The Assembly and Senate agreed on a way to complete the state budget. I had fundamental disagreements with parts of the plan and voted “no” on items that would hurt the Southern Tier, such as the sales tax on clothing and the increase in cigarette taxes. The Assembly completed its work last night, but the Senate left town without voting on the final revenue bill. I am urging the Senate to return to Albany so they can finish their work. And if additional negotiations are required, I would urge all parties to do so swiftly.
Assembly & Senate pass bill co-sponsored by Lupardo to legalize crossbow hunting in New York State
Yesterday, the state Senate passed a bill (A.924-E/S.6793-B) co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) to legalize crossbow hunting in New York State. The legislation was passed by the Assembly on June 29th and will now be delivered to Governor Paterson later this summer for his consideration.
Caution, patience needed now in drilling issue – Give state a chance to finish revising regulations
I represent landowners, people who belong to environmental organizations and community residents who are concerned about the prospect of gas drilling in the Southern Tier. I’ve spent a great deal of time studying the issue, listening to people’s views and seeing firsthand how gas drilling is being done in other places.
I want to make my own position on this issue clear: I support safe drilling. But I want to stress in the strongest possible terms that I take the word “safe” very, very seriously.
Lupardo announces $147,000 in funding restored to Gateway Information Center
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) announced today that the transportation budget (A.9705-D/S.6605-C) passed by both the Assembly (82-51) and state Senate (32-29) will restore funding to the Gateway Information Center, allowing it to remain open and contribute to the state’s tourism industry. Lupardo voted for the bill.
Lupardo critical of “Education Reform Now” mailing
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) was critical today of a mailing recently sent out in her Assembly District without her consent. Education Reform Now, a coalition of pro-charter school groups based in Brooklyn, sent the mailer throughout her district praising her vote in favor of lifting the cap on charter schools and other education reforms.
“I don’t appreciate any special interest group using me to push their agenda without approaching me first,” said Lupardo, who’s husband received the mailer at home today. “While I’m sure many will simply discard this as junk mail, my office has already received phone calls from constituents who were confused and upset – thinking this mailing was sent by me.”