Sample State Legislators - by Targeted News Service

LEGISLATURE PASSES BILL ADDRESSING LAKE OKEECHOBEE PROTECTION PLAN

Copyright © HT Media Ltd. 2005

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., April 14 -- Florida State Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales (17th District), issued the following news release:

Legislation sponsored by Sen. JD Alexander (R-Lake Wales), which addresses the need for the implementation of the Lake Okeechobee Protection Plan, passed the Senate unanimously today in the form of House Bill 155. The bill, which was substituted for Senator Alexander's Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 502, will now go to the Governor for his signature. The Lake Okeechobee Protection Plan was originally created by the Legislature in 2000 in response to a report which identified both watershed and internal phosphorus loading as major issues affecting the lake which, at 730 square miles, is the second largest freshwater lake in the continental United States.

HB 155 establishes the Legislature's intent to implement the plan by declaring that, in order to achieve the goals and objectives of the Lake Okeechobee Protection Program and to effectively implement the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Phosphorus Control Program, the Lake Okeechobee Protection Plan must be implemented expeditiously. The bill also establishes that a continuous funding source is necessary in order to effectively implement a phosphorus control program, and iterates that the Legislature intends to provide such funding for the purpose of implementing the Lake Okeechobee Protection Plan and achieving phosphorus load reductions.

"In 2001, a goal was set to achieve, by the year 2015, a total daily maximum load of 140 metric tons of phosphorus for Lake Okeechobee," explained Senator Alexander. "Over the past five years, the average measured load was 528 metric tons, and last year it was actually higher than that five-year average at 549 metric tons. Obviously, we have a ways to go."

Additionally, the bill requires that the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the South Florida Water Management District be jointly responsible for the implementation of the plan as well as the annual establishment of funding priorities for programs and projects in the plan. The legislation also states that the agencies must assign the highest priority to programs and projects that address sources having the highest contribution of phosphorus and the greatest potential for phosphorus reduction.

"The Lake Okeechobee Protection Plan was established to address a critical threat to the viability of an important source of fresh water for our state. The lake provides both drinking water and agricultural water and has recreational as well as environmental significance. It is time that we put the good intentions of this plan to work," concluded Senator Alexander.

SEN. LYNN PASSES LEGISLATION TO PROMOTE EXPEDITIOUS TRIALS

Copyright © HT Media Ltd. 2005

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., May 6 -- Florida State Sen. Evelyn J. Lynn, R-Ormond Beach (7th District), issued the following news release:

This week, legislation sponsored by Sen. Evelyn Lynn (R-Ormond Beach), implementing provisions to expedite the trial court process, passed the Florida Senate in the form of House Bill 285.

Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 214 provides that the state attorney may file a demand for speedy trial if a certain period of time has elapsed since the defendant was charged with a criminal offense and arrested. Upon the filing of a demand for speedy trial, the judge is required to schedule a calendar call within 5 days at which time the judge must schedule the trial to commence no sooner than 5 days or later than 45 days following the date of the calendar call.

The bill allows the judge to postpone the trial date under specific circumstances. The legislation also allows judicial discretion to the court to grant a continuance when necessary to prevent a defendant from being deprived of his or her right to due process.

"Senate Bill 214 will ensure that the victims of crime in Florida will be granted their constitutional right to a speedy trial," remarked Senator Lynn. "In addition, this legislation saves money for counties across our great state by reducing the time and cost of retaining prisoners awaiting trial."

The legislation will be sent next to Governor Bush for his signature.

STATE SEN. LAWSON TO DMS CHIEF SIMON: PULL PLUG ON CONVERGYS' PEOPLE FIRST OR REIMBURSE EMPLOYEES FOR THEIR LOSSES

Copyright © HT Media Ltd. 2005

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Jan. 7 -- Florida State Sen. Alfred Lawson Jr., D-Tallahassee (6th District), issued the following news release:

Outraged by a bombardment of complaints on Convergys' growing personnel errors, state Sen. Al Lawson (D-Tallahassee) on Thursday demanded the state pull the plug on the controversial People First contract or immediately reimburse employees for their losses.

"These mistakes are not one-time occurrences quickly remedied but repeated errors experienced by a number of employees and retirees from various state agencies. It is unacceptable that workers and their families are left without insurance coverage," wrote the senator. "
I demand that you advise us forthwith of your plan to drop the contract with Convergy or a series of remedies that will not only make people whole for any losses but restore a measure of confidence in our state's personnel/benefits system."

The letter by Lawson was sent on Thursday to William Simon, head of the Department of Management Services, which is overseeing the Convergys contract.

Late last month, Secretary Simon rejected a call by Senate Democratic Leader Les Miller (D-Tampa) to similarly end the Convergys agreement. Simon dismissed the troubles plaguing the People First program as "implementation issues" and blamed the negative perception of the project on the press.

In his letter to Simon, however, Senator Lawson outlined a growing roster of first-hand complaints from his constituents including improper time keeping, double deductions and delays in overtime pay.

"From the very outset Convergys has been unable to perform in accordance with acceptable accounting practices, responsiveness and contractual time frames," Lawson wrote to Simon. "You, sir, have extended every excuse and hope that could possibly be expected from someone who would wish to ignore the facts in the hopes the problems will miraculously go away."

ASSEMBLYMAN REILICH ISSUES STATEMENT FROM REGARDING LT. GOV. MARY DONAHUE'S VISIT TO ROCHESTER TO ADVOCATE FOR CIVIL CONFINEMENT

Copyright © HT Media Ltd. 2005

ALBANY, N.Y., Nov. 22 -- Assemblyman Bill Reilich, R-Greece (134th District), issued the following statetment:

STATEMENT FROM ASSEMBLYMAN BILL REILICH REGARDING LT. GOV. MARY DONAHUE'S VISIT TO ROCHESTER TO ADVOCATE FOR CIVIL CONFINEMENT

Assemblyman Bill Reilich (R,C,I-Greece) said, "For too long, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and activist judges have put up roadblocks to protecting our children from sexual predators. Civil confinement has passed the litmus test of our nation's Supreme Court. So why is Speaker Silver continuing to drag his feet on passing this important public safety legislation? Only Speaker Silver knows the answer to this question.

"I applaud Gov. Pataki's efforts to keep dangerous sexual predators behind bars, and I thank Lt. Gov. Mary Donahue for traveling to our community to show her support for passage of a civil confinement law in our state. I'm hopeful that if concerned citizens and lawmakers continue to put pressure on Speaker Silver, we can enact this important law and prevent more innocent people from having their lives torn apart by the lewd and despicable acts of sex offenders."

ASSEMBLYMAN ORTIZ PROPOSES BILL TO REQUIRE THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT VEHICLES BE EQUIPPED WITH DEFIBRILLATOR

Copyright © HT Media Ltd. 2005

ALBANY, N.Y., Nov. 16 -- Assemblyman Felix W. Ortiz, D-Sunset Park (51st District), issued the following press release:

Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, (Brooklyn), is urging his fellow elected officials to equip law enforcement vehicles to save lives. Ortiz has introduced legislation that would require that law enforcement vehicles be equipped with automated external defibrillators and to require that those driving the vehicles be trained in the operation of this life saving device.

"One of my constituents contacted me with her story of how her brother, a state trooper for 33 years, died from a heart attack after struggling with his arrestee. He called for backup during this incident, and if the officer who came to his aid had a vehicle equipped with a defibrillator, her brother would have been 50 percent more likely to survive. It is a travesty that we can provide defibrillators in schools, gyms and other public venues, but not in the vehicles of the men and women who work each day to protect our lives," said Ortiz. "I think everyone will be able to agree that we owe our dedicated troopers at least this," Ortiz continued.

Not only would these defibrillators help to save lives of the police officers who may suffer from sudden cardiac arrest due to stress in the line of duty, but it will also help to save the countless victims that they aid. Communities have greater numbers of law enforcement officers than emergency medical service personnel and these law enforcement officers are frequently the first on the scene in an emergency medical situation," Ortiz stated. "By placing these devices in law enforcement vehicles, we will be giving countless victims of sudden cardiac arrest a greater chance of survival".

"I expect that my fellow elected officials will recognize the need for this bill to pass. As a public servant, it is my duty to ensure that my fellow New Yorkers are given the best medical attention available. My bill to place defibrillators in emergency vehicles is an important step in guaranteeing this," concluded Ortiz.

ASSEMBLYMAN McDONOUGH: LEGISLATIVE SURVEY - PLANNING FOR 2006 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Copyright © HT Media Ltd. 2005

ALBANY, N.Y., Nov. 9 -- Assemblyman David G. McDonough, R-Merrick (19th District), issued the following newsletter:

Dear Friend:

The Assembly minority conference offers a legislative agenda each January that includes a comprehensive set of proposals designed to make our state a better place to live, work, learn and grow.

The Long Island members want to present an adaptation of that plan dealing specifically with issues affecting Long Islanders. We are privileged to live in a special and unique place, but with that honor comes unique problems that require innovative solutions. Any legislative action plan for Long Island's future must address the particular needs of our communities in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Long Island legislative proposals would address issues such as bolstering our economy, enhancing our quality of life, improving our schools and making our communities safer. To accomplish this, I'm asking you to take the time to complete the enclosed survey. Your input will be helpful in developing strong legislative initiatives that would address the unique concerns of residents in the 19th Assembly District.

Thank you,

David G. McDonough
Member of Assembly

ASSEMBLYMAN MCDONOUGH LEGISLATIVE SURVEY

EDUCATION

Recent problems in Long Island school districts highlighted the need for the recently enacted School District Fiscal Accountability Act this year. This law requires an audit function within individual school districts; mandates financial oversight, accountability and fiduciary responsibility training for trustees, members or voting members of boards of education; and external and internal annual audits. Should school district audits, expenditure reports, budgets and meeting minutes be made available to the public in a timely manner?

Person #1 Yes No No opinion
Person #2 Yes No No opinion

If voters reject a school district budget, should the board of education be allowed to resubmit its budget to voters for a second vote?

Person #1 Yes No No opinion
Person #2 Yes No No opinion

If voters reject a school district budget, should the district still be allowed to increase its tax levy to cover expenses related to the rate of inflation?

Person #1 Yes No No opinion
Person #2 Yes No No opinion

Should school board members be held more accountable for excessive school district budgets that would increase taxpayer responsibility?

Person #1 Yes No No opinion
Person #2 Yes No No opinion

State aid for education in 2005-06 was $16.2 billion, including $6.1 billion for New York City schools. The Campaign for Fiscal Equity successfully argued in court that New York City schools are inadequately funded. Should Long Island and upstate taxpayers be forced to bear the majority of the tax burden of providing an additional $23 billion over the next five years for New York City schools?

Person #1 Yes No No opinion
Person #2 Yes No No opinion

HOUSING

Working families and young professionals are leaving Long Island in search of affordable housing. Do you support the Long Island Workforce Housing Incentive Program that would require local governments set aside 10 percent of newly constructed subdivisions as affordable housing for working families?

Person #1 Yes No No opinion
Person #2 Yes No No opinion

SAFER COMMUNITIES AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Do you support civil confinement, a policy of keeping the most dangerous of convicted sex offenders (who have served their prison sentences) confined to mental-health facilities if they are deemed a threat to offend when released?

Person #1 Yes No No opinion
Person #2 Yes No No opinion

Should the state's Sex Offender Registry (www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us or toll-free (800) 262-3257) require stricter compliance for photo updates, address changes and inclusion of all levels of sex offenders?

Person #1 Yes No No opinion
Person #2 Yes No No opinion

Unlicensed and uninsured drivers are growing concerns on Long Island roads. Would you favor increased fines, loss of driving privileges, seizure of motor vehicles and jail for repeat offenders?

Person #1 Yes No No opinion
Person #2 Yes No No opinion

The state Court of Appeals ruled the state's death penalty unconstitutional. Do you support reinstatement of the death penalty as a form of criminal punishment?

Person #1 Yes No No opinion
Person #2 Yes No No opinion

The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and FPL Energy have proposed building an energy-producing wind farm four miles south of Jones Beach that would provide clean, efficient and affordable energy for Long Island residents. Are you in favor of LIPA and FPL Energy building the offshore wind farm?

Person #1 Yes No No opinion
Person #2 Yes No No opinion

JOBS

New York created 72 Empire Zones statewide to promote job creation and community development. Nassau County is set to designate its first zone. Companies that create new jobs and locate in these zones enjoy tax credits and other benefits. Should the state continue to support the Empire Zones program?

Person #1 Yes No No opinion
Person #2 Yes No No opinion

The high cost of doing business on Long Island is the main reason many small businesses fail. Should the state provide a lower tax rate for small businesses with 10 or fewer employees?

Person #1 Yes No No opinion
Person #2 Yes No No opinion

OPTIONAL QUESTIONS

Respondent #1 Male Female Age: 18-34 35-54 55+
Respondent #2 Male Female Age: 18-34 35-54 55+

I am currently creating an e-mail database for the 19th Assembly District. If you would like to receive periodic e-mails on such topics as legislative issues, pending legislation or press releases, please provide your e-mail address in the space provided below.

E-mail:

Additional comments:

Mail back to Assemblyman McDonough

Contact Assemblyman McDonough:

533 Legislative Office Building Albany, NY 12248
(518) 455-4633

3000 Hempstead Turnpike, Suite 110 Levittown, NY 11756
(516) 731-8830

mcdonod@assembly.state.ny.us