A statement from Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo (R,C-New Suffolk)
(Long Island, NY) “A very ambitious agenda was set in the Assembly for the 2016 Legislative session, but it unfortunately lacked details on how we’re going to combat corruption in Albany.
“Assembly Democrats cannot stall on this issue any longer, especially after refusing to pass an agreed upon pension forfeiture bill during last year’s session. We have a chance to make serious changes this year and begin to earn back the public’s trust. As a former prosecutor, I take this issue very seriously and believe corrupt politicians who are convicted of a felony do not deserve a taxpayer-funded pension.”
“Raising the state’s minimum wage will also be a contentious issue in 2016. New York needs a fair and livable minimum wage, but I’m concerned with a $15 minimum wage and the negative impacts it will have on small businesses and middle-class families.
“The Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA), supported by Assembly Democrats since 2010, will be frequently discussed in the Assembly Chamber. The GEA has reduced state aid to school districts which resulted in massive cuts. While Assembly Democrats promised to eliminate the GEA last year, they have not and public school districts had to continue to pay the price. This year, we need to eliminate the GEA so our state’s public school districts can provide more extracurricular activities and resources to deliver students a better learning environment.”
