Press Releases

10 Point Women’s Equality Act Passes Assembly

Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie) announced that the Assembly, for a second straight year, passed the ten point Women’s Equality Act (A.8070). The act represents ten distinct reforms that would end sexist and discriminatory practices, ensure reproductive...

We Cannot Fail Our Struggling School Districts

“In today’s address the governor outlined his plan for education spending for 2014. It is imperative that we do not forget that while increases in education aid are needed, it is the distribution that is most important. We need to take into account...

Education Aid Should Be a Top Priority

With the governor set to deliver his 2014 budget address on Tuesday, Assemblymember Steck (D-Colonie) will be paying close attention to what increases in education aid are proposed. “I believe public schools can offer a high quality of education...

A Switch in the Primary Date to Save Taxpayers $50 Million

Changing the primary election date to June has the potential to save New York taxpayers $50 million. Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie) announced the Assembly passed legislation to move the state one step closer to this cost saving reality. “Holding...

Assemblymember Phil Steck Responds to the 2014 State of the State Address

“Today the governor unveiled an ambitious plan for the future of New York and outlined how we can continue to progress forward. The governor’s pledges to reduce property taxes and consolidate local governments have been top priorities of mine since...

Property Tax Relief Is a Step in the Right Direction

“Property tax relief is the highlight of Governor Cuomo’s recently unveiled tax plan. The shift toward tying property taxes to a homeowner’s income level and ability to pay or a ‘circuit breaker’ is the right idea at the right time. We need...

Governor Cuomo Signs Steck Legislation into Law That Will Prevent Foreclosures of Several Churches and Temples in Schenectady

Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie) announced that Governor Cuomo signed a bill he authored (Ch. 415) into law, which will prevent the foreclosures on a number of Schenectady churches and temples. Previously, the Legislature passed a measure allowing...

Parents Deserve Open Dialogue and Not Insults

“It was an outrage when the forums to discuss the Common Core were canceled. The future of our children’s education is not the proper arena to play political games. All of us in public life occasionally have to take the heat from our constituents....

Assemblymember Phil Steck awarded a perfect score by the Environmental Advocate of NY

Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie) announced that he was awarded a perfect score of 100 by the Environmental Advocates of New York (EANY), a leading environmental advisory group in the state. “I am honored to be recognized by the Environmental...

Assemblymember Steck’s Legislation to Establish Electronic Death Registration System Signed into Law

Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie) announced that his legislation to establish an electronic death registration system, which will provide cost-savings and efficiencies for local funeral directors and municipalities, was signed into law by the governor...

Governor Signs Bill to Restore OPWDD Cuts

Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie) announced that the Governor signed legislation (A.6692-C), which he co-sponsored, to restore funding that was cut in the 2013-14 state budget to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). “When...

Santabarbara and Steck urge Governor Cuomo to Approve Measure to Expedite $3.8 Million Owed to Schenectady CSD

Assemblymen Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam) and Phil Steck (D-Colonie) have been working to speed up the repayment of $3.8 million in past due transportation aid to the Schenectady City School District. The funding was initially distributed to the school...

Assemblymember Steck: START-UP NY is Not Right for the Capital Region

“At first glance, START-UP NY may look like the key to boosting our economy. However, as I delve deeper into the specifics of the program, it becomes clear it’s not in the best interest of the Capital Region’s economy. “Our country is still...

Assemblymember Steck: Upstate Casinos Will Help Spur Local Economy

“Today, the Assembly passed legislation that will allow the Capital Region and New York State to compete with other areas in neighboring states and Canadian provinces. Adding a casino location in our region will provide additional revenue to local municipalities...

Assemblymember Steck Works to Prevent Foreclosures of Several Schenectady Churches and Temples

Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie) announced the Assembly passed a piece of legislation that would retroactively maintain the approved tax-exempt status of real property where tax liens have been sold, preventing the foreclosure of several churches...

Assemblymember Steck Works to Prevent Foreclosures of Several Schenectady Churches and Temples

Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie) announced the Assembly passed a piece of legislation that would retroactively maintain the approved tax-exempt status of real property where tax liens have been sold, preventing the foreclosure of several churches...

Assemblyman Steck: OPWDD Cuts Restored

“The Assembly, the Senate and the Governor have righted a wrong done in the last budget process, Assemblymember Steck said. “The cuts made to OPWDD have been a major concern of mine and I am pleased with this result.” Assemblyman Phil Steck (D-Colonie)...

Assemblymember Steck: Let’s Move Forward with Reforms to Restore the Public’s Trust

“The comprehensive reforms detailed by Governor Cuomo are vital measures needed to restore the public’s trust. We need to tackle public corruption in state government, strengthen our electoral process to get more New Yorkers involved in state government,...

Assemblymember Steck Urges Congress to Support Establishing a More Secure Federal Banking System

Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie) announced that he is sponsoring a resolution urging congressional passage of the Return to Prudent Banking Act of 2013 (K.490). The congressional bill would establish stronger regulations in the federal banking system...

Assemblymember Phil Steck Calls On Vito Lopez to Resign

“Sexual harassment is unacceptable and should never be tolerated. Assemblyman Vito Lopez has brought shame to the Assembly and is no longer fit to hold this office. I am calling on him to resign immediately. “As an attorney who has represented...