Yonkers Tribune

Senator Stewart-Cousins Calls for Mass Transit on Tappan Zee Bridge Replacement

TARRYTOWN, NY -- Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D/WF/ I – 35^th District) is calling on Federal and State officials to include mass transit  in plans to rebuild the Tappan Zee Bridge. This comes in the wake of President Obama’s selection of the 3-mile Hudson River crossing as one of fourteen nationwide infrastructure projects to receive expedited federal review and approval. Her statement is below.

Senator Stewart-Cousins' Statement on Passage of Historic Marriage Equality Legislation

ALBANY, NY -- The New York State Legislature approved an historic marriage equality bill tonight that will allow gay and lesbian couples to marry in the State of New York. Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D/I/WF- 35th District), who voted in favor of the bill, released this statement:

 "This is an historic day for New Yorkers. As the world watched, the legislature took a stand and declared that discrimination is not acceptable in any form to any person or group. 

Senator Stewart-Cousins’ Advocacy for Budget Relief for Yonkers School District Passes Senate

Allows Financing of Teacher Pension Costs;

Yonkers will Save $4.9 million

ALBANY, NY --  The New York State Senate passed legislation (S. 4067-A) yesterday that would allow school districts throughout New York to finance their teacher pension costs, a process called "amortization". Under current law, school districts must pay contributions to the New York State Teacher Retirement System in one lump sum. This bill permits districts to issue bonds to cover these costs, which allows them to make payments over time and provides much-needed cash to struggling school districts.

 

Senate Passes MTA Payroll Tax Repeal and Forensic Audit of MTA Finances

Statements from Senator Stewart-Cousins in Support

ALBANY, NY -- The New York State Senate passed legislation last night to repeal the MTA Payroll Tax. The bill redirects four existing revenue streams into the MTA’s operating budget to mitigate the short term financial impact of the payroll tax repeal. It does not raise or create any new taxes or fees. Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D/I/WF- 35th District), who voted for the repeal, released the following statement: 

Senator Stewart-Cousins Unveils Mandate Relief Package

Bills Aim to Provide Cost-Savings to Local Governments and Taxpayers 

Albany, NY --  State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D/I/WF – 35th District), Ranking Minority Member of the Local Government Committee and Member of the Governor’s Mandate Relief Redesign Team, announced the introduction of five measures and passage of one bill to provide localities with mandate relief which will result in cost savings to taxpayers.  

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins Announces Wage Theft Prevention Act Having Been Signed Into Law

Albany, NY -- Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins today announced Wage Theft Prevention Act (S8380), legislation she co-sponsored in the Senate, has been signed into law by Governor David A. Paterson. This new law will effectively expand workplace rights of employees by requiring employers not only to provide employees with necessary wage information, but put in place sanctions for employers who fail to properly pay their workers full earned wages and overtime.

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins Partners with IAHD to Create Jobs for Individuals with Disabilities

Westchester, NY, September 19, 2010 -- Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins last week spoke at the “Third Annual Vendor Reception” for the Institutes of Applied Human Dynamics (IAHD), which provides job placement services for people with developmental disabilities in The Bronx and Westchester County, New York. The Senator currently utilizes the services of the IAHD program to provide employment opportunities in her District Office, located in Yonkers, New York.

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins’ IDA Accountability and Oversight Legislation Signed Into Law

Albany, NY, September 9, 2010 -- Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (35th District – D/WF) introduced and passed legislation (S7876) which was signed into law last week to enable the Yonkers City Council to appoint one member to the Yonkers Industrial Development Agency (YIDA).  Most cities across the State of New York require a specific number of members of Industrial Development Agency boards to be appointed by the governing boards of their municipalities.

Landmark “Dignity for All Students Act” Signed Into Law

Law Prevents Discrimination and Harassment Against Students on School Grounds

Westchester, NY, Septemeber 8, 2010 -- Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (35th District – D/WF) announced that the landmark “Dignity for All Students Act” (S1987B introduced by Senator Duane) has been signed into law, to prevent children from being subjected to harassment and abuse at school. The “Dignity for all Students Act” is designed to provide all students with a safe and nurturing school environment, which is conducive to learning, by putting an end to harassment and discrimination based on, but not limited to, race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex.

Senate Bill Guaranteeing Protections for Tenants of Foreclosed Buildings Signed into Law

Prior Law Allowed Tenants to be Forced from Homes without Notice

Albany, NY, August 17, 2010 -- Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (35th District – D/WF) announced that a new law guaranteeing greater protections (S7139) for tenants of buildings in foreclosure has been signed into law. Under the new law, rent-regulated tenants are now required to receive a notice of their housing rights, along with a notice of the building owner’s foreclosure. The bill takes effect 30 days from the date of signing.

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins’ Legislation to Provide Additional Funding to Yonkers School District Approved by the Senate

Albany, NY, June 30, 2010 -- Today, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D/WF – 35th District) announced that two pieces of legislation (S7190 and S7189) she introduced  to provide additional aid to the Yonkers City School District passed in the Senate.

Senate bill 7190, if enacted into law, would provide $4.8 million i additional aid to the District for its successful full day Universal Pre-Kindergarten program.  Senate bill 7189 would provide a one-time payment of $3.9 million to address the dramatic increase in enrollment from 2008-09 to 2009-2010.

Senate Passes Small Business Energy Assistance & Advocacy Services Program

Image via Wikipedia

June 23, 2010, Albany, NY -- Legislation to reduce energy costs on small businesses in New York State, introduced by Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, passed unanimously in the Senate. The bill is part of a legislative package that will significantly reduce the costs of energy for homeowners and businesses statewide, putting money back into the pockets of families and making businesses more competitive.

Senator Stewart-Cousins Announces Opportunity for Public Feedback on PSC Regulations Related to Vegetation Management (Tree-Cutting)

 Yonkers, NY -- April 16, 2010 -- Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (35th District, NY) is urging local residents to provide feedback on ways electric utility providers can improve the current clear cutting methods around power lines in the region. The Public Service Commission recently announced that it is conducting a review of the right of way (ROW) practices and has requested input from members of the community.

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins on The New York State Budget Process

 “As the Senate Majority continues its efforts in Albany to pass a fiscally responsible budget, I would like to share my thoughts on one of the issues currently being considered, which is stalling this process.  One of the areas where there is fundamental disagreement, is related to restoring the senior STAR rebate program, which I believe is a critical component that must be included in the final budget agreement.

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins Announces Jobs Program with Members of The Majority Conference

Albany, NY -- March 25, 2010 -- Today, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins joined Senators William Stachowski, Darrel Aubertine, David J. Valesky and Brian X. Foley to unveil an innovative jobs and economic development program to get New Yorkers back to work. The New Jobs New York program is comprised of three initiatives that can bring support to local small businesses, create job growth and attracting new investment through tax incentives.