Yonkers Tribune

Senator Stewart-Cousins Comments on the Passage of FY2013-2014 NYS Budget

 

Senator Stewart-Cousins Submits Comments to Moreland Commission on Con Edison’s Response to Sandy

Cites Lack of Communication and Need For Priority Attention for Vulnerable Citizens and Village Residents after Hurricane Sandy

YONKERS, NY – February 11, 2013 -- Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins submitted comments to Governor Cuomo’s Moreland Commission on Utility Storm Preparation and Response on Monday. Her comments cited the company’s lack of communication with its customers, elected officials and internally between employees and the need for Con Ed to rethink its priorities with regard to vulnerable populations (such as senior citizens and the disabled), residents of Westchester and it’s smaller villages and towns.

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.