The good news is that Long Island Republicans are coming back into control of the Senate and will have the ability to stop bad legislation, as well as having the leverage to force more State money (our fair share) to our schools, towns, and villages. We saw this when our school districts received record State school aid during the last five years.
The MTA bailout legislation, which was passed this May, is a payroll tax that is unfair and devastating to Long Island businesses, taxpayers and consumers. This legislation never would have passed if the Republicans controlled the New York State Senate these past five months. This is an example of the checks and balances that a Republican-controlled Senate provides. The MTA bailout (which I voted against and which the Democrats forced upon us) makes it even more difficult and expensive for businesses, school districts, towns, villages, municipalities and even not-for-profits to operate. I am disappointed that the New York City Democrats, who control the Assembly and the Senate, knew that this would further increase already unsustainable property taxes and yet they still went ahead with it anyway. It is only one example of bad legislation, tax and fee increases, and other expensive measures that Long Island has been forced to endure. If you ever needed a reason to support a change in New York State to Republican leadership, this is it.
It is unfortunate that many in the media have painted everyone in Albany with the same brush. The reality is that a new coalition now has the votes to move Albany in a better direction. What you have been reading about and seeing on TV are stunts that Senate Democratic leaders are playing in order to hang onto political power. Thank goodness there are balanced and fair newspapers such as the Observer, Anton Community papers, and many of Long Island’s weekly newspapers, who are providing our residents with the truth and documentation of historical events, rather than the clowning of sensationalism. Long Island will greatly benefit by the change in the Senate. Once again, this upheaval illustrates the fact that Republican leadership represents less taxes and better representation for the residents who work, pay taxes, own their homes, and invest in our economy.
Joseph Saladino
Assemblyman, 12th District
