An estimated 8.6 million households were victims of identity theft in 2010, the Federal Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) reports. I hear from people on a regular basis who have, unfortunately, been among those statistics. Once the theft has been...

In recent years, New York was criticized for having a low organ donation rate compared to other states. This month, the process became easier, and those who wish to donate their organs can do so online. Currently, more than 2.7 million New Yorkers...

More than 3,500 accounts of New York registered sex offenders were recently banned from online video game venues as part of “Operation: Game Over,” in participation with Microsoft, Apple, Blizzard Entertainment, Electronic Arts, Disney Interactive...

I was pleased to co-sponsor legislation that aims to draw more businesses to Central New York. In March, the Assembly unanimously passed legislation that will expand the Foreign Trade Zone. The Senate also passed this bill and it awaits the Governor’s...

As I write this column, we are closing out on a long week of budget talks and have just passed the state budget in Albany. I was happy with the budget process. It was done during the daylight and lawmakers had plenty of time to review the bills before...

I wanted to update you on a few matters this week. This is a busy time of year in Albany. I’ve met with many people across New York State and throughout the district recently, and I wanted to bring you up to date on some items of interest. Manufacturers...

I am a sponsor of legislation that would create a violent felon registry, similar to the sex offender registry. This registry would enable the public to better protect itself against heinous crimes that cannot be undone. The bill, "Brittany's...

New York may soon expand its DNA databank. This would help solve more crimes by linking criminals to the crime they commit. The State Senate recently passed legislation that would require anyone convicted of a felony or penal law misdemeanor to provide...

All in all, 2011 was a good year for New York State. Many things were accomplished in Albany, and we finally turned a corner, away from emergency spending bills and Albany gridlock. We passed a property tax cap. We passed a budget that cut spending...

Our last legislative session contained some successes for small-business owners. One major victory was we were able to pass a property tax cap. This is something our property and business owners have been calling for, and I was happy to vote for its...

Earlier this year, you may remember reading about bath salts becoming a public safety concern. Tiny packets were being sold in convenience stores throughout the country. They had catchy names like Vanilla Sky, Ivory Wave, and White Rush. It didn’t...

There have been numerous natural disasters recently, brought to us by an eventful weather pattern. Hurricane Irene knocked out power for many people on the East Coast for several days, took down trees, bridges, roads and houses. Just when people were...

Every year I sponsor a Summer Reading Challenge—a challenge that asks kids to read for 15 minutes a day over the summer months. I’ve always believed that leisure reading is a key to academic success. Exposing kids to books at a very early age can...

This session was a productive one. The Legislature worked well together and though tough decisions were made during budget time, negotiations included rank-and-file members and went beyond the sanctimonious three men in a room, at least more than in...

An ethics bill was put before the Legislature last week and passed. It is a step in the right direction, aimed to help the state provide a more effective way to discipline those in State Government who violate ethics laws. It also strengthens some of...

According to the New York State Association of Realtors, low interest rates and low housing prices continued in early spring. Though our economy continues to struggle, these low rates and affordable prices make it a good time to buy a house. I wanted...

There have been a number of motorcycle accidents reported in the local media in recent weeks. Many have resulted in serious injuries and even fatalities. Each accident and situation is different; however, motorcyclists continue to be at risk on the...

There were a number of bills pertaining to public safety that passed the Assembly recently that I was happy to support. I wanted to share a short explanation of these bills in this week’s column. If passed by the Senate and signed by the Governor...