Suffolk Reporter

(Hauppauge, NY) New York State Senators Anthony Palumbo, Mario Mattera, Dean Murray, Alexis Weik, Steve Rhoads, Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, and Jack Martins today called for policies to be included in this year’s finalized State Budget to help make Long Island safer and more affordable while ensuring the region receives its fair share of State funding. The state budget is already 11 days late, and there are still no indications whatsoever that negotiations are focused on any measures designed to help make New York State – and Long Island in particular – safer and more affordable.

Senator Anthony Palumbo expressed concern about the lack of focus on public safety in Albany, stating, “The priorities being belabored in Albany are not our priorities here in Suffolk. What will it take for them to wake up and realize we have a serious public safety problem that is continually getting worse? We just saw one of our own in the NYPD fall victim to senseless violence perpetrated by ruthless career criminals. We’ve had body dismemberments taking place right here in our local neighborhoods – gruesome, violent crimes like something straight out of a horror movie."

The Senate Republicans are pushing for several policies to be enacted, including the reversal of failed criminal justice policies, making body dismemberment/concealment of a human corpse a bail-eligible offense, establishing the crime of coordinated petit larceny, and addressing Tier Six.

Senator Mario R. Mattera emphasized the need for collaboration, stating, “As a delegation, we stand ready to collaborate on an energy plan that will bring us the energy future we all want while protecting our residents and our workers of today."

Senator Dean Murray highlighted the negative impacts of Tier 6, stating, “Tier 6 has helped contribute to a severe worker shortage which has, in many cases, diminished the services provided to the taxpayers, while at the same time, dramatically increasing the overtime costs that are paid for by the taxpayers."

Senator Steve Rhoads stressed the importance of including policies in the budget to make Long Island safer and more affordable, urging state leaders to come together and prioritize public safety, tax relief, school support, energy policies, mental health services, property protections, and infrastructure projects.

Senator Jack Martins criticized the delay in budget negotiations, stating, “There has not been any progress on middle tax breaks, on public safety, on school funding, on jobs, and on the environment. Democrats need to join us in prioritizing hardworking New Yorkers."

Senator Alexis Weik called for equal funding for schools, stating, “The financial burdens being heaped onto our school districts is unrealistic. This year's state budget needs to include fully funding foundation aid and at least a 3% increase to the save-harmless provision."

Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick raised concerns about misguided policies favoring criminals, stating, “Our conference has repeatedly and consistently warned that misguided policies favoring criminals will come at the expense of public safety and law-abiding New Yorkers."

In conclusion, Senator Palumbo expressed frustration with the disconnect between Albany politicians and Long Island residents, stating, “Albany politicians are not in tune with the needs of Long Island residents and are completely out-of-touch with the needs of law-abiding, middle-class residents."

The Senate Republicans are urging for action to be taken to address public safety and affordability concerns in the finalized State Budget.

Live Stream of the press conference is available at: https://www.facebook.com/SenatorAnthonyPalumbo