STATEMENT FROM NYS SENATOR JOSEPH P. ADDABBO, JR.
ON ANNOUNCEMENT OF ETHICS REFORM AGREEMENT
June 8, 2011
NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. released the following statement on the agreement reached between Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the NYS Legislature on ethics reform:
"Yesterday's agreement on ethics reform is the right answer to public outcries for immediate action. We have given New Yorkers a reason to once again believe that their government is responsible and is accountable to them."
"Governmental ethics reform has been on my radar since my City Council days starting in 2001, serving on its Government Operations Committee. Aside from pledges and promises, if we are to move this state government in the direction of improved ethics and credibility, then ethics and campaign finance reform are required ingredients to that end.”
"We've got more work to do, but now with stronger disclosure requirements, an independent oversight commission, greater transparency for those doing business with the state by ending 'pay to play', and tougher deterrents for public corruption, such as no pension awards, we've overcome the past blockages in Albany to ensure that the people come first with state government."
ADDABBO CO-SPONSORS BILL INCREASING PENALTIES FOR ANIMAL FIGHTING; VOTES IN FAVOR OF HUMANE ANIMAL BILLS
June 7, 2011
NYS Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr., (D-Queens) announced the passing of animal rights legislation in the Senate as part of the 1st annual New York State Animal Advocacy Day on June 1. Among the passed bills were S.946, S.3317 and S.3237, which was co-sponsored by Senator Addabbo. The bill was in relation to increasing the penalties for those convicted of violating the prohibition of animal fighting. Passing this day, with Senator Addabbo’s support, were the inclusion of theft of dogs and cats within the crime of grand larceny in the fourth degree (S.946), along with the establishment of a toll-free hotline where individuals can report instances of animal fighting (S.3317).
Senator Addabbo praised the passing of these three bills, noting animal fighting is a distasteful sport and an unfortunate avenue some seek to capitalize financially in today’s economic climate. “For far too long, animal fighting has been, and remains, a serious problem that affects communities throughout the nation. Today, I proudly stand in support of these bills to eliminate this disturbing sport and to bring peace and comfort to all animals unfairly subjected to this harsh reality,” said Addabbo. “Animals used for animal fighting are specifically bred, conditioned and trained to fight, and have been known to sustain severe injuries often resulting in unfortunate deaths,” explained the Senator.
S.3237 co-sponsored by Senator Addabbo makes it a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a period up to one year, and a fine of up to $1,000, for the knowing presence as a spectator at a place where an exhibition of animal fighting is being conducted. S.946 classifies stolen pets as a class E felony, and equates such charge to such current conditions as stolen credit cards, or stolen religious materials. S.3317 makes it easier for authorities to receive information on illegal animal fighting activity. “These measures passed by the Senate will allow New York to strengthen our outdated dog-fighting laws,” said Addabbo in relation to his decision to support all measures.
Currently, all three bills await passage in the Assembly before the Governor can act on each measure. “It is my hope and belief that New York will get serious in protecting the interests of our four-legged friends,” concluded Addabbo.
ADDABBO: LET’S MINIMIZE ELDER ABUSE BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE
Bill Passes Senate; Mandates Domestic Violence Prevention Programs in Senior Centers
June 6, 2011
NYS Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr., (D-Queens) a member of the Senate’s Committee on the Aging, announced a measure that recently passed the Senate with unanimous support. Bill S.4235, if enacted into law, would direct the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence to develop domestic violence prevention programs for utilization by senior centers throughout the state. The bill would amend the executive law to incorporate this new vital requirement for senior citizens.
Senator Addabbo praised the intent of the bill and called on the Assembly to take further action on moving the bill. “It is important to remain both mindful and aware of the occurrences of domestic violence among seniors. A well informed and educated senior versed on prevention methods can save such an older adult’s life and reduce the risk of tragedy.” Addabbo pointed to senior centers as gathering places for many seniors in the community, and felt it was a logical place for domestic violence prevention programs to be offered.
Although domestic violence prevention programs are in existence, few if any meet the needs of our older adults. “Far too often, seniors are reluctant to seek help when it comes to sensitive issues. Establishing and promoting domestic violence prevention programs at senior centers is ideal,” stated Addabbo.
Should the legislation advance and pass the Assembly, the Governor will have 10 days to deliberate if the bill should become law. If the bill is enacted, it takes effect immediately.
Addabbo concluded, “I am hopeful this bill will reduce the growing problem of elder abuse in New York and improve the protection of seniors against domestic violence abusers.”
ADDABBO LEGISLATION WOULD MAKE USING A GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY TO HARASS INDIVIDUALS A CRIME
June 6, 2011
NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) announced the bipartisan passage of one of his pieces of legislation in the Senate (S1242), which will define the use of a governmental agency to harass another individual to fall within the crime of aggravated harassment in the second degree.
Addabbo praised his bill’s passing in the Senate, noting that he got the idea for the bill from constituents who complained to him about being harassed, without reason, by their neighbors. The bill passed the Senate unanimously (54-0) and a vote is pending in the Assembly.
“Neighbors and other members of a surrounding community should not have to live with fear of being inundated with unwarranted harassing messages and visits from governmental agencies and inspectors,” said Addabbo. “This legislation reduces the threat of enlisting governmental agencies to seek and rectify false claims by holding those individuals liable who target others with intent to threaten and alarm.” The Senator also mentioned that while both the city and state are facing tough economic times, neither can afford to waste money and resources on false accusations.
Examples of harassment can comprise a neighbor calling a city or state departmental agency on another individual to justify a false claim against that individual, to the placement of false complaints regarding illegal dumping of resources into a neighboring reservoir. A person is found guilty of aggravated harassment in the second degree when that individual harasses, annoys, threatens or alarms another through physical or verbal means. Said Addabbo,
“Each unfounded claim becomes a waste of taxpayer time and money, for an inspector must invest time and effort to investigate the false claim.”
Addabbo concluded, “Should this bill become law, I plan on working with the appropriate agencies to ensure individuals are no longer subjected to misconceived threats.”
STATEMENT BY NYS SENATOR JOSEPH P. ADDABBO, JR. ON TODAY’S OPENING OF RESORTS WORLD NEW YORK JOB CENTER
June 6, 2011
NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens), released the following statement on today’s opening of the Resorts World New York Job Center:
I appreciate the professional efforts of Genting New York and the fulfillment of another promise made to the community with the opening of a Job Center at the site of the Aqueduct Racino, Resorts World New York. While I believe that the demand for jobs citywide greatly exceeds the supply of job opportunities, I am grateful for Genting’s emphasis on local hiring. Through the opening of the onsite job center and its Web site, http://www.rwnewyork.com, Genting has provided qualified residents with the means of applying for employment at Resorts World New York. I look forward to meeting with Genting monthly to address various issues in addition to jobs, which include public safety and traffic patterns, and always respect their commitment to adhering to the concerns of my constituents.
