Bill to honor members of the “Silent Service” now heads to the Governor’s desk for review

Assemblyman Jim Tedisco (R,C,I-Glenville) today announced that the state Assembly passed legislation he sponsored to designate Route 9 throughout Saratoga County as “United States Submarine Veterans Memorial Highway—Saratoga County.”

The bill (A.8657C/S.6497B) which Tedisco sponsored, has already passed the Senate and will now be sent to the Governor for his review and approval or veto.

Route 9 in Saratoga County was chosen as U.S.  Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway—Saratoga County because of the area’s rich heritage and dense Naval presence in the Capital/Saratoga Region. The Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit in Milton, Knolls Atomic Power Labs in Niskayuna, and the Naval Support Units in both Glenville and Saratoga, along with New York’s Submarine Veterans group are all close by.  Over the years, 57,000 students and staff, including former President Jimmy Carter, have gone through the Nuclear Power training program in Milton and many have returned to make their home in this area. 

Tedisco, Boyle & Serino Hold 6^th Annual NYS Animal Advocacy Day to Call for “Kirby & Quigley’s Law,” Statewide Animal Abuser Registry, Other Laws to Protect Pets & People   

Special event in Albany brings together lawmakers, law enforcement and hundreds of pet owners and animal advocates to speak-up for our four-legged friends

Assemblyman Jim Tedisco (R,C,I-Glenville), Senator Phil Boyle (R,C,I-Suffolk County) and Senator Sue Serino (R,C,I-Hyde Park) today joined with their legislative colleagues, law enforcement and hundreds of pet owners and animal advocates to hold the 6^th Annual NYS Animal Advocacy Day at an event in Albany emceed by Steve Caporizzo from Pet Connection.

“We have an obligation as a government to protect all members of our family, including those who have no voice. Unfortunately, there are some individuals who fail to see the value of our companion animals, resulting in animal abuse, cruelty and neglect, which occur far too often. Animal cruelty is a bridge crime on the FBI criminal profile and those who are so dastardly as to harm our pets can and often do go on to hurt people. Animal Advocacy Day matters because it’s about more than just protecting our four-legged friends, it’s about keeping people safe.  Just as important as strengthening our laws, Animal Advocacy Day aims to educate the public and law enforcement about the value of our companion animals and the importance of enforcing existing laws,” said Tedisco, Assembly Chair of Animal Advocacy Day.

“The safety of our animals is a responsibility in which we all need to share”, said Boyle, Senate Co-Chair of Animal Advocacy Day.  “I take great pride in the quality of the bi-partisan legislation that we introduce each year – 2016 is no different.  Every bill speaks volumes on how important it is that we systematically enact laws that not only protect our pets but, ultimately, punish those that wish to do them harm.  I would like to thank all of the pet owners, groups and organizations that travel to Albany each year in support of Animal Advocacy Day. It is because of your support that we are able to determine the appropriate legislation that makes the greatest difference in keeping our animals safe.” 

49^th Senate District candidate scores major grassroots endorsements of Saratoga, Schenectady & Hamilton County GOP Committees; wins pivotal statewide Independence Party line

            Jim Tedisco has got the big ‘mo as grassroots momentum continues to build with support from people who want to see the Assemblyman become the next New York State Senator for the 49^th Senate District.

            Last night, the Saratoga County Republican Committee unanimously endorsed Tedisco for the open senate seat.  Republicans in Saratoga County join the Schenectady County and Hamilton County Republican Committees to endorse Tedisco, of Glenville, to be a strong and independent voice in the Senate. 

The Independence Party of New York State also has endorsed Tedisco to run on their ballot line, which has proven to be important to many election victories. 

Outspoken Assemblyman who was driving force behind Buster’s Law, Proposition 2 to go digital at Capitol, Tax Cap and who has repeatedly got in the face of state’s most powerful leaders when Upstate was threatened, to run to succeed Senator Hugh Farley in State Senate; promises to be a fighter for Upstate taxpayers

It’s official:  Assemblyman Jim Tedisco (R,C,I-Glenville) is running to be the next State Senator for the 49^th State Senate District which is currently held by Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C,I-Niskayuna), who announced last week that he will not seek another term.

“I want to again thank Senator Hugh Farley for his distinguished career in public service and for everything he has done to make the Capital Region and Upstate a better place. I am honored to have his strong support as I announce my candidacy to serve the residents of the 49^th state Senate District as its next State Senator.  I might be expanding the district I represent but I won’t be changing who I am and the important advocacy I do fighting for my constituents and Upstate taxpayers. I’m still going to be the same Jim Tedisco -- as independent and outspoken as ever in standing up and telling it like it is when it comes to reforming Albany and improving the quality of life for New Yorkers,” said Tedisco.

“I’ve always believed that leadership should be based on the quality, content, and character of one’s ideas and ability to communicate them. Outnumbered over two to one by Democrats in the Assembly, I know that time after time, with the support of my constituents, I’ve successfully been able to, as the Associated Press wrote, ‘break through with ideas that affect New Yorkers.’ I’m proud to be an original author of the Tax Cap and helped get that passed and was the driving force behind passage of the landmark Buster's Law making animal cruelty against pets a felony. The FBI recognizes that those who abuse animals go on to hurt humans.  In 2014, I sponsored, promoted and helped pass with 77 percent of the vote statewide Proposition 2, a constitutional amendment to save millions of tax dollars by stopping the wasteful printing of paper copies of legislation and allow digital copies to suffice on legislators' desks at the Capitol,” said Tedisco.

“When it comes to fighting corruption and standing up to the powerful leaders in Albany, anyone can hide behind a press release and beat their chests with tough talk. I have a proven track record of not being afraid to stand up to and literally get in the faces of some of Albany's most powerful leaders, such as Eliot Spitzer and Sheldon Silver, when Upstate's quality of life has been threatened,” said Tedisco. 

Lawmakers, animal advocates seek Buster’s Law felony, punishable with 2 years in jail for harming pets during commission of another felony; Announce they will hold NYS Animal Advocacy Day on June 7 in Well of LOB in Albany

Assemblyman Jim Tedisco (R,C,I-Glenville), Senator Phil Boyle (R,C,I-Suffolk County) and Senator George Amedore (R,C,I-Rotterdam) today joined with family members of two murdered dogs and animal advocates to call on the Assembly to bring “Kirby & Quigley’s Law” to the Floor of the New York State Assembly for a debate and up or down vote.

“Kirby & Quigley’s Law” was named for two Montgomery County dogs that were shot and killed during a burglary in February that is still an unsolved case. The bi-partisan bill (A.1596/S.2936) would make it a Buster’s Law felony punishable with 2 years in jail and a $5,000 fine for harming a companion animal during the commission of another felony.  This enhanced penalty ensures that perpetrators are charged with felony animal cruelty charges when they face other felonies, such as burglary, and would serve as a deterrent to make criminals think twice before executing an animal or face additional jail time. Tedisco, Boyle and Amedore renamed the measure “Kirby & Quigley’s Law” in the dogs’ memory with support from the Krohn family who don’t want what happened to their family to happen to anyone else.  There is a $12,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of any suspect(s).  If you have any information that can solve this case, please call the Montgomery County Sheriff at 518-853-5500.

This year, the FBI has moved animal cruelty to a top tier Group A offense in its crime reporting statistics due to it being a bridge crime, as animal abusers can, and often do, go on to harm people. 

“Senator Hugh Farley is not just my Senator but he’s my friend and he has been a good friend to the residents of the 49^th State Senate District.  He is truly an icon in the Capital Region who has served his constituents and the people of New York State with great honor and dignity.” 

“As the father of Hospice, Senator Farley has helped scores of New York families receive compassionate end of life care for their loved ones. In the Senate, he is affectionately known as ‘Mr. Libraries’ for being a leading advocate for supporting funding for libraries and ensuring that residents have access to a world of information to enrich their lives and he has been a champion of economic development efforts in his district.”

“It’s been an honor over the years to work with Senator Farley on several efforts including getting ‘Buster’s Law’ passed to protect our companion animals and implementing ‘Charlotte’s Law’ to keep serial drunk and dangerous drivers off our roads.”

“I congratulate Senator Farley for his outstanding service and send all my prayers for better health to his beloved wife Sharon and send my best wishes to their family.”

“I will be discussing my plans for the 49^th Senate District soon but today is about recognizing the good work and service of Senator Farley.”

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Assembly members call for new legislation to create a CHIPS-like state program for towns & cities to protect water, sewer, storm water infrastructure & save tax dollars

Assemblyman Jim Tedisco (R,C,I-Glenville), Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin (R,C,I-Schaghticoke) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) are joining with several local Capital Region officials in seeking a new state program to repair and maintain vital local drinking water, sewer, storm water management and gas line infrastructure to protect lives, secure the viability of roads and bridges aboveground and save tax dollars.

The Safe Water infrastructure Action Program (S.W.A.P.) is for drinking water, storm water, sanitary sewer and gas line infrastructure and is modeled on the popular and successful CHIPS program for local roads and bridges.  S.W.A.P. would provide annual funding to all municipalities in the state to allow them to identify and swap out old, deteriorating pipes, water mains and gas lines to better maintain the state’s infrastructure. The lawmakers are seeking inclusion of S.W.A.P. in the 2016-17 state budget and announced the introduction of separate companion legislation (A.9651) to create the program.

Much of the infrastructure under New York State is aging, and in some cases, dates back to the Civil War. In January, a century-old water main break in Troy caused a major disruption for the Collar City and a ripple-effect for several towns that purchase water from the city who were forced to declare states of emergency to conserve water. Several municipalities have expressed support for S.W.A.P. and passed local resolutions including Saratoga County, Troy and the towns of Clifton Park, Ballston, Glenville, Halfmoon, Malta, East Greenbush and Corinth. 

Assemblyman says Majority Rules Reform features a “Sudden Death” provision for reform bills; fails to disperse power among rank and file members to stop corruption in Legislature

Assemblyman Jim Tedisco (R,C,I-Glenville) today said the Assembly Majority’s new rules reforms that are expected to be voted on today really just tinkers around the margins with promises of a new website but do little in the way of promoting genuine reform to empower rank and file members.

“When you open the curtains and don’t raise the shades, all you have is lots of window dressing but you still haven’t let the sun shine in,” said Tedisco.  “We have a shiny new website that doesn’t shed any light into how discretionary funds are spent or who controls those funds nor does it illuminate a new path to changing the power dynamics in the chamber that has led to the abuse of power. Investigative reporter Bob Woodward has said that the worst thing we have to fear as Americans is secret government because in darkness, democracy dies.  Secret government continues to thrive in the New York State Assembly Chamber.”

Assemblyman says state Capitol is the “people’s house and not a castle for kings” as so-called “Majority Reform Caucus” fails to deliver real reform to empower rank and file members and stop corruption in the Legislature

Assemblyman Jim Tedisco (R,C,I-Glenville) today is calling the Assembly Majority’s new proposals to “promote transparency” a victory for the status quo and the unbridled power that has been given to the Speaker and leaders by the rank and file members of the Democratic Conference.

The Majority’s plan does not include any of the most important ingredients for reforming Albany and diminishing the power of legislative leaders to game the system and rule with an iron fist.  These include: pension forfeiture for convicted felon elected officials who betray their oath of office, term limits for leaders, truth in spending to bring sunlight to state spending in the shadows to end quid pro-quos, equal staffing and resources for members, and giving rank and file members the ability to bring legislation to the Floor for an up or down vote.

 “The one consistency about Albany is nothing changes when it comes to leaders voluntarily giving up any of their unbridled power to rule like kings,” said Tedisco.  “The rank and file members of the so-called Majority ‘Reform Caucus’ had an opportunity to rise up and disperse power back for their own constituents.  They chose to keep it the same as it ever was and remain serfs in the Kingdom of Albany.”

Assemblyman says Majority passing off flimsy ethics plan as new when it’s really a re-run

Assemblyman Jim Tedisco (R,C,I-Glenville) today is blasting the Assembly Majority’s so-called “comprehensive” ethics reform plan that’s really just a flimsy rehash of warmed-over proposals that will do little to fight corruption in Albany.

Tedisco said the Majority’s plan does not contain provisions for pension forfeiture for convicted felon elected officials who betray their oath of office, term limits for leaders, truth in spending to bring sunlight to state spending in the shadows to end quid pro-quos, or giving rank and file members the ability to bring legislation to the Floor for a vote and diminish the unbridled power that’s been given to legislative leaders.

New Yorkers have been waiting 14 months for the Assembly Majority’s so-called “Reform Caucus” to release its report detailing reforms for transparency in how the Chamber operates.  So far, all taxpayers have heard from the caucus is the sound of crickets chirping.