Legislative Update:
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There was some question as to whether anyone would be at the
Capitol today since several friends told me that all State offices would be
closed due to the Ford Funeral. However, I had only heard that Federal
offices would be closed and since our new Governor's inauguration speech
called for getting right down to the business of change, I decided to stick
with my original plan and be there. It turned out to be the right choice. The
first day of the new session is kind of like going back to school in
September after being away from your friends all Summer. Not all legislators
were in their offices, but most staff were and I received a warm welcome and
Holiday Wishes from the people I managed to see.
First priority was to visit the sponsors of the helmet
bill since it needs to be re-introduced this session. Both Senator Nozzolio's
and Assemblyman Parment's staff were in their offices and each agreed to
sponsor the bill again this time around. I was not able to touch base with
Assemblywoman Lupardo as her office was closed, but her bill is still good
for this session, so there's no urgency there. I will call her Wed or Thu for
an appointment.
Our good friend, Judi DeMarco, who has worked hard for us
in Senator Robach's office, informed me that she is leaving to work for the
new Attorney General and introduced me to Tim, her replacement, who assured
me that he will continue to extend Judi's open-door policy to us. I was able
to arrange to get weekly updates on all Assembly bills as they are
introduced. I don't yet know if this will get us information any sooner, but
it will help track any new developments and re-introductions of expired
bills.
The new Senate and Assembly directories are not yet
available, but I got rough copies of personnel changes in both houses and
will make these Freshman Legislators my first meetings in the coming weeks to
acquaint them with ABATE and our
issues. I was not able to track down any of these new folks today due to the
shuffling of offices that always takes place after elections. However, I
should be able to reach them by phone by the end of the week and will make
appointments as they become available. Everyone seems to be excited and
enthused about changes and improvements promised by our new Governor, so
hopefully we'll see a different atmosphere at the Capitol. Senator Bruno has
already been asked to step down by
another Republican Senator. When the initial days of the new regime
stabilize, we will attempt to introduce ourselves to Governor Spitzer.
At our last Board Meeting we discussed the possibility of
putting an ad in the Legislative Gazette which is the weekly in-house
newspaper read by all legislators. My last stop today was at the Gazette
Office where I went over rates and terms and was pleased to learn that this
is definitely within our means and I will bring the information to the Board
at the Seminar. Throughout the day, I had also had a number of informal
hallway encounters, which can be as productive as scheduled meetings and I
came away with a sense of accomplishment for opening day and the beginning of
a game plan for this session. As in past years, I will be in