To me, being a legislator is about the health and safety of you and your family. The absolute best way I can think to do that is to keep you as informed as possible about the goings on in the state Capitol. It is my hope that my fellow Long Island Assembly members and I can use this column in the coming weeks to keep you up-to-date on what we’re working on in Albany, and what that means for you, your checkbook and, most importantly, the health of you and your family.
First and foremost, the recent state Supreme Court decision regarding Gov. Kathy Hochul’s mask mandate was struck down but has been stayed while it’s being appealed. This means we are to still abide by the requirement to wear masks in public spaces and to social distance wherever and whenever possible. This is until the appellate court either upholds the lower court’s decision or overturns it, so we’re going to be waiting on that decision for some time yet.
Next, something I am sure you’re very well aware of, the beast that is inflation is at a record high. You must see it everywhere I do, grocery stores and gas stations, hardware stores and clothing outlets. Prices are rising at alarming levels. That is why my colleagues in the Assembly Minority and I have introduced the Inflation Relief and Consumer Assistance Plan (A.8481).
This plan is designed to go into effect immediately once it passes the Assembly and it will give immediate and direct relief to everyone across the state. The Inflation Relief and Consumer Assistance Plan would suspend state sales tax on everyday goods such as gasoline, cleaning products and prepared foods for a two-year period. It is imperative that we act now to provide assistance to New Yorkers. Too much has already been placed on hardworking families, and they shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of this out-of-control inflation.
Lastly, there was a resolution passed by the Assembly that limits the amount of time permitted for your representative to debate bills and be your voice on the floor. That’s limiting your voice. Now, that sounds awfully close to censorship and tyrannical suppression of the voters’ ability to be heard. You sent me and my colleagues to Albany to represent you, to champion you as your advocate and your guardian. This change is a direct assault on what we can do to stand up for our values and our way of life, plain and simple. A recent poll showed that a majority of voters opposed this decision, so it flies in the face of our democracy and our values.
Things are uncertain and tough, both at home and in Albany. But I want to make this promise to you and all New Yorkers: I will never stop fighting for what is right and true, and what is best for all of us. Liberty and strength will never fade from Albany while my fellow Long Island legislators and I are here. We won’t let you down. Stay tuned to this column. We’ll do our best to keep you in the loop!
