Issues

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Fighting Corrupt Politicians

Corruption

Since early last year, we watched as Albany’s two former legislative leaders, Dean Skelos and Sheldon Silver, were arrested, convicted and sentenced for using their positions for personal financial gain. Sadly, they are not alone in this criminal breach of the public’s trust; they’ve joined the ranks of 27 other state legislators convicted since 2003.

Albany’s response has been silence.

As your state senator, I will vote for every single piece of legislation that punishes corrupt politicians and makes it harder for them to abuse their power. In the instances of Skelos and Silver, simple remedies could have prevented, or at least hindered, their crimes, measures that the State Senate refused to move on, including:

  • Banning all outside income for legislators
  • Closing the LLC loophole that shields big donors behind anonymous shell corporations
  • Requiring legislators to disclose any personal business dealings that could affect their vote

Watch Jim discuss his plan to fight corruption here on Long Islandread more...

Fighting for Our Fair Share

Taxes

For too long Albany has been sending Long Island tax dollars to New York City and Upstate New York; for every 3 dollars we pay in taxes, only 2 get reinvested in our communities. It’s time we have a voice in Albany that will fight to make sure we get our fair share back.

Unfunded Mandates

At a time when municipalities are working to stay below the 2 percent tax cap, it is absurd that the State is trying to force additional unfunded mandates on us. We need to demand that all new policies required by Albany get paid for by Albany.read more...

Fighting For Our Schools

Adequate funding for public schools

Our greatest responsibility is to our children and ensuring each and every one of them is provided a quality education. We must ensure that public schools which are responsible for educating every single child in our community are adequately funded...read more...