THIS WEEK IN ALBANY

Assembly and Senate Budget Proposals Due

The State Senate and Assembly are expected to introduce one-house budget proposals next week. Each chamber will debate the proposals and joint conference committees will begin shortly after to attempt to work out differences.



photo:  Bess Watts

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has stated that the Assembly Democrats will include an income tax surcharge on millionaires in their one house budget bill. Governor Cuomo and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos have insisted that they do not want to impose any new taxes. However, Senator John Bonacic (R-Hudson Valley) has said that he now supports an income tax surcharge for people making over $1 million.

The pressure being placed on Senators is working. One Republican senator has flipped on this issue and others will too, but only if you continue to call and write.

Call your senator today at 1 (877) 823-4343 and ask them to include an income tax surcharge on millionaires in the budget to protect jobs and vital public services.

State Senator and Assemblyman Charged With Bribery

On Thursday, State Senator Carl Kruger (D-Brooklyn) surrendered to prosecutors after a federal investigation unveiled his involvement in an extensive bribery racket. Kruger and seven others, including Assemblyman William F. Boyland, Jr. (D-Brooklyn), have been charged with taking over $1 million in bribes in return for political favors. At this point, neither Kruger nor Boyland have resigned.

Attacks Continue in Wisconsin

photo:  Bess Watts

The Wisconsin State Senate, using an anti-democratic procedural move, voted to strip nearly all public employees in Wisconsin of collective bargaining rights. The bill has since been passed by the Assembly and is awaiting the signature of Governor Walker.

CSEA President Danny Donohue issued a statement saying in part, “Let this be a call to action to the American middle class not to take any of our rights for granted. Let us all stand strong and make our voices heard."

You can read the full statement on the CSEA website.