resulted in a statewide examination of procedural practices of county agencies and their state oversight entity, the Office of Children and Family Services. While these hearings were extremely difficult and emotional, they were also informative, and I will be working with my colleagues on numerous reforms in the coming months.

ANDREW HEVESI Democrat District #: 28th AD

On legislation to enhance local government efficiency: This legislation is the first of many changes in law and government operations that we in the Assembly will be putting forward. Eliminating outdated provisions will relieve municipalities of unnecessary burdens and will allow them to save money by streamlining daily operations, which is a top priority of the Assembly Majority and the Oversight, Analysis and Investigation Committee.

city & state — January 8, 2014

Elected: 2006

Elected: 1983

Twitter: @HikindDov

Elected: 1988

Committees: Deputy Speaker; Education; Rules; Ways and Means

Committees: Assistant Majority Leader Area represented: Parts of Brooklyn, including Boro Park and Midwood DOV HIKIND Democrat District #: 48th AD

EARLENE HOOPER Democrat District #: 18th AD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The Transportation Bill, which expanded transportation services for private and parochial schools through the 6th grade.

Twitter: N/A

Area represented: Parts of Hempstead; West Hempstead; South Hempstead; Lakeview; Roosevelt; Freeport; Merrick

Top priority in 2014? A public hospital for Nassau County residents.

Policy focus? Education, MWBEs, health, tax relief.

Top priority in 2014? My sanitation bill, which would require New York City Sanitation agents to provide photographic evidence to support ticketed violations.

Policy focus? Issues involving sexual abuse and in particular those that impact the Jewish community, as well as fighting and preventing all forms of racism and antiSemitism.

Elected: 1978

Elected: 2006

Twitter: @Rhoda_Jacobs

Committees: Children and Families; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Environmental Conservation; Higher Education; Local Governments; Mental Health

Committees: Assistant Speaker; Rules; Ways and Means; Health; Insurance; Task Force on Women’s Issues; Task Force on New Americans.

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RHODA JACOBS Democrat District #: 42nd AD

Area represented: Parts of Brooklyn, including Flatbush, Flatbush Gardens, Midwood and Victorian Flatbush

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Increasing the minimum wage; the SAFE Act; restoring cuts to the OPWDD; passing a budget that increased funding for education and higher education and provided support for children and working families.

Top priority in 2014? The Women’s Equality Act; The DREAM Act; enacting a budget that protects seniors, children and the disabled; fighting for jobs and worker rights; keeping SUNY Downstate open.

Policy focus? Women’s equality; access to healthcare; job creation and economic development; worker rights; higher education; immigration rights; protecting seniors; education funding.

Elected: 2010

ELLEN C. JAFFEE Democrat District #: 97th AD

Top priority in 2014? Insurance coverage for supplemental screening for women with dense breast tissue (legislation is presently being drafted), and of course the Women’s Equality Act. Policy focus? Women’s health and equality, education policy and funding, quality childcare/pre-K, environment and economic development.

Elected: 2010

Twitter: @MarkJohns_135th

city & state — January 8, 2014

Area represented: Parts of Monroe County, including Webster, Penfield, Fairport/Perinton and East Rochester

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? A6692C, the restoration of funds for the OPWDD. Top priority in 2014? Legislative equality though the SOLE Act (A2747), which would allow each legislator the opportunity to bring one bill of statewide significance to the floor for an up or down vote every Assembly or Senate term.

Policy focus? Reforming Albany. We need better campaign finance reform, term limits and other systematic changes to make legislators more accountable and better serve their communities.

Area represented: Orangetown, Ramapo

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Women’s Equality Act; minimum wage; restoration of funding for OPWDD non-profit service providers. Legislation I sponsored: A00933, which restricts the retail sale of dextromethorphan, commonly known as DXM, and A01115, which prohibits smoking on the grounds of general hospitals and residential health care facilities (both signed by the governor).

Committees: Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (Ranking Member); Aging; Housing; Governmental Employees; Governmental Operations MARK C. JOHNS Republican District #: 135th AD

Twitter: N/A

Twitter: @katz4ny

Committees: Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce, and Industry; Higher Education; Housing; Mental Health STEVE KATZ Republican District #: 94th AD

Area represented: Parts of Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester counties

On medical marijuana: Katz recently signed on as a co-sponsor to a bill proposed by Assemblyman Richard Gottfried that would legalize possession, acquisition, use, delivery, transfer, transport or administration of medical marijuana by a certified patient or designated caregiver. Katz previously opposed similar legislation, but seems to have reversed his views in the wake of an arrest for marijuana possession in 2013, and voted for the bill’s passage in June. “I hope—and I think I speak for Assemblyman Gottfried, too—that this gets to the governor and the state Senate as soon as possible,” Katz said at a Long Island hearing on the topic.

cityandstateny.com

Elected: 2006

Twitter: @BrianKavanaghNY

Committees: Government Administration (Chair); Cities; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Election Law; Environmental Conservation; Housing; Labor BRIAN KAVANAGH Democrat District #: 74th AD

Area represented: East Side of Manhattan, including parts of the Lower East Side, Union Square, Gramercy, Stuyvesant Square, Stuyvesant Town, Peter Cooper Village, East Midtown Plaza, Waterside Plaza, Kips Bay, Murray Hill, Tudor City and Turtle Bay

Educate & Influence NY’s Public Officials with:

LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW SPECIAL ISSUE

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The SAFE Act. Top priority in 2014? To reform election administration in New York, including by holding federal and state primaries at the same time, drop the separate runoff in New York City primaries in favor of instant runoff voting, instituting early voting, passing my Voter-Friendly Ballot Act, and reform the rickety registration system with the Voter Empowerment Act. Policy focus? Environment.

Elected: 2012

Twitter: @Mickey_Kearns

Committees: Banks; Cities; Housing; Oversight, Analysis and Investigation MICHAEL P. KEARNS Democrat District #: 142nd AD

Area represented: Part of Buffalo, West Seneca, Orchard Park, Lackawanna

Promote Your Organization’s Objectives, Benefits and Issues to NY’s Policymakers in this Strategic Legislative Ad Venue The Annual Special Issue Features Coverage of the Following Industry Sectors:

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? A6692/S4777, restoring $90 million in funding to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Top priority in 2014? Passing two foreclosure bills (A88 and A824), which would help restore some housing value and wealth as well as increase local property tax revenue.

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EDUCATION | ORGANIZED LABOR INFRASTRUCTURE | HEALTHCARE ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT | GOOD GOVERNMENT Each Industry Sector will Feature:

Policy focus? Mental health.

Looking Ahead Elected: 2007

Twitter: @MicahKellner

What City & State foresees are the main legislative priorities for each industry sector in 2014

2013 Analysis

Area represented: Manhattan, Roosevelt Island MICAH KELLNER Democrat District #: 76th AD

Public Officials Influential to the industry sector in New York

Key Facts, Figures and Statistics Important Issues for 2014 Key Industry Players

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The SAFE Act. Top priority in 2014? My bill to require comprehensive training for drivers of school buses transporting students with disabilities and/or special needs, and my legislation to allow New York City Transit to equip Select Bus Service buses with purple lights to help passengers identify them more easily.

Policy focus? The economy, education, transportation and health. Also, advocating for persons with disabilities.

cityandstateny.com

Ad Deadline: Jan. 15 - Issue Date: Jan. 20

Start Your Advocacy Messaging Now For advertising information, please contact Jim Katocin at (212) 284-9714 or jkatocin@cityandstateny.com

city & state — January 8, 2014

Committees: Banks; Consumer Affairs; Racing and Wagering

What was left off the legislative landscape from last year

Elected: 2012

Elected: 2000

Twitter: @ronkim40

Committees: Minority Leader; Rules (Ranking Member)

Committees: Children and Families; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Governmental Operations; Housing; Social Services RON KIM Democrat District #: 40th AD

Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Flushing, Whitestone, Auburndale and Murray Hill

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Restoring $90 million for developmentally disabled and challenged children.

Top priority in 2014? Restoring more funding for programs affecting our children and senior citizens, such as after-school programs and senior centers, and fighting for more incentives to develop affordable housing in New York City.

Policy focus? Education, transportation, infrastructure and affordable housing.

Elected: 2012

BRIAN M. KOLB Republican District #: 131st AD

Top priority in 2014? Cutting taxes. Tax relief can come in different forms: making permanent the middle-class income tax cut, eliminating the energy tax on utilities that raises our energy bills, or ending unfunded mandates that drive up property taxes.

Policy focus? Creating jobs and easing the financial burdens on families and businesses.

Elected: 2004

Committees: Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Education; Governmental Operations; Real Property Taxation; Veterans’ Affairs

KIERAN MICHAEL LALOR

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Top priority in 2014? Lalor, a Marine Corps veteran, is one of the more outspoken Republicans in the Republican Assembly, unafraid to criticize Gov. Andrew Cuomo and District #: 105th AD Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, and especially vocal on issues of job creation, tax relief and reform. Among his top priorities for the coming legislative session are bills that would cap state spending to the level of inflation; a bill to repeal Cuomo’s signature START-UP NY initiative; a bill that allows for term limits of Assembly members and senators; and a bill that takes away pensions from politicians convicted of a crime.

Walking the walk: Lalor unilaterally reduced his office budget by 10 percent, voluntarily reduced his salary by 10 percent, rejected a $9,000 per year leadership stipend and refused per diem allowances, taxpayer-funded travel expenses and a taxpayer-funded pension. Lalor’s self-imposed cost-cutting reforms saved taxpayers about $50,000 in 2013.

Elected: 1972

CHARLES D. LAVINE Democrat District #: 13th AD

Policy focus? Economic growth, protect property taxpayers, public safety, ethics

Elected: 2002

city & state — January 8, 2014

Top priority in 2014? The passage and enactment of wrongful conviction legislation (open discovery, video taping of interrogations, etc.), and raising the age of criminal responsibility.

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Environmental Conservation (Chair); Agriculture; Higher Education; Election Law; Mental Health

Area represented: Parts of Brooklyn, including Greenpoint, Williamsburg and Fort Greene

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The SAFE Act and the budget bills, which incorporated a minimum wage increase, tax cuts and increased funds for education.

Committees: Ethics and Guidance (Chair); New York State Legislative Ethics Commission (Co-Chair); Codes; Judiciary; Health; Higher Education; Insurance; Social Services Area represented: All or parts of Glen Cove, Westbury, Sea Cliff, New Cassel, Oyster Bay, East Hills, Glen Head, Glenwood Landing, Roslyn, Roslyn Harbor, Roslyn Estates, Roslyn Heights, Greenvale, Lattingtown, Bayville, Centre Island, Mill Neck, Oyster Bay Cove, Cove Neck, Laurel Hollow, Syosset, Woodbury, Jericho, Plainview, Muttontown and Brookville

Top priority in 2014? Another responsible, on-time budget.

Committees: Codes (Chair); Elections; Ways and Means; Rules

Democrat District #: 50th AD

Twitter: @Charles_Lavine

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Tax cuts for New York’s middle-class families, followed closely by the NY SAFE Act.

Twitter: @assemblymanjoe

JOSEPH R. LENTOL

Area represented: All of Ontario County and parts of Seneca County

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Restoring $90 million in funding to assist the state’s developmentally disabled community.

Twitter: @KieranLalor

Area represented: Parts of Dutchess County, including Beekman, Dover, Fishkill, LaGrange, Pawling, Wappinger and Washington

Twitter: @GOPLdrBrianKolb

BARBARA LIFTON Democrat District #: 125th AD

Area represented: All of Tompkins County, the City of Cortland and the towns of Cortlandville and Virgil in Cortland County

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The 10 bills of the Women’s Equality Act, the minimum wage bill and Assemblyman Sweeney’s hazardous waste bill.

Top priority in 2014? Education, hydrofracking, healthcare, mental health and transportation.

Policy focus? Hydrofracking and education.

Policy focus? Criminal justice, education, the environment, affordable housing and economic development for the arts and media.

cityandstateny.com

Elected: 2006

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Agriculture; Education; Environmental Conservation

PETER D. LOPEZ Republican District #: 102nd AD

Area represented: Cherry Valley, Roseboom, Decatur, Worcester, Harpersfield, Kortright, Stamford, Roxbury, Middletown, Blenheim, Broome, Carlisle, Cobleskill, Conesville, Esperance, Fulton, Gilboa, Jefferson, Middleburgh, Richmondville, Seward, Sharon, Summit, Wright, Ashland, Athens, Cairo, Catskill, Coxsackie, Durham, Greenville, Halcott, Hunter, Jewett, Lexington, New Baltimore, Prattsville, Windham, Coeymans, Rensselaerville, Westerlo, Stockport, Stuyvesant, Saugerties

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Restoring cuts in funding to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Top priority in 2014? Growing jobs for our people, including supporting our farms and small businesses.

Policy focus? Sustainable agriculture, and energy, with a focus on locallyproduced, controlled alternate energy.

Elected: 2004

Twitter: @donnalupardo

Committees: Children and Families (Chair); Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Environmental Conservation; Higher Education; Transportation; Veterans’ Affairs DONNA A. LUPARDO Democrat District #: 123rd AD

Area represented: City of Binghamton, towns of Union and Vestal

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Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The 10 point Women’s Equality Act that passed in the Assembly.

Top priority in 2014? Revisiting the Office of Mental Health’s Regional Centers of Excellence proposal, which does not include the Southern Tier as a distinct region. I also want to review the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities facility closure plan.

Policy focus? Quality child care, early childhood development, and the entire education pipeline. Also, economic recovery through entrepreneurship, technology transfer, support for local food systems, and policies that promote sustainability.

Elected: 2012

Twitter: @ChadLupinacci

Committees: Higher Education (Ranking Member); Election Law; Judiciary; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development; Transportation Area represented: Parts of Suffolk County, including Huntington and Babylon

Republican District #: 10th AD Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Restoring $121 million dollars to Long Island schools.

Top priority in 2014? Fighting for Long Island’s fair share of state education funding, keeping our communities safe, secure, and conducive to small businesses.

Policy focus? Education and higher education. cityandstateny.com

city & state — January 8, 2014

CHAD A. LUPINACCI

Elected: 1990

Elected: 1998

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Local Governments (Chair); Education; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Oversight, Analysis and Investigation

Committees: Agriculture (Chair); Aging; Banks; Higher Education; Local Governments Area represented: Madison County; parts of Oneida County and parts of Otsego County WILLIAM D. “BILL” MAGEE

WILLIAM B. MAGNARELLI Democrat District #: 129th AD

Democrat District #: 121st AD

Twitter: N/A

Area represented: Parts of the City of Syracuse, Geddes, Van Buren

Top priority in 2014? To ease the burden of taxation and regulation on New York’s small businesses.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? On a local level, A4772-C, Chapter 459, which authorized a second phase of school renovations for the Syracuse City School District through the Joint Schools Construction Board. On a statewide level, I sponsored three program bills from the state comptroller that will provide financial flexibility to municipalities impacted by Superstorm Sandy. Finally, A526-B, Chapter 409, which allowed for the licensure of perfusionists.

Policy focus? Agricultural development and agritourism.

Top priority in 2014? Passing the full 10-point Women’s Equality Agenda.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The restoration of funding to OPWDD. Also, the bill I am most proud of, and which I sponsored, is the bill which places a 2 percent cap on assessments of agricultural lands.

Policy focus? Education, seniors’ issues and veterans’ issues.

Elected: 2010

Elected: 1998

Twitter: @NMalliotakis

Committees: Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development (Chair); Ways and Means; Labor; Consumer Affairs; Government Operations; Racing and Wagering

Committees: Governmental Employees (Ranking Member); Banks; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Transportation; Ways and Means NICOLE MALLIOTAKIS

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Area represented: Parts of Staten Island and Brooklyn

Twitter: N/A

MARGARET M. MARKEY

Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Maspeth, Middle Village, Woodside, Long Island City and Astoria

Democrat District #: 30th AD

Republican District #: 64th AD Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? As a representative of a Hurricane Sandy-devastated community, I was pleased when we approved Sandy aid in the state budget. Additionally, the restoration of OPWDD cuts.

Top priority in 2014? Reducing the burden on small businesses and taxpayers.

I look forward to seeing tax cuts proposed by the governor’s tax relief commission implemented.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Raising the minimum wage.

Top priority in 2014? To enact the Child Victims Act (A1771) to get justice for victims of childhood sexual abuse and hold accountable organizations and institutions that have hidden and protected the pedophiles who abused them.

Policy focus? Tourism and parks.

Policy focus? Transportation, issues affecting senior citizens, tax and toll relief.

Elected: 2012

Twitter: @shelleybmayer

Elected: 2012

city & state — January 8, 2014

Committees: Subcommittee on Students with Special Needs (Chair); Education; Labor; Children and Families; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Cities

SHELLEY MAYER Democrat District #: 90th AD

Area represented: City of Yonkers

Twitter: @johnmcdonald108

Committees: Aging; Cities; Mental Health; Real Property Taxation; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sport Development

JOHN T. McDONALD III Democrat District #: 108th AD

Area represented: Albany, Cohoes, Green Island, North Greenbush, Rensselaer, Troy, Waterford and Watervliet

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Providing additional funding to Yonkers Public Schools.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The 2013-14 budget, because for the first time in several years we reversed the downward trend in education funding.

Top priority in 2014? Funding the City of Yonkers and Yonkers Public Schools.

Yonkers must have additional city and school funding to attract new families and new businesses, and retain its current economic base.

Top priority in 2014? Education aid, local government mandate relief and business regulation relief.

Policy focus? The needs of New York’s urban suburban communities, including easing the burden of property taxes, ensuring a robust public transportation system, and creating and maintaining affordable housing.

Policy focus? Local government issues, healthcare and small businesses.

cityandstateny.com

Elected: 2002

DAVID G. McDONOUGH Republican District #: 14th AD

Elected: 2006

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Transportation (Ranking Member); Consumer Affairs and Protection; Education; Health; Veterans’ Affairs; Subcommittee on Child Product Safety; Subcommittee on Regulated Mortgage Lenders Area represented: Seaford, Wantagh, Bellmore, North Bellmore, Merrick, North Merrick, part of Levittown

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The bill to strengthen penalties for texting while driving.

Top priority in 2014? To reduce taxes and pass the Women’s Equality Act. Policy focus? Improving the current education system.

Twitter: @TomMcKevitt1

Committees: Consumer Affairs and Protection (Ranking Member); Codes; Election Law; Local Governments TOM McKEVITT Republican District #: 17th AD

Area represented: Parts of Nassau County, including Levittown and East Meadow

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? A6692, which restored $90 million to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities that had been cut by the budget.

Top priority in 2014? My main priority for 2014 is a budget that is fair to our taxpayers and to our local governments.

Policy focus? The greatest policy area of interest to me is education.

Elected: 2010

Twitter: @SteveMcNY

Elected: 2009

Committees: Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Children and Families; Education; Small Business; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development STEVEN F. McLAUGHLIN

Area represented: Parts of Rensselaer, Columbia and Washington counties

Republican District #: 107th AD

Top priority in 2014? Education funding and removing New York from the Common Core.

Policy focus? Education, farm families, Constitutional rights, and making New York friendlier to business.

Twitter: @assemblymanmike

Committees: Task Force on People with Disabilities (Chair); Aging; Banks; Education; Labor; Veterans’ Affairs; Racing and Wagering MICHAEL MILLER Democrat District #: 38th AD

Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Woodhaven, Glendale, Ridgewood, Richmond Hill and Ozone Park

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Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? A06692-C/S04777-D, which restored $90 million to the budget of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Top priority in 2014? Using my newly appointed chairmanship to the Task Force on People with Disabilities to support legislation and directives that will directly benefit the quality of life and increase available services to the disabled.

Policy focus? Disabilities.

Elected: 2010

Twitter: @JoanMillman52AD

Committees: Aging (Chair); Education; Labor; Transportation; Ways and Means Area represented: Parts of Brooklyn, including Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, Carroll Gardens and DUMBO JOAN L. MILLMAN Democrat District #: 52nd AD

Top priority in 2014? Millman has been a vocal advocate of the Women’s Equality Act, which Gov. Andrew Cuomo named as a legislative priority for the 2013 session. The entirety of the 10-point legislative package passed in the Assembly, but it stalled in the Senate because Republicans would not vote for a measure codifying abortion rights. Millman and several female colleagues requested a meeting with Cuomo in January to bring the legislation back on his radar for 2014.

In the news: Millman was arrested this summer along with several local activists for protesting the shuttering of the overnight pediatric wing of Long Island College Hospital, which is in her district. She also joined fellow Brooklyn elected officials in calling for an acceleration of the construction of the over 2,000 affordable housing units promised as part of the Atlantic Yards development.

cityandstateny.com

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Oversight, Analysis and Investigations (Ranking Member); Codes; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Housing; Judiciary

MICHAEL MONTESANO Republican District #: 15th AD

Area represented: Parts of Nassau County, including Bethpage, Brookville, Bayville, East Norwich, Village of Farmingdale, Glen Head, Hicksville, Lattingtown, Laurel Hollow, Locust Valley, Mattinecock, Mill Neck, Muttontown, New Castle, Old Brookville, Old Bethpage, Plainview Oyster Bay, Oyster Bay Cove, North Syosset, Upper Brookville and Westbury

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The restoration of $90 million to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Top priority in 2014? To enhance the quality of life on Long Island by making our communities more affordable, including through both reducing the high cost of living in our state, creating more, better paying jobs, and increasing the amount of aid to our schools.

Policy focus? Government oversight and reform. Our state government should be free of corruption and pay-for-play scenarios.

city & state — January 8, 2014

Elected: 1997

Elected: 1990

Elected: 2012

Twitter: @JoeMorelle

Committees: Banks; Cities; Codes; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Housing

Committees: Majority Leader; Rules Area represented: Rochester, Irondequoit, Brighton WALTER T. MOSLEY Democrat District #: 57th AD

JOSEPH D. MORELLE Democrat District #: 136th AD Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The START-UP NY initiative.

Top priority in 2014? As majority leader, my top priority is to manage the day-to-day operations of the Assembly floor, and I will continue to work to make the house more efficient and effective. My primary legislative priority will be to pass an on-time budget that addresses the state’s high tax burden, promotes job creation and strengthens our education system.

Policy focus? The revitalization of the state’s economy, particularly in upstate New York, and job creation.

Elected: 2010

Top priority in 2014? Increasing transparency and accountability in our city and state government, and protecting our most vulnerable populations.

Policy focus? Affordable housing and criminal justice reform.

Elected: 2012

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Democrat District #: 39th AD Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? I think the best bill the Assembly passed was the DREAM Act, but unfortunately it did not pass the Senate.

Top priority in 2014? The DREAM Act, although I have a number of bills on my priority list this year.

Policy focus? Immigrant and workers’ rights, including wage theft prevention and the Scaffold Law.

Elected: 1984

BILL NOJAY Republican District #: 133rd AD

Top priority in 2014? Lowering taxes and less regulation for businesses and farms in the district.

Policy focus? Lowering taxes and less regulation for businesses and farms in the district.

Elected: 2002

city & state — January 8, 2014

Committees: Education (Chair); Rules; Ways and Means; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Veterans’ Affairs CATHERINE NOLAN Democrat District #: 37th AD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The state budget, because it increased aid for public education. The Assembly also passed student privacy protection legislation and important protection for farm workers.

Top priority in 2014? More and equitable funding for public schools, including advance pre-k programs, after-school programs, and services for overcrowded school districts. I will also work to establish adequate privacy protections for student data, address excessive testing in our schools and support our special education students. In addtion, I will oppose fracking.

Policy focus? Public schools and public education, as well as adult education and keeping my district strong.

Area represented: Livingston County; Monroe County: Pittsford, Mendon, Wheatland, Rush; Steuben County: Prattsburgh, Cohocton, Wayland, Dansville, Hornellsville and Hornell

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The worst one is the SAFE Act.

Twitter: N/A

Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Sunnyside, Ridgewood, Long Island City, Queensbridge, Ravenswood, Astoria, Woodside, Maspeth, Dutch Kills and Blissville

Twitter: @BillNojay

Committees: Cities; Consumer Affairs and Protection; Election Law; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development; Transportation

Committees: Subcommittee on Renewable Energy (Chair); Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Energy; Housing; Insurance; Labor

FRANCISCO P. MOYA

Area represented: Parts of Brooklyn, including Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights and Bedford Stuyvesant

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The NY SAFE Act and the restoration of $90 million in funding to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Twitter: @franciscopmoya

Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Corona

Twitter: @WalterTMosley

Twitter: @DanielJODonnell

Committees: Correction (Chair); Subcommittee on Criminal Procedure (Chair); Codes; Education; Environmental Conservation; Judiciary; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development DANIEL J. O’DONNELL Democrat District #: 69th AD

Area represented: Parts of Manhattan, including the Upper West Side, Morningside Heights and Manhattan Valley

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? My bill, A6059A, which empowers parents to decide whether their child’s school information can be shared with private entities, including corporations. Unfortunately, the bill still awaits action in the Senate Committee on Rules.

Top priority in 2014? Limiting the use of solitary confinement among adolescents.

Policy focus? Criminal justice.

cityandstateny.com

city & state — January 8, 2014

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cityandstateny.com

Elected: 1992

Elected: 1994

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Cities (Chair); Assembly/Senate Puerto Rican and Hispanic Task Force (Chair); Ways and Means; Labor; Rules; Correction

Committees: Ways and Means (Ranking Member); Rules

BOB OAKS Republican District #: 130th AD

Area represented: Ontario, Walworth, Macedon, Williamson, Marion, Palmyra, Sodus, Arcadia, Lyons, Huron, Rose, Galen, Wolcott, Butler, Savannah, Minetto, Hannibal, Oswego, Sterling, Victory, Conquest, Cato, Ira, Mentz, Brutus, Montezuma, Aurelius and Sennett

Area represented: Parts of Brooklyn, including Red Hook, Sunset Park, Park Slope and Bay Ridge FELIX ORTIZ Democrat District #: 51st AD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Restoration of funding to agencies that serve the developmentally disabled.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? A4974, otherwise known as Briana’s Law. This legislation will require police officers to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) re-training every two years.

Top priority in 2014? Broad-based mandate relief for local governments and school districts.

Top priority in 2014? The DREAM Act. Also, universal pre-k and full-day kindergarten for all children.

Policy focus? Economic development and job creation.

Policy focus? Autism awareness and expanding and improving the resources available to people with this learning disability.

Elected: 2012

Elected: 2010

Twitter: @steveotis91

Committees: Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Environmental Conservation; Libraries and Education Technology; Agriculture; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development

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STEVEN OTIS Democrat District #: 107th AD

Area represented: The Sound Shore communities of Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Port Chester, Rye and Rye Brook

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The third consecutive on-time state budget, which this year included nearly a billion dollars in increased state funding for education and initiatives to promote jobs and revitalize our economy, as well as tax relief.

Top priority in 2014? To reduce the burden of property taxes.

Policy focus? Reducing costs to local governments and school districts and thereby helping to reduce our overreliance on property taxes.

Elected: 2013

PHILIP A. PALMESANO

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Assembly Bill A6692, which restored the $90 million that was previously cut in the 2013-14 state budget to individuals with developmental disabilities.

Top priority in 2014? Tax, regulatory and mandate relief in order to spur private sector investment in our upstate economy that will create jobs.

Policy focus? Energy.

Elected: 2000

On the state’s tax climate: As a small business owner, I deal with New York’s culture of red tape and its anti-business climate every day. This is the second year in a row New York has ranked dead last in business climate and our residents, young and old, simply can’t afford to make it a third time. I believe we need a government that is responsive to the needs of the entrepreneurs and job creators, something that continues to be passed over by the Democrats in the Assembly.

I’m committed to growing jobs, building our economy and creating a friendly environment here on the East End that puts people of all ages to work.

Twitter: @AmyPaulin

Committees: Energy (Chair); Education; Health; Higher Education

Area represented: Parts of Suffolk County, including the North Fork of Long Island

Republican District #: 2nd AD

Area represented: All of Schuyler and Yates counties; parts of Chemung, Seneca and Steuben counties

Republican District #: 132nd AD

Twitter: @Palumbo4NYSA

ANTHONY H. PALUMBO

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Energy (Ranking Member); Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Real Property Taxation; Libraries and Education Technology

Committees: Unassigned

city & state — January 8, 2014

Twitter: N/A

AMY PAULIN

Area represented: Scarsdale, Bronxville, Pelham, Pelham Manor, Eastchester, Tuckahoe, and parts of White Plains and New Rochelle

Democrat District #: 88th AD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? I think my bill (A8071A/S5839A) pertaining to human trafficking.

Top priority in 2014? As the Energy Committee chair, I will continue to promote the development and use of renewable energy while maintaining a reliable energy grid. I will also continue to work tirelessly to bring an end to human trafficking.

Policy focus? Energy and ending domestic violence.

cityandstateny.com

Elected: 2002

CRYSTAL D. PEOPLES-STOKES Democrat District #: 141st AD

Elected: 1992

Twitter: @CPeoplesStokes

Committees: Subcommittee on Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (Chair); Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Environmental Conservation; Governmental Operations; Health; Higher Education; Insurance Area represented: City of Buffalo

Twitter: @NNickPerry

Committees: Deputy Majority Leader; Banks; Codes; Labor; Insurance; Transportation; Ways and Means Area represented: Parts of Brooklyn, including East Flatbush, Canarsie and sections of Brownsville N. NICK PERRY Democrat District #: 58th AD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? A3498-a/S5743, which will amend the Social Services Law. The goal of this bill is to give both parents and small business child care providers more time to plan when child care subsidies are cut.

Top priority in 2014? Universal pre-k and restorative justice.

Policy focus? Economic development and IDA reforms.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? With the failure of the Senate to pass the entire Women’s Equality Act, the passage of the minimum wage bill was the No. 1 achievement.

Top priority in 2014? Immigrant rights legislation, including access to drivers’ licenses and voting in local elections. Also, universal, full-time pre-k and after school programs for every public school student.

Policy focus? Efficient and effective government.

Twitter: @Victor86AD

Elected: 1992

Committees: Unassigned

Committees: Racing and Wagering (Chair); Codes; Insurance; Rules; Ways and Means

Area represented: Parts of the Bronx, including University Heights VICTOR M. PICHARDO Democrat District #: 86th AD

Top priority in 2014? The Women’s Equality Agenda, minimum wage, universal pre-k and the NYS DREAM Act, just to name a few.

Policy focus? Tackling the issues of poverty, homelessness, and unemployment starts with making access to a world-class education easier for people.

Elected: 2011

On the state budget: This year marked the state’s third consecutive on-time budget. The fiscal plan makes a commitment to putting more money in the pockets of working families by extending a middle-class personal income tax reduction for three more years, locking in the lowest rate in 60 years.

Twitter: @DanQuartNY

Area represented: Parts of Manhattan, including Upper East Side, East Midtown, Sutton Place, Turtle Bay and Murray Hill

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The full 10-point Women’s Equality Act. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to follow our lead next session.

Top priority in 2014? Improving air quality. I will be working to pass legislation that offers a tax credit to landlords and homeowners who convert their boilers to those that burn cleaner fuel.

Policy focus? Reforming New York City’s property tax system.

cityandstateny.com

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On other legislation passed in 2013: We also passed the most comprehensive gun safety law in the country in order to save lives, increased penalties for repeat child abusers, assisted New Yorkers as they rebuild from the devastating effects of Superstorm Sandy and created a $1 billion affordable housing program to preserve and create 14,300 affordable housing units, which will also create jobs and stabilize distressed areas.

Elected: 2010

Committees: Subcommittee on Retention of Homeownership and Stabilization of Affordable Housing (Chair); Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Consumer Affairs and Protection; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Housing; Insurance; Judiciary; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development DAN QUART Democrat District #: 73rd AD

Area represented: Parts of Westchester County, including Mount Vernon and Yonkers

J. GARY PRETLOW Democrat District #: 89th AD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? There were a lot of missed opportunities to make good pieces of legislation great. The NY SAFE Act didn’t go far enough by just having stronger regulations on assault rifles, which should’ve included all small arms, and the minimum wage deal that was struck leaves out tipped workers and doesn’t tie it to inflation.

Twitter: @JGPretlow

Twitter: @EdwardRa19

Committees: Education (Ranking Member); Health; Labor; Codes; Higher Education Area represented: Parts of the Towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay EDWARD P. RA Republican District #: 19th AD Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Restoration of budget cuts to the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities.

Top priority in 2014? Smarter education reform. It seems like each education policy has moved more and more towards a “one-size-fits-all” system, despite the fact that all children are different and learn differently.

Policy focus? Education.

city & state — January 8, 2014

Elected: 2013

Elected: 2002

Twitter: N/A

Elected: 2002

Committees: Health (Ranking Member); Housing; Banks; Aging; Rules

Twitter: @philipramos

Committees: Aging; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Education; Local Governments

Area represented: Huntington, Babylon, Islip

Area represented: Parts of Suffolk County, including Brentwood, Baywood, Islip, Bay Shore, and Islandia PHIL RAMOS Democrat District #: 6th AD

ANDREW P. RAIA Republican District #: 12th AD Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Restoration of funds to OPWDD. Top priority in 2014? Taxes, healthcare, women’s issues.

Policy focus? Health.

Top priority in 2014? Ramos is one of the sponsors of a bill that would establish a farm worker bill of rights, which passed the Assembly but did not come up for a vote in the Senate during the 2013 legislative session. The bill would grant farm workers collective bargaining rights, and establish basic labor protections that they do not currently have.

Fun facts: Ramos’ father was a corrections officer, and the lawmaker followed in his father’s footsteps by working in law enforcement for the Suffolk County Police Department for 20 years. He spent his first eight years in the department as an undercover narcotics officer. Ramos retired as a detective.

Elected: 2000

Twitter: @RevolutionJR

Elected: 2010

Committees: Subcommittee on Workplace Safety (Chair); Aging; Labor; Libraries and Education Technology; Small Business; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development; Transportation

Committees: Aging; Agriculture; Insurance; Small Business

JOSÉ RIVERA

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Area represented: Parts of the Bronx, including Fordham-Bedford, Kingsbridge Heights, Bedford Park and Belmont

Democrat District #: 78th AD

SAMUEL D. ROBERTS

Fun fact: Rivera was born in La Perla, Puerto Rico.

Political family: Rivera’s daughter, Naomi Rivera, served in the Assembly until 2012, and his son, Joel Rivera, served in the New York City Council until 2014.

Elected: 2002

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? 7928-A/S4762 passed both houses. The bill promotes job growth by reducing taxes on manufacturing and creates tax credits for businesses that hire veterans and unemployed at-risk youth.

Top priority in 2014? Promoting job growth and a diversified workforce.

Policy focus? Offering affordable secondary education and raising the graduation rates of high school students.

Elected: 2010

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Banks (Chair); Small Business; Children and Families; Housing; Aging; Real Property Taxation; Oversight, Analysis and Investigation

city & state — January 8, 2014

Democrat District #: 56th AD

Area represented: Salina, Onondaga, Dewitt, Liverpool, and parts of Syracuse

Democrat District #: 128th AD

Policy focus? Jobs, better housing and social justice.

ANNETTE M. ROBINSON

Twitter: N/A

Area represented: Parts of Central Brooklyn, including Bedford-Stuyvesant and North Crown Heights

Twitter: @_rjayrodriguez

Committees: Subcommittee on Mitchell-Lama (Chair); Health; Housing; Mental Health; Banks; Labor; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions ROBERT J. RODRIGUEZ Democrat District #: 68th AD

Area represented: Parts of Manhattan, including East and Central Harlem

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The NY SAFE Act.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The NY SAFE Act.

Top priority in 2014? Through the Banking Committee, we seek to legislate additional opportunities and initiatives that will persuade banks to reduce their fees while improving their service delivery to residents, especially seniors.

Top priority in 2014? This year we will work to pass a 30 percent rent cap for clients in the New York City HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA) rental assistance program. We will work with Senator Hoylman and a more responsive city government to address the needs of these vulnerable communities.

Policy focus? Assisting children and families. Also, decreasing the numbers of homes in foreclosure.

Policy focus? Affordable housing in New York City. cityandstateny.com

Twitter: @GabrielaRosaNYS

Elected: 2006

Committees: Commission on Science and Technology (Chair); Agriculture; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Energy; Health; Housing; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports

Committees: Aging; Banks; Correction; Higher Education; Real Property Taxation Area represented: Parts of Manhattan, including Washington Heights, Inwood and Marble Hill

Twitter: @LindaBRosenthal

Democrat District #: 72nd AD

LINDA B. ROSENTHAL Democrat District #: 67th AD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Minimum wage increase.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Perhaps the most important piece of legislation that passed the Assembly but did not make it to the governor’s desk is the Women’s Equality Act.

GABRIELA ROSA

Top priority in 2014? A bill that would allow undocumented immigrants living in New York to receive driver’s licenses; the DREAM Act; and the Women’s Equality Act. Policy focus? Affordable housing, improved public education—including universal preschool—and immigrants’ rights.

Elected: 2012

Top priority in 2014? Campaign finance reform. Also, I will continue to prioritize critical consumer protection and health-related legislation. I am the sponsor of a bill to label GMO food products in New York State and another to monitor radon levels in natural gas delivered to homes across the state.

Policy focus? The issues that matter most to my constituents: affordable housing, education, senior and accessibility issues, overdevelopment, pedestrian safety and environmental and animal issues.

Elected: 2008

Twitter: @nily

Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Flushing, Queensboro Hill, Hillcrest, Fresh Meadows, Oakland Gardens, Bayside and Douglaston

ADDIE J. RUSSELL Democrat District #: 116th AD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The Women’s Equality Act. Top priority in 2014? The 2014 Fair Elections Act. Policy focus? Issues that affect working and middle class families, giving our children a better education, and laying the groundwork for economic opportunity and workforce development investment.

Elected: 2011

Policy focus? Education.

Elected: 2004

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Labor (Ranking Member); Ways and Means; Environmental Conservation; Government Employees; Libraries and Education Technology

JOSEPH S. SALADINO Republican District #: 9th AD

Area represented: Town of Oyster Bay: Massapequa, Massapequa Park, South Farmingdale; Town of Babylon: West Babylon, West Islip, West Bay Shore, and the Barrier Island

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The minimum wage increase.

Going forward we need to pass legislation to index the minimum wage for inflation.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Legislation which allows Nassau County to receive $320 million a year in revenue without raising property taxes at all.

Top priority in 2014? The Environmental Bond Act, and legislation I am introducing to implement statewide reforms to our Industrial Development Agency system.

Top priority in 2014? Making Long Island more affordable, encouraging the growth of jobs and businesses, rebuilding our infrastructure, providing higher paying jobs, protecting our students and education from unfunded mandates which are difficult or expensive to carry out, and protecting our environment and drinking water from hazardous materials.

Policy focus? Reforming Industrial Development Agencies in New York.

They give away tax subsidies without ensuring that good-paying jobs are created, and they often forget the impact that subsidies have on our property taxes and education funding. cityandstateny.com

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Top priority in 2014? School funding equity.

Committees: Subcommittee on Oversight of the Department of Environmental Conservation (Chair); Banks; Energy; Environmental Conservation; Judiciary; Local Governments; Veterans’ Affairs SEAN RYAN Democrat District #: 149th AD

Area represented: Hounsfield, Brownville, Pamelia, Lyme, Cape Vincent, Clayton, Orleans, Theresa, Alexandria, Philadelphia, Antwerp, Rossie, Hammond, Macomb, Morristown, DePeyster, Oswegatchie, Lisbon, Canton, Potsdam, Waddington, Louisville, Massena, City of Ogdensburg

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? 10-point Women’s Equality Agenda.

Twitter: @SeanMRyan149

Area represented: City of Buffalo, City of Lackawanna, Town of Hamburg, Village of Hamburg, Village of Blasdell

Twitter: @AddieRussell

Committees: Subcommittee on Women Veterans (Chair); Task Force on Women’s Issues (Chair); Agriculture; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Energy; Export Trade; Local Governments; Veterans’ Affairs

Committees: Children and Families; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Correction; Environmental Conservation; Labor NILY ROZIC Democrat District #: 25th AD

Area represented: Parts of Manhattan, including Upper West Side, Clinton and Hell’s Kitchen

Policy focus? Economic growth, financial affordability and sensible reform that brings true solutions.

city & state — January 8, 2014

Elected: 2012

Elected: 2012

Twitter: @AsmSantabarbara

Elected: 1995

Committees: Agriculture; Energy; Governmental Employees; Small Business; Veterans’ Affairs

ANGELO SANTABARBARA Democrat District #: 111th AD

Area represented: Amsterdam, Berne, Canajoharie, Charleston, Duanesburg, Glen, Knox, Minden, Mohawk, Palentine, Princetown, Root, Rotterdam, Schenectady, St. Johnsville

On the restoration of funding to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities: There will be no cuts to OPWDD services—so people with disabilities and their families can finally put their minds at ease. Programs such as day services, family and residential support, which are no longer on the chopping block, help people with disabilities play an active role in their communities.

On legislation he sponsored to cap increases in base assessment values on agricultural properties: Today, we begin to rein in soaring property taxes for farmers. By establishing a 2 percent cap on land assessments we help lessen the tax burden on farmers so that they can continue to grow and thrive.

Elected: 2007

Committees: Small Business (Chair); Ways and Means; Banks; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions

WILLIAM SCARBOROUGH Democrat District #: 29th AD

Top priority in 2014? Legislation to assist small businesses, and to protect children.

Policy focus? Small business and MWBE issues; children’s issues.

Elected: 1976

Twitter: @MichelleSchimel

Area represented: Town of North Hempstead

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Codes; Economic Development (chair); Health; Ways and Means Area represented: City of Buffalo, City of North Tonawanda, City of Tonawanda, Town of Tonawanda ROBIN SCHIMMINGER Democrat District #: AD 140

Democrat District #: 16th AD

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Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Jamaica, St. Albans, Hollis, Springfield Gardens, Laurelton and Rosedale

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The NY SAFE Act.

Committees: Vice Chair, Majority Conference; Environmental Conservation; Local Governments; Governmental Operations; Veterans’ Affairs; Transportation MICHELLE SCHIMEL

Twitter: @WmScarborough

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The NY SAFE Act, even though I was disappointed that microstamping was not included in the law.

Top priority in 2014? Working to stop the overreliance on high stakes testing, slowing down the hasty implementation of the Common Core standards, and advocating to protect the privacy of student information.

Policy focus? Reducing the effects of climate change and keeping hydrofracking off New York State’s energy agenda.

Elected: 2012

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Making small and mediumsized businesses eligible for Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits by making the program’s job creation thresholds more achievable for smaller companies.

Top priority in 2014? Reform of the state’s outdated and costly Scaffold Law (Sections 240/241 of the Labor Law).

Policy focus? Economic development and job creation.

Elected: 1976

Twitter: @LuisSepulvedaNY

Twitter: @NYSA_majority

Committees: Speaker; Rules (Chair)

Committees: Aging; Agriculture; Banks; Correction; Housing

Area represented: Lower Manhattan

Area represented: Parts of the Bronx, including Parkchester, Castle Hill, Van Nest, West Farms

city & state — January 8, 2014

LUIS R. SEPULVEDA Democrat District #: 87th AD Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The NY SAFE Act of 2013.

Top priority in 2014? My main priority is to support Mayor de Blasio’s implementation of universal pre-k in our schools and his progressive agenda.

Policy focus? Education and economic development.

SHELDON SILVER Democrat District #: 65th AD Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? We passed a plan to create new jobs, raised the minimum wage, extended middle class tax cuts, invested in our children’s education and safeguarded the developmentally disabled.

Top priority in 2014? In 2014 we will continue efforts to protect the poor and grow New York’s middle class. We plan to strengthen our education system, protect and expand women’s rights and help our young immigrants attain the DREAM of higher education.

Policy focus? Fighting for the rights of New York’s hard working families and most vulnerable citizens, our children, seniors and individuals with disabilities. cityandstateny.com

POLITICS • POLICY • PERSONALITIES

The Way to Reach Elected Officials For advertising information, please contact Jim Katocin at 212.284.9714 or Jkatocin@cityandstateny.com cityandstateny.com

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city & state — January 8, 2014

Look Who’s Reading

Elected: 2011

MICHAEL SIMANOWITZ Democrat District #: 27th AD

Elected: 2010

Twitter: @MikeSimanowitz

Committees: Subcommittee on Tuition Assistance Program (Chair); Aging; Agriculture; Consumer Affairs and Protection; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce & Industry; Higher Education; Small Business

Committees: Subcommittee on Child Product Safety (Chair); Banks; Consumer Affairs and Protection; Energy; Judiciary; Small Business

Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Electchester, Pomonok, Kew Gardens Hills, College Point, Kew Gardens, Malba, parts of Whitestone, Forest Hills, Briarwood, Richmond Hill

Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Astoria and Long Island City

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? My legislation exempting property owners from paying sales tax on water and sewer protection plans.

Top priority in 2014? I am co-sponsoring legislation called the “Education Investment Tax Credit Act,” which would provide tax credits against income and corporate franchise tax for various qualified education investments, including scholarships, education funds, and home-based instructional materials.

Policy focus? Lessening the property tax burden, protecting victims of sexual assault and children from abusers, increasing penalties on those who commit violent crime, and ensuring military veterans are taken care of.

Elected: 2008

ARAVELLA SIMOTAS Democrat District #: 36th AD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Our landmark minimum wage increase.

Top priority in 2014? A renewed push for the “rape is rape” legislation aimed at protecting rape survivors by redefining the legal definition and elements of the term “rape.”

Policy focus? As a new mother, I am uniquely aware of the issues facing women and families both in my district and across the state, whether it is healthcare, pay equity, access to quality education, or protecting survivors of domestic violence.

Twitter: N/A

Elected: 2012

Committees: Subcommittee on Agriculture Economic Development and Farmland Protection (Chair); Agriculture; Banks; Local Governments; Small Business; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development; Transportation

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FRANK SKARTADOS Democrat District #: 104th AD

Area represented: City of Poughkeepsie, City of Newburgh, City of Beacon, Town of Newburgh, Town of Marlborough, Town of Lloyd

Twitter: @JamesSkoufis

Committees: Agriculture; Consumer Affairs and Protection; Insurance; Labor; Transportation

JAMES SKOUFIS Democrat District #: 99th AD

Area represented: Blooming Grove, Chester, Cornwall, Goshen, Hamptonburgh, Highlands, New Windsor, Stony Point, Wawayanda, Woodbury

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The budget, which increased the minimum wage, reduced taxes on manufacturing and small businesses, reduced energy costs, and continued the middle class tax cut.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Provisions of the budget such as increased school funding, an increased minimum wage, and middle- and working-class tax relief.

Top priority in 2014? Legislation that will further reduce the tax burden on small businesses and property owners, and protect the middle class.

Top priority in 2014? To prevent St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital from making their Cornwall Campus emergency room part-time.

Policy focus? Polices that will make government business friendly and work as a partner to help business succeed. I am interested in legislation that will stimulate business and job growth in manufacturing, agriculture and tourism.

Policy focus? Economic opportunity and fairness.

Elected: 2012

Twitter: @MichaelleSolage

Elected: 2012

MICHAELLE C. SOLAGES Democrat District #: 22nd AD

Area represented: Bellerose Terrace, Elmont, North Valley Stream, Valley Stream, North Woodmere, Stewart Manor, South Floral Park, and parts of Franklin Square

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Banks (Ranking Member); Environmental Conservation; Local Governments; Social Services; Tourism

Committees: Consumer Affairs and Protection; Governmental Employees; Libraries and Education Technology; Racing and Wagering; Social Services

city & state — January 8, 2014

Twitter: @AravellaSimotas

Area represented: All of Essex and Warren counties and parts of Washington County DANIEL G. STEC Republican District #: 114th AD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The Women’s Equality Act. Top priority in 2014? Library services.

Policy focus? Strong statewide leadership for library development and cooperation.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? A7974, the constitutional amendment for NYCO Minerals, and A7869, the constitutional amendment for Township 40.

Top priority in 2014? Tax and regulatory relief to make our business environment more competitive.

Policy focus? Adirondack Park issues. cityandstateny.com

Twitter: N/A

Elected: 2010

Committees: Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Corrections; Governmental Operations; Health; Veterans’ Affairs

Committees: Judiciary; Transportation; Insurance; Children and Families Area represented: Colonie, Niskayuna, Schenectady PHIL STECK Democrat District #: 110th AD Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Increasing the minimum wage.

Top priority in 2014? Fairness in education funding.

Policy focus? Seeing New York return to Keynesian economics and investing in our infrastructure. Single-payer health insurance.

Elected: Served 2007-2010, Re-elected 2012

AL STIRPE Democrat District #: 127th AD

Area represented: South Bronx ERIC A. STEVENSON Democrat District #: 79th AD

On drugs, crime and violence: We must address those issues, which plague our community—drugs, crime and violence. We must develop meaningful intervention strategies with our youth to expose them to different realities other than a life of crime, which can only result in them spending their lives in prison. We must guide them to a better life and away from prison and drugs.

The senseless killings and violence must come to an end if our community is to remain viable.

In the news: In April 2013, federal prosecutors announced that Stevenson was charged with bribery, conspiracy and other charges.

Twitter: @StirpeAl

Committees: Subcommittee on Export Trade (Chair); Agriculture; Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Higher Education; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development Area represented: Clay, Cicero, Manlius, Pompey, Fabius, Tully

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? If we are discussing only bills that became law, I would choose Chapter 371, which protects sexual assault victims and their children by limiting the parental rights of the sex offender.

Twitter: N/A

Elected: 1988

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Environmental Conservation (Chair); Veterans’ Affairs; Education; Rules Area represented: Parts of the Town of Babylon ROBERT K. SWEENEY Democrat District #: 11th AD Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The Superstorm Sandy Assessment Relief Act.

Top priority in 2014? Matching the 21st century jobs that New York State is creating to the educational curriculum that our schools are teaching.

Top priority in 2014? Ensuring the state improves its water quality, banning toxic chemicals in children’s products, and restoring funds for children’s environmental health centers.

Policy focus? Economic development, particularly increasing the amount of export trade.

Policy focus? Environment.

Elected: 1982

Twitter: @JamesTedisco

Elected: 2010

JIM TEDISCO Republican District #: 112th AD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The constitutional amendment I sponsored to save up to $50 million and the environment by stopping the wasteful printing of bills in the State Capitol and allowing a digital copy to suffice.

Top priority in 2014? Reducing property taxes, capping state spending and advancing real mandate relief, so the state does not continue to shift the burden onto local taxpayers.

Policy focus? Reforming state government so that it is more transparent, cost efficient and responsive to taxpayers. cityandstateny.com

Twitter: @claudiatenney

Committees: Banks (Ranking Member); Social Services; Education; Codes; Veterans’ Affairs

Committees: Cities; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Racing and Wagering; Rules Area represented: Ballston, Charlton, Clifton Park, Galway, Glenville, Greenfield, Halfmoon, Milton, Providence

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Area represented: Parts of Oneida, Herkimer, Otsego, Delaware, Sullivan, Ulster and Orange counties CLAUDIA TENNEY Republican District #: 101st AD Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Restoration of the funding for people with special needs. Most of the work done this year was nonsubstantive and rammed through for optics at the expense of the citizens.

Top priority in 2014? Reducing the personal income tax, truly reforming Medicaid, repealing the SAFE Act, repealing the Wage Theft Prevention Act in whole or part, reforming the school aid formula, amending the governor’s casino deal with the Oneida Indian Nation, ending the practice of back-door borrowing through non-accountable authorities, reforming the pension system and providing relief to local governments. These are just a start.

Policy focus? Education reform and business reform.

city & state — January 8, 2014

Elected: 2012

Elected: 1995

Twitter: @FredThiele1

Elected: 2007

Committees: Task Force on University-Industry Cooperation (Chair); Ways and Means; Environmental Conservation; Education; Transportation; Election Law; Oversight, Analysis and Investigation FRED W. THIELE, JR.

Area represented: Southampton, East Hampton, Shelter Island, Brookhaven

Independence District #: 1st AD Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? START-UP NY. Top priority in 2014? The reduction of state and local taxes, particularly the real property tax.

Policy focus? The environment, particularly the protection and improvement of water quality on Long Island.

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Task Force on State-Federal Relations (Chair); Education; Environmental Conservation; Health; Judiciary; Social Services; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development MATTHEW J. TITONE Democrat District #: 61st AD

Area represented: North Shore of Staten Island

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The full, 10-point Women’s Equality Act (A8070) and the DREAM Act (A2597).

Top priority in 2014? Three of my bills are The Access Digital Assets Act (A6729), which will define rights of fiduciaries over digital assets after someone dies; a bill to require public authorities to hold public hearings where procurements valued over $100,000 are made overseas (A8107); and a bill requiring mandatory health insurance coverage for tracking devices for children with developmental disabilities (introduced but no bill number yet).

Policy focus? Improving education and the arts in our public school system.

Elected: 2002

Twitter: N/A

Elected: 2011

Committees: Aging (Ranking Member); Insurance; Housing; Health; Ways and Means

Committees: Social Services (Chair); Task Force on Legislative Women’s Caucus (Chair); Children and Families; Codes; Education; Ethics and Guidance; Judiciary MICHELE R. TITUS

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Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Far Rockaway, Rosedale and Laurelton

Democrat District #: 31st AD On child care: Titus served on a working group with five other Assembly members that issued a report calling for state and local services to provide child care subsidies to families that make less than double the poverty level, according to the Associated Press.

Special education advocate: Before joining the Assembly, Titus was an attorney for the New York City Board of Education, focusing on special education law.

Elected: 1980

Area represented: Amherst and Pendelton

RAYMOND WALTER Republican District #: 146th AD On restoration of funding for the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities: I swore to do everything in my power to have these funds restored and, in the end, we prevailed. I have spoken with parents, families and individuals with disabilities, as well as many of the 12,500 employees of the agencies providing these supports and services in Western New York— all of them explained how critical this funding is and the importance of its reinstatement.

On job growth and economic development: Small businesses are the main driver of employment in this state, and regulatory reforms would go a long way in helping to revitalize the drab business climate in this state.

Twitter: N/A

Elected: 1989

city & state — January 8, 2014

HELENE WEINSTEIN Democrat District #: 41st AD

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? A multi-year effort by the Assembly to address foreclosure abuses culminated in the enactment of landmark legislation to halt wrongful foreclosures, Certificate of Merit law (Chapter 306 of the Laws of 2013).

Top priority in 2014? The Consumer Credit Fairness Act (A2678).

Policy focus? Responding to the needs of families, the elderly and protecting domestic violence victims.

Twitter: N/A

Committees: Banks; Correction; Education; Environmental Conservation; Mental Health; Transportation

Committees: Judiciary (Chair); Ways and Means; Codes; Aging Area represented: Parts of Brooklyn, including sections of East Flatbush, Flatlands, Marine Park, Midwood, Sheepshead Bay, Gerritsen Beach and Plumb Beach

Twitter: @RaymondWWalter

HARVEY WEISENBERG Democrat District #: 20th AD

Area represented: Atlantic Beach, Cedarhurst, East Rockaway, Hewlett, Inwood, Island Park, Lawrence, Long Beach, Lynbrook, North Woodmere, Oceanside, Point Lookout, Woodmere

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The bill that restored funding to the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities.

Top priority in 2014? Additional recovery measures for my district, which continues to suffer 12 months after Sandy hit our shores. Also, enhanced protections against abuse for our disabled citizens who receive services from state licensed facilities, and the resources necessary to accomplish it.

Policy focus? Disabilities. cityandstateny.com

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city & state — January 8, 2014

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Elected: 2010

Twitter: @DavidWeprin

Elected: 1992

Committees: Subcommittee on Banking in Underserved Communities (Chair); Banks; Cities; Codes; Election Law; Insurance; Judiciary

DAVID WEPRIN Democrat District #: 24th AD

Area represented: Parts of Queens, including Briarwood, Bellerose, Bellerose Manor, Fresh Meadows, Glen Oaks, Hillcrest, Holliswood, Jamaica Estates, Jamaica Hills, Oakland Gardens, Queens Village, Richmond Hill, South Richmond Hill and Utopia

Twitter: @Wright4Harlem

Committees: Housing (Chair); Codes; Correction; Ways and Means

KEITH L.T. WRIGHT Democrat District #: 70th AD

Area represented: Parts of Manhattan, including West Harlem and Central Harlem

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? The minimum wage increase.

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? Raising the minimum wage.

Top priority in 2014? Legislation that will boost our economy and provide much-needed aid in education, police, small business support, job creation, healthcare, rebuilding our infrastructure from Hurricane Sandy, affordable housing, tax relief for New York’s working families and other public services.

Top priority in 2014? Addressing the affordable housing crisis gripping the City of New York.

Policy focus? Social Services, labor and housing.

Policy focus? Local job creation, public safety, public transportation, quality education, equality, women’s rights, immigrant rights, labor rights, veterans’ rights, affordable healthcare and housing.

Elected: 2007

KENNETH ZEBROWSKI

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Democrat District #: 96th AD

Twitter: @kenzebrowski_ny

Committees: Administrative Regulation Review Commission (Chair); Codes; Judiciary; Environmental Conservation; Labor; Governmental Employees; Libraries and Education Technology Area represented: Clarkstown, Haverstraw, parts of Ramapo

Best bill the Legislature passed in 2013? I believe the hepatitis C testing law I authored will have an immense impact on the lives of New Yorkers (Chapter 425 of 2013).

Top priority in 2014? Education must be at the top of our agenda. Parents, teachers and administrators are extremely concerned about education issues such as the Common Core, increased testing and student privacy.

Policy focus? My policy interests evolve based upon the concerns of my constituents and the challenges faced by our state and local communities.

OPEN SEATS

Although there are 213 seats in the Legislature (63 in the Senate, 150 in the Assembly), nine of them are currently vacant. Governor Cuomo has indicated that he is in no rush to call special elections to fill them, so they may very well remain open until November. These are the districts currently going without representation, and why: SENATE DISTRICT #8

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #54

Area encompassed: Parts of Nassau and Suffolk counties, including Wantagh, Merrick, Bellmore, Massapequa Park, Freeport, Roosevelt, Seaford, Amityville, and Copiague, as well as parts of Massapequa, Farmingdale, Baldwin, Lindenhurst, West Babylon, Wheatley Heights and Wyandanch

Area encompassed: Parts of Brooklyn, including Bushwick, East New York, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Cypress Hills and City Line

city & state — January 8, 2014

Last Incumbent: Charles Fuschillo (R) Reason for vacancy: Fuschillo resigned on January 1 to become chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

SENATE DISTRICT #20 Area encompassed: Parts of Brooklyn, including Boro Park, Crown Heights, Flatbush, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Sunset Park and Windsor Terrace Last incumbent: Eric Adams (D) Reason for vacancy: Adams was elected Brooklyn borough president.

Last incumbent: Rafael Espinal (D)

Last incumbent: Inez Barron (D) Reason for vacancy: Barron was elected to the New York City Council.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #77

Reason for vacancy: Espinal was elected to the New York City Council.

Area encompassed: Parts of the Bronx, including Concourse, Highbridge and Morris Heights

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #59

Last incumbent: Vanessa Gibson (D)

Area encompassed: Parts of Brooklyn, including Marine Park, Bergen Beach, Gerritsen Beach, Mill Basin, Flatlands and sections of Canarsie

Reason for vacancy: Gibson was elected to the New York City Council.

Last incumbent: Alan Maisel (D) Reason for vacancy: Maisel was elected to the New York City Council.

Area encompassed: Orange County: Deerpark, Greenville, Minisink, Monroe, Tuxedo, Warwick, and the City of Port Jervis; Rockland County: Ramapo

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #60

Last incumbent: Annie Rabbitt (R)

Area encompassed: Parts of Brooklyn, including East New York, Starrett City and Canarsie

Reason for vacancy: Rabbitt was elected Orange County clerk.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #98

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #113 Area encompassed: Saratoga County: Moreau, Wilton, Northumberland, Saratoga, Stillwater, Malta and Saratoga Springs; Washington County: Hartford, Kingsbury, Fort Edward, Argyle, Greenwich, Salem, Jackson and Easton Last incumbent: Tony Jordon (R) Reason for vacancy: Jordon was elected Washington County district attorney.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #134 Area encompassed: Monroe County, including Greece, Ogden and Parma Last incumbent: Bill Reilich (R) Reason for vacancy: Reilich was elected Greece town supervisor.

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IT’S TIME TO GET IT RIGHT Parents and educators agree: The State Education Department’s rushed implementation of the Common Core state standards has undercut the credibility of those standards and jeopardized their potential.

Now is the time for a three-year moratorium on the use of assessments for high-stakes consequences for students and teachers, giving the state the time it needs to “get it right.”

SED must:

n engage and listen to parents; n act now to provide teachers the tools and support they need; n develop grade-level appropriate curriculum aligned with classroom practice; n respect teachers’ professional judgment; n provide transparency in the state’s assessment program by releasing all the test questions; n postpone using Common Core Regents exams as a graduation requirement; and n advocate for the state funding needed to ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve the new standards.

Failure to help students, teachers and schools is not an option.

Richard C. Iannuzzi, President Andrew Pallotta, Executive Vice President Maria Neira, Vice President Kathleen M. Donahue, Vice President Lee Cutler, Secretary-Treasurer

Representing more than 600,000 professionals in education and health care.

800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110-2455 n 518-213-6000 / 800-342-9810 www.nysut.org n Affiliated with AFT / NEA / AFL-CIO

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