Dear Friend:

Welcome back and thanks for taking a moment to catch up on my work for the people of the 101st Assembly District.

My staff and I really hit the ground running in the New Year so there's lots to share with you. From enacting important Legislation in the Assembly session to keeping my finger on the pulse of the district, 2010 promises to be a busy year.

I look forward to serving you both in the Capital and locally, so be sure to contact either of my offices if there is anything at all we can help you with, contact information appears at the end of this newsletter. And please share this information with your family, friends and neighbors!

If you know of anyone who would like to be included on our recipient list, please send their email address to cahillk@assembly.state.ny.us and just put "subscribe newsletter" in the subject line. Here's to a great year and I hope to see you soon.

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As Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee, Assemblymember Cahill has presented a 2010 energy agenda focused on economic development, consumer protection, infrastructure, efficiency and alternative energy.

As part of this agenda, Assemblymember Cahill will be advancing major legislation addressing long stagnant issues in the areas of energy infrastructure and the New York Power Authority's job creation and retention programs. He has identified the enactment of a new power plant siting law, which expired in 2002, as an essential tool in bringing more wind power online and upgrading old power plants with cleaner more efficient technologies.

A commitment to energy independence has the potential to thrust New York forward in the same way the Erie Canal cemented NY's status as the Empire State 200 years ago. New York's future as a world economic leader, as the Empire State, depends on embracing the development of a new energy economy.

Click here for complete details of Assemblymember Cahill's 2010 Energy Agenda

PROPOSED EXECUTIVE
BUDGET NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

The same day that the Governor announced his executive budget proposal, Assemblymember Cahill issued a response that called for protecting school funding and taking efforts to not over-burden New York's hard-working taxpayers.

As the Assembly works to improve on the Governor's proposed budget, Assemblymember Cahill and his Legislative colleagues will fight hard to hold the line on taxes, increase government efficiency through the consolidation of services, and protect education aid to the fullest extent possible. Governor David Paterson put together a 2010 - 2011 budget that addresses the fiscal reality New York is in, but places far too much burden on schools, colleges, local governments and the not-for-profit agencies on which so many greatly depend. As proposed, the Governor's budget also adds unacceptable new fees and taxes. Assemblymember Cahill's clear objective is to take a stand by turning away any budget shortcomings that will only further overload New York's hard-working taxpayers.

Click here for Assemblymember Cahill's response to the Governor's budget proposal

MAJOR ETHICS REFORM
LEGISLATION PASSES IN ASSEMBLY

Assemblymember Cahill announced on January 20th the passage of major, bi-partisan ethics reform in the New York State Assembly. The reform bill (A 9544) creates an autonomous, fixed-term investigative body to oversee legislative ethics, requires greater disclosure from lobbyists, restores an independent lobbying commission and provides greater information regarding legislators' outside sources of income. Additionally, the bill creates a body within the New York State Board of Elections to enforce campaign finance laws.

Ethics reform is crucial to restoring the public's trust in state government. Assemblymember Cahill will continuously strive to increase accountability of elected officials, agencies and lobbyists. There is more work to be done.

Click here for full details of the recently-passed Ethics Reform Bil

On January 21st, Assemblymember Cahill headed the panel on "Local Politics, Local Education" sponsored by the Onteora Central School district Board of Education. The lively discussion was held in Onteora High's newly-renovated Harry Simon Auditorium, which just received a $1.2 million facelift.

Assemblymember Cahill was joined by Deputy County Executive for Communications Vincent Martello as well as Woodstock Town Supervisor Jeff Moran and Hurley Superviser Gary Bellows. Also on the dais were Shandaken councilperson and former Onteora superintendent Jack Jordan along with Hurley councilperson Janet Briggs.

Assemblymember Cahill answered questions from moderator and Woodstock Times editor Brian Hollander and Onteora School Board president Laurie Osmond and shared opinions with the audience and other panelists. During the panel's final half-hour, members of the audience were able to ask questions and make comments on pertinent topics like consolidation of school services, safety on the Route 28 corridor, and how to shift the tax burden for school funding away from hard-working property owners. Thanks to Onteora BOE and everyone who attended that night.

Rosendale Theatre Collective
Won't Let the Curtain Go down

The Rosendale Theatre on Main Street has been in continuous operation by the Cacchio Family as a single-screen movie house since 1946. But vigorous competition from other first-run movie theaters and an aging physical plant caused the Cacchios to consider shutting their doors. Shock and disappointment by local residents and film-goers birthed a committee to acquire and restore the building so it can continue to thrive as a Main Street anchor business. The Rosendale Theatre Collective (RTC) has met several times and has enthusiastically raised over $30,000 to date. Two-thirds of that money went to securing a binder on the building so no other buyer can dis-lodge the Committee for the time being. But time is of the essence as the Cacchio family has asked to close on the sale by April 1st, 2010.

The Collective, made up of dozens of artists, business people, film buffs and concerned citizens, has big plans for the Theatre but first and foremost they wish to keep it as a movie house. Once they acquire the building the RTC plans to build the attraction by presenting live theater and music performances, kids' activities, conference/meeting space and much more. The RTC will be holding numerous fundraisers and committee meetings between now and April and they welcome all volunteers, especially with skills in charitable giving, contracting, programming, etc, to join one of their many committees. To learn more about their efforts and to contact the RTC, go to their Web site.

Haitian Relief Info Center

The devastating earthquake in Haiti and its tragic consequences have the Haitian people and concerned citizens from around the globe scrambling to get food, water and humanitarian supplies to those in need. Assemblymember Cahill urges all his constituents to open their hearts to Haiti at this dire time.

Friday, January 22, 2010

We have been here less than twenty-four hours and have already felt three aftershocks. Today Don, Kevin and I will be helping out with security here at Save The Children headquarters, because of the damaged walls. There are always lots of local people outside the compound walls, hoping to be hired for a day, or just looking for help. So as you can imagine, security is an issue. Save the Children provided each of us with a cell phone for communicating with each other and other staff working locally here in Haiti. During the afternoon, we assisted with various jobs that needed attention at the compound. There is no lack of work here.

Click here to read full journal: http://www.co.ulster.ny.us/sheriff/Haiti%20Mission.html

As the world's most recognized relief organization, the Red Cross is often the first and biggest organization to take on natural disasters worldwide. With the Port-of-Prince airport still not back up to pre-quake operations, some of the Red Cross relief efforts have been hampered upon arrival. Fortunately, they report that supplies are starting to get through to where they're needed most.

To donate time, money or services, contact your local Red Cross chapters.

American Red Cross, Ulster County Chapter
on the web: www.ulsterredcross.org
phone: (845) 338-7020 fax: (845) 331-6913
Mailing address: 21 O'Neil Street, Kingston, NY 12401

American Red Cross, Dutchess County Chapter
on the web: www.dutchessredcross.org
phone: (845) 471-0200 fax: (845) 471-3899
Mailing address: 103 Hooker Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Here are some other organizations making real progress in the relief efforts:

Pierre and Terry Leroy of Woodstock have run the Haitain People's Support Project since 1990. The organization built and runs Maison L'Espoir (House of Hope,) an orphanage that houses 140 children near the Port-of-Prince epicenter.

In the days since the quake, the Leroys have succeeded in transporting a bus full of food, water and medicine to Maison L'Espoir and another nearby orphanage. Next step is air-lifting a full load of medicine from nearby Santiago, Dominican Republic to the Leogane Hospital near Port-of-Prince. The HPSP is also actively recruiting qualified doctors and nurses for a Relief-Rescue team that they will soon lead to the epicenter.

Please consider reaching out to support this organization at their Web site, phone: (845) 679-7320 or fax: (845) 679-0522 mailing address: P.O. Box 496 Woodstock, New York 12498

Other groups with proven results in the relief effort:

Partners in Health -- PIH has been on the ground in Haiti for over 20 years providing free and low-cost health care to the needy and addressing a wide range of diseases and ailments. For more information, visit their Web site, phone: (617) 432-5256 or fax: (617) 432-5300 mailing address: P.O. Box 845578 Boston, MA 02284-5578

Doctors Without Borders -- this world-famous relief organization was founded in 1971 and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999. Haitian medical assistance is their primary focus right now. For more information, visit their Web site, phone: (212) 679-6800 fax: (212) 679-7016 mailing address: 333 7th Avenue, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10001-5004

"Thank you for caring" -- Assemblymember Cahill

Neighborhood Notes: Northern Dutchess County

The 101st Assembly District includes just about all of Ulster County and the town and village of Rhinebeck. Here are some recent happenings from "just over the Bridge."

On Wednesday January 20 Assemblymember Cahill attended the Rhinebeck Chamber of Commerce's "State of Rhinebeck" annual dinner at the Beekman Arms. Chamber President Nancy Amy welcomed the Assemblyman who was pleased to meet many of the business people and civic leaders who believe that responsible progress combined with country charm makes for a great town.

On Wednesday January 13, the Northern Dutchess Alliance held their annual breakfast meeting at the F.D. Roosevelt Estate's Henry A. Wallace Center. Honored by the Alliance this year were; J. Winthrop Aldrich, Deputy Commissioner of Historic Preservation for the State's Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; and Mary Kay Vrba, Director of Dutchess Tourism. Assemblymember Cahill sent congratulatory letters to both recipients, noting their respective contributions to the quality of life in Northern Dutchess County.

On January 26, 4th grade students from Leptondale Elementary School in Walkill visited the Assemblymember in the Capitol building. Assemblymember Cahill addressed the class after his Assembly session that day. Teachers Kristin Philips and Diane Dannemann brought the students on this exciting field trip to see New York State government in action. If you're a teacher in the 101st Assembly District and would like to bring your class to the Capitol for a visit, please contact our district office at 845-338-9610.

Our District office handles hundreds of calls each month from constituents who have issues, concerns or questions regarding topics that pertain to everything from grant applications to policy clarification. This month, Dave, our newest district staffer, was able to help a constituent in need. Dave says:

"Kate from Krazy Kate's Landmark Inn in Boiceville called the district office, almost in tears. She and her partner/chef had sunk all their money into renovating and re-opening this Route 28 establishment. She had spent months painting the bar and restaurant areas, added beautiful decor and designed a healthy, affordable, organic-based menu. Problem was, Kate had been waiting months for her liquor license, and business was being lost in a big way. That very day a table of ten cancelled on her because they preferred wine with their meals.

"With help from our district liaison Ashley, I found the right sources at the State Liquor Authority and called Albany to see where and why Kate's application might be stuck. After helping clear up a small issue regarding the exact name on the application, I was told by the SLA that Kate would be approved in a few days. Exactly one week later, Kate called our office, overjoyed that her license had arrived that day!"

If you know someone who is in a similar situation, please encourage him or her to contact Assemblymember Cahill's office at 845-338-9610.

New York State Tax Forms Are Here!

You can pick up your tax forms from either Mary Ann or Ashley in our Kingston District Office. We are here Monday through Friday, from 9:00am-5:00pm. Or you can call us at 845-338-9610 and give us your information and we will mail to you.

We have the following forms:
IT-150 and Instructions; This is the Short Form
IT-2 and Instructions; This is the W-2 Form
IT-201; This is the Long Form
IT-203 and Instructions; This is for Non-Residents and Part Time Residents

I hope you have enjoyed learning about the recent activities of my office and I look forward to expanding and improving our communication in the months to come. Please share this information with your family, friends and neighbors! If you know of anyone who would like to be included on our recipient list, please forward to us their email address. Should you have any questions regarding the content of this newsletter or any issue which requires my assistance, I encourage you to call, email, write or stop by my district office.