As we approach the end of another legislative year, there are several pieces of legislation which are awaiting action in the Assembly.

Earlier this year my Senate Majority colleagues and I passed my bill to enact "Tiffany Heitkamp’s Law." The legislation is named after a twenty year-old Syracuse woman who tragically lost her life in a boating accident in July of 2006. The operator of the boat in which she was killed was intoxicated and had a prior record of alcohol related infractions. However, because current law does not provide for a linkage between previous DWI’s or BWI’s the individual could only be charged as a first time offender. My legislation would fix this flaw. We’ve seen far too many tragedies on Central New York waterways. There must be serious penalties for repeat offenders and I urge my colleagues in the Assembly to join the Senate is passing this vital legislation.

We are seeing and hearing more and more about the growing incidence of obesity among people of all ages. A recent study revealed that 62 percent of Upstate New Yorkers are overweight. I continue to advocate for my legislation which would help to combat obesity and promote healthy lifestyles. In June, the Senate passed my bill to create the New York State Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Sports and Health. The council would encourage partnerships between members of health, sports, educational, corporate and other communities across the State in an effort to provide physical fitness, recreational and educational opportunities. This measure is also awaiting action by the Assembly.

I have also been working to reduce the truck traffic which is disrupting many of our Upstate villages. It contributes to air pollution, adversely impacts the quality of life for residents and threatens the safety of villagers and tourists. It could also pose a risk to environmentally sensitive areas such as Skaneateles Lake. If the purity of the Lake was compromised it could contaminate the unfiltered drinking water supply enjoyed by the City of Syracuse and other local municipalities. Two of my bills to restrict truck traffic on local village streets were passed by the Senate. I implore the Assembly to act on these measures so we can preserve the livelihood of our Upstate villages.

Revitalizing the Upstate economy remains one of my top priorities. This session, my Senate colleagues and I passed legislation to implement a comprehensive job growth and economic development plan for Upstate. The goal of our proposed $3.7 billion Upstate Now plan is to strengthen the Central New York economy, generate billions of dollars in investment, and create thousands of new jobs Upstate. The ten-point plan would reduce taxes, energy and health care costs for employers and help to make the Upstate region more business-friendly and economically competitive.

These are just a few of the issues that remain outstanding and are of significant importance to Central New Yorkers.