This year New York found itself in a financial crisis. Facing an $11 billion deficit, we were called upon to make some difficult decisions. Unfortunately, the Governor turned his back on our working families by attempting to make devastating cuts to education and health care that would have placed an enormous burden squarely on the backs of property taxpayers.

Remaining Committed to our Working Families

In a spirit of bipartisanship, the Assembly and Senate came together to pass a fair and responsible budget that blocked the largest property tax increase in state history by restoring $1.1 billion of the Governor's $1.4 billion cut to education. Because of the restorations, schools were able to save Universal Pre-Kindergarten and full-day kindergarten - both of which are cited by experts as critical in a student's development - as well as class size reduction initiatives and after-school programs.

We also rejected the Governor's proposed $2 billion cut to our health care system. The Legislature stepped up to block another bad choice by the Governor, restoring $1.2 billion in state funds for health care through Medicaid, public health and Health Care Reform Act programs. These restorations will ensure that New Yorkers will continue to receive the quality, affordable care they need.

In addition, we rejected $268.9 million in new fees, fines and assessments in the Governor's budget and lowered a tax on nursing homes to save them $45 million in the current year. We also refused to go along with his plan to raise the state sales tax by a whopping 31 percent - a bad choice that would have driven consumers out-of-state.

Remaining Committed to Small Businesses and Job Growth

The Governor's original budget proposal would have cut $3.5 million from the Assembly's Empire Zone program and forced local governments to pay half the cost of the program. This Assembly-initiated program, acknowledged by the Governor's administration as the most successful economic development program in the history of the state, is designed to cut costs for businesses in economically struggling areas of the state and help companies create more jobs. Undermining the program is not only a bad decision - it's a slap in the face to every community in New York working to improve its struggling economy. The Legislature fought to reverse the Governor's plan to shift costs to localities and restored more than $2.3 million he proposed to cut - protecting this vital program and the jobs it creates.

On June 16, 2003, the Assembly passed A.7983, which I introduced, granting liquor licenses to Bed and Breakfast establishments. The Senate companion, S.3613, passed on June 11, 2003. The Mid-Hudson Region is heavily populated with small, overnight inns that attract thousands of visitors from across the state and country. This measure, awaiting the Governor's signature, will be an added attraction to the region, allowing these independent businesses to highlight local products and serve alcohol to overnight guests upon request.

In addition, I sponsored legislation to help encourage the development of women and minority-owned businesses by extending a law that helps these businesses receive a fair portion of state contracts. This bill also expands the law to include contracts with the Empire State Development Corporation (A.7233-a). This could mean the difference between success and failure for small businesses just starting out and is a major part of creating equal employment opportunities. The Senate passed the companion bill, S.5684, on June 19, 2003. This measure is currently awaiting the Governor's signature.

Protecting our Personal Privacy

Everyone has a right to expect that they won't be photographed, videotaped or recorded during their most private, vulnerable moments. The Assembly and Senate, along with the Governor, reached an agreement on a "video voyeurism" law meant to prevent high-tech peeping toms from exploiting unwitting victims.

The law makes photographic or video voyeurism a felony punishable by up to four years imprisonment and up to seven years imprisonment for a second offense. These perpetrators would be also required to register as sex offenders under Megan's Law. In addition, it makes any other transfer of an image known to have been obtained unlawfully punishable by up to a one-year sentence and up to four years for a second conviction. A four-year penalty would also apply to anyone convicted of the sale or publication of such images. Because of this agreement, perverted assaults on one's privacy and dignity won't go unpunished.

Remaining Committed to New York's Service Men and Women

The brave men and women who selflessly risk their lives to protect our country undoubtedly deserve all the help we can provide them and their families. That is why I sponsored legislation which is modeled after the Assembly's Military Enhanced Recognition, Incentive, and Tribute (MERIT) Plan. This legislation will provide New York's service men and women with a smooth peacetime transition, take care of their families and boost morale (A.9110). This measure will help provide veterans and their families with a quality education, ensure their return to good-paying jobs, assist in dealing with health issues and improve returning soldiers' quality of life.

Holding Pubic Authorities Accountable

With the recent MTA fare hike controversy, it is important that we restore confidence in our public offices and officials. Our families are still paying for the deception that led to the MTA's fare hike. That is why I sponsored legislation that will help increase trust in MTA operations, provide independent oversight of the MTA, improve the contracting process and end unjustified fare increases (A.7998-D). This package is the first step toward ensuring New Yorkers are not kept in the dark when it comes to public authority decisions that can affect their quality of life and their wallets. Unfortunately, the Senate has yet to pass this bill.

Accessibility for People with Disabilities is Priority

On June 11, 2003, the Assembly held its Annual Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day. As Chair of the Task Force on People with Disabilities, I was proud to witness my colleagues in the Assembly reinforce their commitment to people with disabilities by passing fifteen bills ensuring the rights of all New Yorkers. Some of the highlights from the day include my Assembly Bills A.5468 and A.5469, which would protect against discrimination on the basis of disabilities in the areas of employment, public accommodations and government services, to be consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Also included in the package of disability bills I authored was A.5473-a, mandating polling places across the state to make appropriate accommodations for physically disabled voters. The Assembly approved measures that create handicapped parking and mobility regulations, offering people with disabilities better access. Legislation was passed requiring shopping centers with three separate stores and at least twenty off-street parking spaces to devote 5% or up to ten total spaces to handicapped parking. A.5471 and A.5476 mandate that each handicapped space be eight feet wide and a "No Parking Anytime" sign be posted at a visible height of 5 to 7 feet. Along with my colleagues, I passed a bill authorizing VESID to provide funds to people with disabilities for the purchase, lease or rental of a vehicle for employment purposes.

Educating Child Day Care Providers on Infant Safety

In an effort to raise awareness and inform the public of the dangers of violently shaking infants, I introduced A.8314, which mandates child day care providers become educated on the identification, diagnosis and prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome. This important safety measure passed the Assembly on June 17, 2003, as did the Senate companion bill. The leading cause of death of abused children is head trauma, which includes Shaken Baby Syndrome. An estimated 3,000 children are diagnosed with Shaken Baby Syndrome every year, and thousands more cases are misdiagnosed or go undetected. Government figures show that more than 880,000 children were victims of abuse and neglect in 2000. Currently, this important preventive measure awaits the Governor's signature.

The Assembly has consistently made the right choices for our working families by remaining committed to quality education, affordable, quality health care and job growth. Each of the accomplishments we have fought for this year are important steps toward improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers. I remain dedicated to fighting for issues that matter most in our community.