January 1st not only marked the beginning of a promising new year, it brought a new set of State laws into effect that will improve the quality of life for many New Yorkers.

With the goal of a greener future in mind, the State waived the 4 percent sales tax on the sale and installation of commercial solar energy system equipment (Ch. 406 of 2012). This incentive for business owners should jumpstart the installation of solar energy units, help local businesses save money on their energy bills, create more green jobs and help protect our environment.

The new year also means good news for New York’s farm breweries. Farms can now sell their New York State-labeled beer and cider to any New York State-licensed wholesaler or retailer, as well as directly to customers for consumption on and off their properties (Ch. 108 of 2012). This law will help them expand their businesses, increasing tourism and creating new jobs.

To help make this year a healthier one for our families, it is now against New York State law to sell electronic cigarettes to anyone under 18 years old (Ch. 448 of 2012). While manufacturers claim “e-cigarettes” are a healthier alternative to cigarette smoking, little is known about their effects on the body. By prohibiting the sale of these unregulated products to minors, we protect our children from unknown health risks.

Two other laws that recently went into effect:

• require hospitals treating newborns to offer parents, parental guardians and caregivers Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough) vaccinations (Ch. 215 of 2012); and
• require mammography service providers to notify patients if a mammogram demonstrates dense breast tissue (Ch. 265 of 2012).

Finally, January 1st marked the establishment of 150 new Assembly and 63 new Senate legislative districts in New York State (Ch. 16 of 2012). That means you may have a new State Assemblymember. To look up your Assemblymember by address, please visit the Assembly website at http://assembly.state.ny.us/ and click on the “Who is my Assemblymember” link.

Last year, we made significant progress in getting our State back on track and helping strengthen our economy, but more needs to be done. As we kick off a new state legislative session, I am eager to work on priorities for East families.