Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) will be hosting a series of Town Hall meetings TOMORROW, Saturday, February 4, 2012, starting at 10:00 a.m., across Ontario County. Town Hall participants will have the opportunity to ask Leader Kolb questions and personally share their concerns on issues relating to public policy and state government. Leader Kolb’s Town Hall meetings are open to all residents of the 129th Assembly District. Tomorrow’s Town Hall schedule is as follows:

WHO: Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb
(R,I,C-Canandaigua)

WHAT: Ontario County Town Hall meetings with constituents

WHEN: Tomorrow, Saturday, February 4,
starting at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., at the Gorham Town Hall,
4736 South Street, Gorham

10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m., at the Geneva Town Hall,
3750 County Road #6, Geneva

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., at the Manchester Town Hall,
1272 County Road 7, Clifton Springs

12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., at the Canandaigua Town Hall,
5440 Routes 5 & 20 West, Canandaigua

CONTACT: Josh Fitzpatrick, (518) 455-3751
joshuakevfitz@yahoo.com

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua), New Roosevelt Chairman Bill Samuels, and CRREO at SUNY New Paltz Director Dr. Gerald Benjamin will appear on YNN’s “Capital Tonight” with host Liz Benjamin TONIGHT, Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at 8:00 and 11:30 p.m. to discuss their new project “Citizens’ Committee for an Effective Constitution” (CCEC) which recently launched.

Located online at http://effectiveny.org, CCEC brings together recognized leaders and experts from the worlds of nonprofit/good government advocacy, private sector leadership and public service, academia and scholarly research to advance serious public discussion of issues pertaining to New York’s State Constitution, state government, the economy and public policy.

WHO: Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua)
Bill Samuels, Chairman, New Roosevelt
Dr. Gerald Benjamin, Director, CRREO at SUNY New Paltz

WHAT: Leader Kolb, Chairman Samuels and Dr. Benjamin will discuss
the recent launch of their new project, “Citizens’ Committee for
an Effective Constitution” (CCEC) and explain how it will lead
to a more effective state government Visit: http://effectiveny.org

WHEN: TONIGHT, Wednesday, February 1, 2012
at 8:00 and 11:30 p.m.

WHERE: “Capital Tonight”
with host Liz Benjamin
YNN on Time Warner Cable – or view online at
http://capitaltonight.com

CONTACT: Josh Fitzpatrick, (518) 455-3751
joshuakevfitz@yahoo.com

It’s a Super Bowl XLVI (46) showdown – and a very friendly wager pitting the New York Giants against the New England Patriots made between the respective Minority Leaders of the New York State Assembly and the Massachusetts House. The odds are somebody will be enjoying food from the opposing team’s home state as their counterpart dons the rival team’s football jersey and gets their picture taken on the Chamber floor.

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua, NY) and Massachusetts House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading, MA) have made a friendly wager on the outcome of this weekend’s Super Bowl XLVI. Leader Kolb, backing the New York Giants to win the big game on Sunday, wagered some of the Finger Lakes award-winning wines and New York’s delicious cheesecake. Leader Jones, picking the Patriots, wagered some hearty New England clam chowder from Boston’s Legal Sea Foods and tasty cannolis from Mike’s Pastry in Boston’s acclaimed North End.

Besides the culinary reward, the winner of Leader Kolb and Leader Jones’ Super Bowl XLVI wager gets the satisfaction of seeing the supporter of the losing team don their opponent’s NFL jersey – and have a picture taken while wearing it to capture the event for posterity – on their respective Chamber floor.

“I applaud Leader Jones for his willingness to make this friendly wager and look forward to enjoying the chowder and cannolis. I already have a prominent place picked out in my office where I will put Leader Jones’ picture wearing a New York Giants jersey. New York’s Big Blue (Yes, New York, sorry Governor Christie) has the Patriots’ number. I say this not based on my football predictive ability but on the final score from Super Bowl XLII. All kidding aside, I wish both teams the very best on what will be an exciting game,” said Kolb.

“I commend Minority Leader Kolb for entering into this wager,” said Jones. “While New Yorkers and New Jerseyans continue to argue over which state can lay claim to the Giants, Patriots fans are focused on one thing – supporting their team in Sunday’s game and cheering them on to their fourth Super Bowl title in eleven years. The last time the Patriots met the Giants in the Super Bowl is still fresh on the minds of many New England residents. I am confident, however, that the outcome will be different this time around. But in the end, at least we can both agree that it is great not to have the Jets anywhere near Indianapolis.”

For a review of the New England clam chowder and cannolis – and a copy of the picture of Leader Jones wearing the New York Giants jersey on the floor of the Massachusetts House – call (518) 455-3751.

New York State Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) today commented on the launch of a groundbreaking, bi-partisan reform coalition – “Citizens’ Committee for an Effective Constitution” (CCEC) – that he is helping lead. CCEC is online and open to the public today at http://effectiveny.org and seeks to deliver a more effective State Constitution, a more effective state government, a more effective civic process and a more effective economy for the betterment of all New Yorkers.

Leader Kolb said that CCEC seeks to bring together over time recognized leaders and experts from the worlds of nonprofit/good government advocacy, private sector leadership and public service, academia and scholarly research to advance serious public discussion of issues pertaining to New York’s State Constitution, state government, the economy and public policy.

The launch of CCEC, first reported by Associated Press Albany Capitol Editor Michael Gormley, was carried this weekend in articles and analyses for statewide print, web and broadcast media and new media outlets including the Associated Press; Niagara Gazette; Democrat and Chronicle; Post-Standard; Saratogian; Daily Gazette; LoHud.com; Journal News; Poughkeepsie Journal; Staten Island Advance; Long Island Press; News 10; Empire Page and Twitter. CCEC also was covered in select New Jersey and Vermont AP media outlets.

CCEC has one goal: Restoring New York State’s reputation as the national economic and public policy leader by discussing and debating State Constitutional provisions that have contributed to statewide dysfunction, an underperforming economy and the loss of trust by New Yorkers in their state government and the men and women serving in it.

In order to develop and advance creative solutions to these problems, CCEC’s multi-year effort seeks to engender informed discussion, lively debate and purposeful action that transcends traditional political and ideological labels, and advance changes to the State Constitution that will produce a more democratic, responsive, and effective state government. CCEC will focus on State Constitutional change and advance a non-partisan, informed conversation on public policies. The Committee also aims to create a meaningful dialogue around the best methods to reform the State Constitution, whether through a Constitutional Convention or an Amendment-by-Amendment approach.

The three principals of CCEC are: New York State Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua); Bill Samuels, Chairman of New Roosevelt and the New Roosevelt Foundation; and Dr. Gerald Benjamin, Associate Vice President for Regional Engagement and Director of the Center for Research, Regional Education and Outreach (CRREO) at SUNY New Paltz.

CCEC is live with an interactive on-line platform – http://effectiveny.org – to serve as a free, 24-hour accessible informational clearinghouse for journalists, elected officials, scholars, policy advocates, citizen activists, interest groups and, most importantly, any New Yorker who wants to learn more about New York State government while affecting real and lasting change in the public arena.

“Nearly three years ago, I launched a grassroots, non-partisan effort to convene a ‘People’s Constitutional Convention’ aimed at empowering New Yorkers to make the types of fiscal and governmental changes our state government genuinely needed – changes like a State spending cap, term limits, independent redistricting, and initiative and referendum – but Albany’s broken status quo kept blocking. Today, State government has seen glimpses of reform, but New York still has miles to go before we have made good on the promise to taxpayers of a smaller, smarter, less costly and more effective government,” Leader Kolb said.

“I am proud to partner in this unprecedented bi-partisan reform effort with my good friend and fellow Canandaigua native Bill Samuels – one New York’s strongest and most passionate voices for good government – and Dr. Gerald Benjamin, the preeminent expert, author and scholar on New York State government and our State Constitution. The purpose of our effort is to dust off the State Constitution, advance the cause of real Constitutional change and demonstrate how such changes could make a real difference for real New Yorkers. Our goal is a more effective State Constitution that leads to more jobs, a stronger economy and true government reform so New York State can reclaim its rightful role as national leader,” Leader Kolb stated.

Samuels, a leading good government activist and thinker in New York, said, “I have joined with Leader Kolb and Professor Benjamin, two of the state’s most thoughtful leaders on constitutional change, in this effort because we each believe that New York State should have the best and most effective state government in the nation. One of the fundamental hurdles to achieving that goal is to improve a state constitution that is outmoded and, in some cases, stands in the way of our elected leaders from doing the right thing on a particular policy issue. We want to help educate New Yorkers on how the constitution plays a role in our everyday lives and to spark a discussion on how we can best improve it.”

Dr. Gerald Benjamin, Director of CRREO at SUNY New Paltz said, “Almost all New Yorkers know there is a national constitution. Far fewer know there is a State Constitution. Most of us only begin to pay attention to the state constitution when an issue comes up that involves it – like gambling. We want our project to generate a broad understanding of the crucial role the State Constitution plays in how we are governed in NYS.”

“In this time in which government reform is a front burner issue, we want to facilitate a lively, on-going debate about this core document, to remove it from the background and make it a focal point of New Yorkers’ discussion about how our state is governed, and how our government might best be redesigned to serve its people.”

As part of its educational commitment, CCEC is also sponsoring a $1,000 scholarship essay competition. The contest, managed by SUNY in direct collaboration with CCEC, is open to law students and focuses on state constitutional issues. While any Constitutional issue can be chosen, a focus on campaign finance, redistricting or any of the topics on the home page are of special interest to CCEC. Essays selected as the strongest will be presented at a statewide conference on State Constitutional change where authors of the best will be awarded cash scholarship prizes of $1,000. To be eligible for the scholarship, essays must be between 5,000-7,500 words in length. A panel of subject matter experts and academics will evaluate the essay submissions, and select the best papers to be presented at a daylong conference, to be held the Albany Law School in collaboration with its Local Government Law Center. Authors of essays delivered at the conference that are selected as best will not only appear on CCEC’s website, but will be eligible for an award of a $1,000 cash prize.

Dr. Benjamin, one the foremost academic authorities on the New York State Constitution, will lead an on-going discussion of constitutional issues among professors and other experts in his “Professor’s Corner.” Topics already include Casino Gambling, Constitutional Change, Convention, Elections, Ethics, Property Tax Reform and Vacancies. CCEC encourages professors and experts around the state to reach out to the Committee to participate in the discussion.

CCEC’s on-line platform features analysis of public policy issues their direct applicability and specific reference in the State Constitution. Thirty-nine policy issues are in development including the following:

· Redistricting: Includes the subcategories “Population Deviation,” “Standards for Localities,” “Number of State Senators” and “Counting Prisoners”;

· Campaign Finance Reform;

· Constitutional Change: Amendment process vs. Constitutional Convention;

· Constitutional Amendments;

· Constitutional Convention;

· Casino Gambling;

· State Budget;

· Initiative and Referendum;

· Recall of Public Officials;

· Election Administration;

· Filling of Vacancies;

· State Spending Cap;

· Unfunded Mandates; and

· Property Tax Reform

Each public policy issue section at CCEC’s on-line platform includes:

· Fast Facts which enables the reader to get up to speed quickly on a particular policy issue and its constitutional history;

· Point/Counterpoint which allows debate between proponents on either side of the issue on how to best address its constitutional ramifications as well as links to news articles, editorial and opinion pieces that have appeared in local media outlets and blogs across the state;

· News and Opinions Pieces covering each issue culled from newspapers and blogs across the state;

· Other States section allowing readers to compare and contrast how other state constitutions address similar policy issues; and

· Links to Relevant Legislative Amendments that have been proposed in the New York legislature to address a particular policy issue.

More about the CCEC team

Brian Kolb, New York State Assembly Minority Leader

Brian Kolb was first elected to represent New York State’s 129th Assembly District when a special election was held in February 2000 and was overwhelmingly re-elected in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010. On April 6, 2009, he was unanimously elected Minority Leader by his colleagues. Assemblyman Kolb’s district includes Cayuga, Cortland, Onondaga, Ontario, and Seneca Counties.

Brian’s legislative priorities include reducing taxes, improving the quality of education, fostering job creation, providing sound health care and reforming state government. He is dedicated to ensuring that residents and businesses throughout the district receive effective, responsive constituent service and timely assistance with state government inquiries. Brian’s principal goal is to be easily accessible and approachable to the people he represents. In a short time, he has gained a reputation for hard work, producing results and being very active in his district with a down-to-earth, straight-talking approach.

Assemblyman Kolb possesses a wealth of valuable private sector experience acquired as a business consultant, entrepreneur and chief operating officer of a variety of small and large technology based businesses. He is the former president of Refractron Technologies and a co-founder of the North American Filter Corporation.

Brian has demonstrated a strong commitment to education throughout both his personal life and his professional career. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Adult and Graduate Education at Roberts Wesleyan College, where his students have twice selected him Outstanding Faculty Member.

He is a former Chairman of the Finger Lakes Community College Foundation and is a former member of the Honeoye Central School Board and the Finger Lakes Community College Board of Trustees. Brian earned high honors while completing his Master of Science and Bachelor of Science Degrees at Roberts Wesleyan College.

Community involvement and public service have been hallmarks of Assemblyman Kolb’s background. He is currently a member of the Honeoye Chapter of the Sons of the American Legion, Ontario Charities Classic Board of Directors, member of the Ontario ARC Advisory Board, Honorary Board Member of Finger Lakes HealthQuest Foundation, a member of Merrill Hose Fire Company in Canandaigua, a member of the New York Farm Bureau, and is a Notary Public.

Brian previously served as Supervisor for the Town of Richmond, Chairman of Leadership Rochester’s Board of Directors, and as a member of the Ontario County Revolving Loan Fund Committee, the Ontario County Board of Supervisors and the New York State Public Authorities Control Board.

Mr. Kolb is a member of the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL), the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the Heartland Institute’s Board of Legislative Advisors, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the National Rifle Association (NRA), the Shooters’ Committee On Political Education (SCOPE), the American Irish Legislators Society and the Knights of Columbus.

Brian lives in Canandaigua with his wife Lauren and has three grown children, sons Britton and Clayton, daughter Kylie, and one grandson, Everett.

Bill Samuels, New Roosevelt Chairman

Bill Samuels, an innovative political thinker and social activist, has a lifetime of experience as a CEO and high tech entrepreneur. Currently, Bill is managing Director of Carlyle Capital Group, the Executive Chairman of Resonant Software, a software technology company in San Francisco and the Hills Treatment Center in Los Angeles, a facility dedicated to helping people overcome addiction. http://www.newrooseveltinitiative.com/about-bill

Raised in Canandaigua, Bill’s family and political roots are deeply anchored in upstate New York. His father ran for Governor with Mario Cuomo as his Lieutenant Governor in 1974. Upon graduating MIT and Harvard Law School, Bill made the decision to engage in socially responsible businesses, turning down a job on Wall Street to start an education company dedicated to training entry-level workers who lacked the skills to get and keep a job.

Bill was one of 15 national plaintiffs in 1968 that sued the Democratic National Committee to open the Presidential Primary process. This lawsuit played a role in how the national presidential primaries have been run since 1972. In 1969, he helped start a public interest organization, Council on Economic Priorities, which made public companies’ policies on the environment, women & minority achievement, South African and tobacco concerns, labor safety and all corporate disclosure of outside financial donations and investments.

Bill was active in the movement against the Vietnam War playing a lead role in raising money to finance the 1971 Vietnam Veterans Against the War March on Washington.

After the 2000 Census, he helped finance the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of New York’s notoriously gerrymandered redistricting plan.

In the 2004 Presidential campaign, many Democrats were outraged by the huge influx of “independent” money into campaigns with the “swiftboating” against John Kerry. Bill produced a documentary to set the record straight, “Going Upriver: The Long War of John Kerry.”

As a result of the vast fortunes sunk into empty television advertising by national political campaigns Bill saw both party identification and voting plunge. In an effort to stem the tide and reinvigorate the Democratic Party Bill founded the Blue Tiger Democrats in 2004 as an innovative grassroots research organization in Michigan and New York that studied how to use civic engagement to reconnect the Democratic Party to its communities between election cycles. In June of 2006, Blue Tiger Democrats published an illustrated history of party politics with a focus on campaign finance, particularly how the anti-war and civil rights activism that opened the political party systems to the voters had the unintended consequences of empowering money.

In the 2008 elections, Bill served as Finance Chairman for the New York Democratic Senate Campaign Committee, leading to Democrats gaining control of the State Senate for the first time in decades. In this role, Bill saw up close the corrosive influence of special interest money on elections.

Recognizing the kind of fundamental structural change that is needed, Bill launched the New Roosevelt, a multi-year campaign to achieve change around “Five Pillars of Reform” including a focus on New York’s campaign finance rules: highlighting the need for public financing, lowered contribution limits with closure of loopholes that have otherwise rendered them useless, and improved enforcement, so that our State Legislature can regain the integrity, functionality and common sense the voters are demanding.

New Roosevelt built from scratch a field organization totally devoted to Albany reform. An office was opened in the Bronx and New Roosevelt’s executed a targeted field operation that ousted disgraced Democratic State Senator Pedro Espada.

Bill joined the 99% as a leading voice fighting the repeal of the millionaire’s tax in favor of an overhaul of the New York’s existing tax structure for one that is progressive where all New Yorkers can pay their fair share in order to support the infrastructure that business needs to thrive and grow local jobs. Bill remains focused on making the New York a leading state on key issues like campaign finance so that it can once again serve as a national example.

Bill is one of 10 children — eight sisters and one brother — and is married to Marie Samuels and has a 15-year-old daughter, Kitty. Common Cause recently recognized Bill honoring him with the Democracy in Action Award for outstanding commitment to government accountability.

Dr. Gerald Benjamin, Associate Vice President for Regional Engagement and Director of the Center for Research, Regional Education and Outreach (CRREO) at SUNY New Paltz

Gerald Benjamin joined the faculty at SUNY New Paltz in 1968 as an Assistant Professor of Political Science.

He achieved the University’s highest rank in 2002 when he was appointed Distinguished Professor by the SUNY Board of Trustees. He has served as Chair of the Department of Political Science, Presiding Officer of the faculty and (for twelve years beginning in 1996) Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Today, Benjamin is Associate Vice President for Regional Engagement and Director of the Center for Research, Regional Education and Outreach (CRREO) at SUNY New Paltz. CRREO is the principal locus of the college’s efforts to raise its level of engagement within communities, governments, not-for-profits and businesses across the Hudson Valley. It seeks to conduct research on regional topics; encourage faculty to build regionally based service activity into their scholarship and teaching; create and direct institutes and programs to meet regional needs; and offer conferences and programs on matters of regional interest.

Benjamin was director of the Center for the New York State and Local Government Studies at SUNY’s Rockefeller Institute of Government in Albany (1993-1995). Later he was appointed by Governor Mario Cuomo as Research Director of the Temporary State Commission on Constitutional Revision. He also was Principal Research Advisor to the New York City Charter Revision Commission that brought about extensive structural changes in that city’s government.

Between 2004 and 2006, Benjamin chaired the Ulster County Charter Commission. The work of this commission resulted in approval at the polls of the county’s first charter, which goes into effect in January of 2009. In 2007, Benjamin was appointed by Governor Spitzer to the State Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness that this past April proposed wide-reaching reforms in local government in New York State.

Between 1981 and 1993, Gerald Benjamin was an elected member of the Ulster County legislature. He served in legislative leadership as both Majority Leader (1985-91) and Chairman (1991-93). Ulster County during this time had no elected executive; the legislative chairman was therefore the County’s Chief Elected Officer. Ulster County during Dr. Benjamin’s tenure had a budget of $165 million and more than 1,300 employees.

Benjamin earned a B.A. with distinction from St. Lawrence University. His Masters (1967) and Doctoral (1970) degrees in Political Science are from Columbia University.

More about the Citizens’ Committee for an Effective Constitution (CCEC)

The Citizens’ Committee for an Effective Constitution is a project of the New Roosevelt Foundation, Inc., a New York State Not-for-Profit, founded by Bill Samuels, that has filed for 501(c)(3) status

The Tax Foundation recently issued its 2012 State Business Tax Climate Index and it’s nothing but bad news for the over 700,000 unemployed New Yorkers. Once a world-class symbol of business success and reverently called the ‘Empire State,’ New York’s business tax climate now ranks 49th out of 50.

I was recently quoted in the New York Post as saying, “our tax rate is too freakin’ high,” and I’ll repeat it again to you – our tax rate is too freakin’ high! We need to jumpstart our economy and bring private sector jobs back to communities across the state.

THE FACTS IN BLACK AND WHITE

The State Business Tax Climate Index indicates which states’ tax systems are the most hospitable to business and economic growth, and enables business leaders, government policymakers and taxpayers to gauge how their states’ tax systems compare.

According to the Index, New York ranks at the bottom of the barrel for businesses, workers and homeowners. The ‘Empire State’ is ranked 49th when it comes to in Individual Income Taxes, 46th in Unemployment Insurance Taxes and 45th in Property Taxes.

Certainly, our tax law needs a tough going over. Bottom line: the shocking statistics found in the Tax Foundation’s report should serve as a rallying cry for lowering taxes.

PLAIN COMMON SENSE FROM THE TAX FOUNDATION

The Index is full of common sense, the type of wisdom I have heard spoken around the kitchen tables and at the diners in Finger Lakes communities for years, stating “Job creators locate their businesses in areas where they have the greatest competitive advantage. States’ stiffest and most direct competition often comes from other states. Most mass job relocations are from one U.S. state to another, rather than to an overseas location.”

After the folks at the Tax Foundation compiled all their research, they came to this all-too-obvious conclusion: States with the best tax systems will be the most competitive in attracting new businesses and most effective at generating economic and employment growth.

MEMO FROM JOB CREATORS TO ALBANY BUREAUCRATS: TAXES MATTER!

Taxes DO matter to businesses. How many times have you opened the business section of your local newspaper and seen yet another story of a New York state company forced to cut jobs or move its operations out of state? However, there is good news. The Index states the positive results that come from cutting taxes – a state with lower tax costs will be more attractive to business investment and more likely to experience economic growth. Our economic development gurus should be shouting this from the mountaintops!

The Tax Foundation’s conclusions really hit the nail on the head. It’s time for a change in New York’s tax and spend culture. We need to take a closer look at how every dollar is spent, what it is spent on and see if there is a way to deliver better customer service at a lower cost. This is what the private sector already does and this is what New York’s public sector needs to start doing.

LET’S HIT THE GROUND RUNNING AND PUT NEW YORK STATE BACK ON TOP

I have led the fight in Albany to create an environment of lower taxes, fewer regulations and greater economic certainty, so job creators can invest with confidence. The path to private sector job creation involves lowering taxes and putting the brakes on the endless rules, regulations and requirements Albany imposes on the private sector so job creators spend less time worrying about paying for government and spend more time growing their businesses.

New York should once again be an attractive location for Fortune 500 companies, small businesses and entrepreneurs to invest in and expand their operations. Based on my 25 years of proven private sector experience, I know the ‘Empire State’ can return to its rightful place as a national leader for economic growth and a private sector economy that is the envy of the 49 other states.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: MY ONTARIO COUNTY TOWN HALL MEETINGS ARE SLATED FOR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4

I look forward to hearing your opinions on the Tax Foundation’s report. Here are the times and locations for my Saturday, February 4th Ontario County Town Hall meetings:

•10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at the Gorham Town Hall, 4736 South Street, Gorham;
•10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. at the Geneva Town Hall, 3750 County Road 6, Geneva;
•11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Manchester Town Hall, 1272 County Road 7, Clifton Springs; and
•12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the CanandaiguaTown Hall, 5440 Routes 5 & 20 West, Canandaigua.

As always, constituents wishing to discuss this topic or any other state-related matter should contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and informational updates regarding state government and our Assembly Minority Conference.

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) (pictured left of the trophy) is shown with the Stanley Cup during the trophy’s visit to the New York State Capitol Tuesday courtesy of Jeremy Jacobs (pictured right), owner of the Boston Bruins, last year’s National Hockey League champions. Jacobs, a native of Buffalo, is also the CEO of Delaware North Companies, a Buffalo-based food services company and is joined by Jerry Jacobs Jr. (pictured far left) a Principal at Delaware North Companies.

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) announced today that he will host a series of Town Hall meetings for residents across Ontario County on Saturday, February 4, 2012, to hear directly from local taxpayers, address their concerns and answer questions about state government. During his Town Hall meetings, Leader Kolb will also outline his public policy agenda for more private sector jobs, fewer mandates from Albany and real reform of state government, in addition to sharing details about the recently unveiled 2012-13 Executive Budget proposal.

The following is the schedule for Leader Kolb’s upcoming Town Hall meetings in Ontario County on Saturday, February 4, 2012:

•10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at the Gorham Town Hall, 4736 South Street, Gorham;
•10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. at the Geneva Town Hall, 3750 County Road 6, Geneva;
•11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Manchester Town Hall, 1272 County Road 7, Clifton Springs; and
•12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Canandaigua Town Hall, 5440 Routes 5 & 20 West, Canandaigua

“Town Hall meetings are incredibly important because they help me stay in constant contact with the constituents of the 129th District so I can keep them informed about the latest news of what is happening in Albany and what their state government is doing. The feedback, opinions and insights I receive at my Town Hall meetings have been absolutely invaluable,” Leader Kolb said.

“I receive more good ideas for sensible solutions and effective public policies during my Town Hall meetings than practically anywhere else. A suggestion at a Town Hall meeting can quickly become the basis for legislation or constituent casework that solves a problem with a State Agency, cuts through layers of needless state bureaucracy and helps make New York a more affordable place to live and work for families and job creators,” Leader Kolb explained.

“A more responsive and accountable government that is of the people, by the people and for the people is the basis of our representative democracy – good government begins with the people. With the help and continued partnership of my constituents, I will keep working to ensure the people’s voices are heard in our State Capitol and deliver a strong message that more private sector jobs and less government should be Albany’s top legislative priorities. I look forward to meeting with taxpayers on February 4 as I kick off my 2012 Town Hall meetings in Ontario County,” Leader Kolb concluded.

Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) announced that New York State Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) has been selected to receive its “2012 Distinguished Alumni Award,” in recognition of Leader Kolb’s “hard work and commitment” to FLCC and his serving as a “strong advocate for the power of education,” according to FLCC President Barbara Risser, Ed.D. The FLCC Alumni Association will present the prestigious award to Leader Kolb on Friday, May 18, 2012, during its annual Alumni Awards Celebration.

“Being named ‘Distinguished Alumni’ by FLCC is a tremendous personal honor and an important recognition that my family and I will always treasure. I am grateful for this award and even more grateful for the lifelong friendships that I have made at FLCC,” Leader Kolb said.

“Finger Lakes Community College takes great pride in individuals like you. As one of our brightest alumni stars, we are grateful for all you have done on behalf of our community college. Your accomplishments are significant and you are a strong advocate for the power of education. All of us at FLCC take great pride in your personal and professional success. Through your hard work and commitment, you inspire all of us, especially our students,” said FLCC President Barbara Risser, Ed.D., in a special message for the Ambassador, a publication for FLCC Alumni and friends of the College announcing Leader Kolb had been named 2012 Distinguished Alumni.

“FLCC is much more than just a valued institution of higher learning that prepares students for, and connects them with, a successful future – FLCC is a vital regional asset and an indispensable partner for our Finger Lakes community. From its terrific teachers and innovative academic programs, to its continued dedication to our community, Finger Lakes residents take great pride in FLCC and everything it has accomplished. FLCC truly is a great place to start,” stated Leader Kolb.

Leader Kolb’s close, long-time connection with FLCC spans across decades, as he initially attended classes in downtown Canandaigua during the College’s storefront days after he had graduated from Honeoye Central High School. FLCC recruited Leader Kolb to serve on its Board of Trustees from 1998 to 2000. Leader Kolb also was selected for the FLCC Foundation Board and elected its chair from 1999 to 2001. Leader Kolb has been a long-time supporter of the Foundation’s annual fundraising initiatives and became a member of FLCC’s Heritage Society when he designated the College in his will. In 2003, Leader Kolb was honored with the FLCC “Foundation Award.”

Leader Kolb has continually made supporting education, higher education and community colleges top legislative priorities, first as an Assemblyman, and now as one of only four Legislative Leaders serving in New York State government – and the only Leader who lives in, works in and represents upstate. Leader Kolb also is the sole Legislative Leader in state government that has actually started and run successful private sector manufacturing businesses and possesses 25 years of private sector experience acquired as a business consultant, entrepreneur and chief executive officer of technology-based companies. Leader Kolb served as the former president of Refractron Technologies and was a co-founder of the North American Filter Corporation.

“There is an excellent reason why FLCC’s enrollment has increased to record levels: FLCC consistently delivers on the promise of a world-class, affordable higher education for traditional and non-traditional students alike, providing them the tools to build a better and brighter future. Continued private-public investment in FLCC and New York’s 35 other community colleges must remain rock solid priorities so our state can maintain its education edge and continue as a national leader in high-tech job creation and private sector innovation,” Leader Kolb said.

In addition to his tireless advocacy on the issues of education, higher education and supporting community colleges, Leader Kolb has taught and inspired students inside the classroom, having previously served as an Adjunct Professor of Adult and Graduate Education at Roberts Wesleyan College, where his students twice selected him “Outstanding Faculty Member.”

Additional details on Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb being honored by FLCC with its 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award are available online at www.flcc.edu/alumni/ambassador.

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) will be a guest TODAY, January 23, 2012, at 11:05 a.m., on “The Capitol Pressroom” hosted by Susan Arbetter to discuss Governor Cuomo’s 2012-13 Executive Budget Proposal.

The interview will be streamed at http://tinyurl.com/7epgngband podcast at http://tinyurl.com/c5hud9q. The Capitol Pressroom is heard on radio stations WRVO; WBFO; WXXI; WSQX; and WVCR in Central and Western New York, the Southern Tier and Capital Region.

WHO: Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb
(R,I,C-Canandaigua)

WHAT: Leader Kolb will be a guest on “The Capitol Pressroom”
with Susan Arbetter to discuss Governor Cuomo’s 2012-13
Executive Budget Proposal

WHEN: TODAY, January 23, 2012, from 11:05 – 11:20 a.m.
LIVE interview

WHERE: “The Capitol Pressroom” hosted by Susan Arbetter
Streamed at http://tinyurl.com/7epgngb
Podcast at http://tinyurl.com/c5hud9q

CONTACT: Joshua Fitzpatrick, (518) 455-3751
joshuakevfitz@yahoo.com

On Tuesday, January 17, I had a front row seat for the official unveiling of Governor Cuomo’s 2012-13 Executive Budget. I was very pleased that the Governor’s spending plan reflected many of the specific public policies that I have long been fighting for. Frankly, the Governor’s emphasis on private sector job creation, economic development and transforming state government from a bureaucratic to an entrepreneurial model – by making it leaner, less costly and more responsive to taxpayers – was music to my ears! This “back to basics” approach should set the tone for State Budget negotiations going forward.

Now, more than ever, we must continue building on all our considerable successes from last year, when we worked together, showed a true commitment to fiscal responsibility, closed a $10 billion budget deficit and delivered an on-time State Budget that actually cut spending. Folks, this is not “political spin” – these were real accomplishments. While serious fiscal challenges still remain, the immediate danger has passed and New York State must start looking ahead, not behind. I was pleased to hear that the Governor shared my vision, especially in the critical areas of mandate relief, job creation, education and making government work.

ALBANY MANDATES HURT LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, DRIVE UP LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES FOR HOMEOWNERS

If you’re a regular reader of my weekly column, then you are well aware of the fact that I have long advocated mandate relief for local governments. Localities across New York must endure cast-iron state mandates – requirements that they start a program, or deliver a service, even though Albany refuses to pay for it – in their local budgets, which leaves little option except to cut critical services or raise property taxes in tough economic times. Having served in local government, and now as one of only four Legislative Leaders serving in state government, I know that localities have been handcuffed by state mandates. Albany mandates – such as Medicaid – imposed on local governments drive-up local property taxes for homeowners, which is why one of my top priorities is stopping Albany’s mandate madness.

A DOWN PAYMENT ON REAL MANDATE RELIEF

The Governor’s Executive Budget included an important proposal aimed at reining in the cost of Albany mandates on local governments: a state takeover of the growth of local Medicaid costs. I have advocated this very same approach – and even sponsored legislation to make it happen last session. State government taking over the growth of local Medicaid costs represents an important down payment on real mandate relief for localities – and real relief for local taxpayers.

CONTINUED FOCUS ON MAKING GOVERNMENT WORK FOR TAXPAYERS, SUPPORTING NEEDIEST SCHOOL DISTRICTS

The effort to continue reducing the size and cost of state government should begin with consolidating State Agencies to bring down government’s high cost to taxpayers and avoid the wasteful duplication of services. I have championed controlling state spending and applaud the Governor for including several proposed agency consolidations and spending reductions in his budget. In addition, the Governor’s plan linked increased education funding with measurable outcomes and greater accountability to ensure that every child in our state – regardless of their zip code – receives a world-class education. I was glad the Governor listened to my call for the neediest school districts that received the largest aid reductions to be first on the priority list.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, CREATING MORE JOBS FOR NEW YORKERS

What New York needs now is a forward-looking, 21st century spending plan that will grow private sector jobs and advance statewide economic development. By proposing greater cooperation between New York’s private and public sectors, the Governor’s plan can realize this goal. Besides greater cooperation, Albany must do its part by further reducing its costs to taxpayers and job creators. Frankly, for years the math has not added up – Albany has spent more than it has taken in; leading to multi-billion dollar budget deficits as far as the eye can see. I believe that we turned the corner with last year’s State Budget and must continue this year with another fiscally sound, on-time state spending plan by April 1. That is my goal.

NEW YORKERS DESERVE A FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE STATE BUDGET

While I will continue reviewing its specific details, based on initial appearances, the Governor’s spending plan appears to be a sound fiscal blueprint. By no means is this spending plan the final word on the 2012-13 State Budget – it is merely the beginning of a necessary conversation about how we can meet the goals of fiscal responsibility, more private sector jobs and a less costly state government without shortchanging necessary investments in New York’s future. However, the Governor deserves credit for making these principles a priority.

DON’T FORGET: MY ONTARIO COUNTY TOWN HALL MEETINGS SLATED FOR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4

If you would like further details on the Governor’s 2012-13 Executive Budget or my plans for more private sector jobs, economic development and mandate relief for local governments, attend one of my Ontario County Town Hall meetings on Saturday, February 4, where these topics and more will be discussed. Here are the times and locations for my Town Hall meetings:

•10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., at the Gorham Town Hall, 4736 South Street, Gorham;
•10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m., at the Geneva Town Hall, 3750 County Road 6, Geneva;
•11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., at the ManchesterTown Hall, 1272 County Road 7, Clifton Springs; and
•12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., at the CanandaiguaTown Hall, 5440 Routes 5 & 20 West, Canandaigua.

As always, constituents wishing to discuss this topic, or any other state-related matter should contact my district office at (315) 781-2030, or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and informational updates regarding state government and our Assembly Minority Conference.

“Thanks to our success in working together and a commitment to fiscal responsibility, last year we closed a $10 billion budget deficit and delivered an on-time State Budget that actually cut spending. These were real accomplishments. While serious fiscal challenges remain, the immediate danger has passed and we have to start looking ahead, not behind.

What New York needs now is a forward-looking, 21st century spending plan that will, first and foremost, grow private sector jobs and advance statewide economic development. More private sector jobs and a stronger economy must be our top priorities. However, the challenges don’t stop there: we also need to close a current year shortfall of approximately $3.5 billion – without any new taxes, fees, surcharges or fiscal gimmicks – and take the first real steps toward meaningful public pension reform to remove a crushing mandate off the backs of localities.

I was pleased the Governor’s budget reflected specific legislative priorities our Conference has led the charge on: a State takeover of the growth of local Medicaid costs and State Agency consolidations. State government taking over the growth of local Medicaid costs represents an important down payment on real mandate relief for localities, which is something I have advocated for years. Consolidating State Agencies is a common sense solution to bring down state government’s high cost to taxpayers and avoid the wasteful duplication of services. I also applaud the Governor for continuing to control state spending.

The Governor’s spending plan also links increased education funding with measurable outcomes and greater accountability to ensure that every child in New York State – regardless of their zip code – receives a world-class education. I was glad the Governor listened to my call for the neediest school districts that received the largest aid reductions to be first on the priority list.

While I will carefully review its details in the days ahead, from all appearances the Governor’s spending plan will help us accomplish each of these priorities. Today is not the final word on the 2012-13 State Budget, but the beginning of an important process and necessary conversation about how we can meet the goals of fiscal responsibility, more private sector jobs and a less costly state government without shortchanging necessary investments in New York’s future. It is important that all New Yorkers take part in this dialogue as we work to continue moving our state forward and deliver another fiscally responsible State Budget.”

Monday-January 16, 2012
9:30am-10:00am: Leader Kolb will be participating in the
Martin Luther King Day March in Geneva

11:00am-12:30pm: Leader Kolb will be offering brief comments
at the Martin Luther King Day Celebration at the First United Methodist
Church in Geneva

Friday-January 20, 2012
3:00pm-5:30pm: Leader Kolb will be attending the Grand Opening Reception
of the new edition of the Lyons National Bank on Exchange Street in Geneva

6:00pm-10:00pm: Leader Kolb will be attending the Seneca County Chamber
of Commerce Annual Dinner at the Waterloo Holiday Inn on Route 414

Monday-January 23, 2012
6:00pm-7:00pm: Leader Kolb will be attending the Business Council’s Legislative
Reception at the Crowne Plaza in Albany

Friday-January 27, 2012
8:35am-9:00am: Leader Kolb will host his regular live local radio show
on Finger Lakes News Radio to discuss issues and concerns pertaining to state
government (1240 AM WGVA-1550 AM WCGR)

Monday-January 30, 2012
7:00pm-9:00pm: Leader Kolb will be speaking at the New York State
Association of Counties Annual Dinner at the Desmond Hotel in Latham

Thursday-February 2, 2012
6:00pm-10:00pm: Leader Kolb will be attending the Canandaigua Chamber
of Commerce Annual Dinner in Canandaigua

Saturday-February 4, 2012
10:00am-10:30am: Leader Kolb will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting at the
Gorham Town Hall located at 4736 South Street in Gorham

10:45am-11:15am: Leader Kolb will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting at the
Geneva Town Hall located at 3750 County Rd. 6 in Geneva

Due to popular demand, I am once again hosting a series of Town Hall meetings so citizens can have the opportunity to let me know personally of their concerns. The feedback, views, opinions and insights received at these Town Hall meetings will shape the 2012 public policy agenda I will champion during the new Legislative Session.

TOWN HALL MEETINGS: A TIME-HONORED AMERICAN WAY OF MAKING YOUR OPINIONS KNOWN!

Town Hall meetings are as old as American democracy itself and have their direct roots right here in the Northeast. Town Halls are a model of self-governance where citizens can publicly raise important issues and take an active role in the affairs of, and learn more about, their government and the people serving in it. Town Hall meetings helped fan the earliest flames of liberty and independence so crucial in America’s founding – and their importance carries on over 200 years later.

SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, FOR MY ONTARIO COUNTY TOWN HALL MEETINGS

The following is the schedule for my 2012 Town Hall meetings in Ontario County. I look forward to holding additional meetings in other parts of the district later this year, so be sure and stay tuned for regular updates. I encourage you to attend one or all of my Town Hall meetings and help spread the word with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Your opinion matters!

ONTARIO COUNTY TOWN HALL MEETINGS:

10:00a.m. – 10:30 a.m., at the Gorham Town Hall, 4736 South Street, Gorham

10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m., at the Geneva Town Hall, 3750 County Road #6, Geneva

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., at the Manchester Town Hall, 1272 County Road 7, Clifton Springs

12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., at the Canandaigua Town Hall, 5440 Routes 5 & 20 West, Canandaigua

SHARE YOUR VIEWS ON PRIVATE SECTOR JOB CREATION, RELIEF FROM ALBANY’S RULES, REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS, 2012-13 STATE BUDGET AND REFORMING GOVERNMENT

This session, this year, I believe we need to continue working together to finish the people’s business that includes the following agenda:

•Rebuild New York’s economy, jumpstart economic development and focus on growing private sector jobs right here in the Finger Lakes and all across New York;

•Deliver relief from unfunded mandates – all the ridiculous rules, regulations and requirements Albany imposes – for local governments, school districts and taxpayers;

•Reform and redesign New York’s Medicaid program, which is the nation’s costliest, to cut costs for local government and reduce the property tax burden on homeowners;

•Institute a State spending cap, which will force Albany bureaucrats to balance the state’s checkbook, just like you and I do every month;

•Deliver tax relief and cut bureaucratic red tape for job creators, so they can create new jobs and invest in New York’s future;

•Ensure low-wealth and average-wealth school districts have the support they need to make sure ALL of our children receive a quality education;

•Invest in high-tech jobs and support research and development efforts so that our college graduates and young families can stay in New York;

•Hold the line: no new taxes, fees, surcharges or borrowing;

•Restructure and redesign government by consolidating State Agencies and delivering high-quality customer service to all taxpayers;

•Enact comprehensive pension reform; and

•Demand a new culture in Albany of transparency, openness and accountability.

I firmly believe that this shopping list of common-sense measures will move the ball forward and help bring private sector jobs back to New York. Our government works best when the people it serves make their voices heard loud and clear to the elected officials entrusted with the privilege of representing them. With your help and continued partnership, I will keep delivering a strong message that more jobs and less government must be our top priorities. I look forward to seeing you on Saturday, February 4th!

As always, constituents wishing to discuss this topic, or any other state-related matter should contact my district office at (315) 781-2030, or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and informational updates regarding state government and our Assembly Minority Conference.

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) will be a guest TODAY, January 12, 2012, at 5:00 p.m., on NRA News’ “The Daily News” with Ginny Simone to discuss what New York can do to ensure reciprocity for law-abiding gun owners traveling from other states.

Leader Kolb will also discuss the upcoming 3rd Annual “Sportsmen and Outdoor Recreation Legislative Awareness Day,” being held on March 20, 2012 in the “Well” of the Legislative Office Building in Albany and featuring a keynote address by Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President and CEO of the National Rifle Association. Today’s interview will be broadcast online and archived at www.nranews.com.

WHO: Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb
(R,I,C-Canandaigua)

WHAT: Leader Kolb to appear on “The Daily News”
with Ginny Simone to discuss what NYS can do to
ensure reciprocity for law-abiding gun owners traveling
from other states

WHEN: TODAY, January 12, 2012, at 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: NRA News’ “The Daily News” with Ginny Simone,
streamed and archived at www.nranews.com,
also broadcast on SiriusXM Patriot 125

CONTACT: Joshua Fitzpatrick, (518) 455-3751
joshuakevfitz@yahoo.com

On Wednesday, January 4, Governor Andrew Cuomo delivered his 2012 State of the State Address to the people of New York. The Governor’s second State of the State took place in the Empire State Plaza’s Convention Center, much like 2011. By again choosing the Convention Center as the speech’s location, it afforded more New Yorkers an opportunity to hear the Governor’s address in person, an important gesture that can help foster greater openness and further connect the people to their government.

STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS HELPS SET THE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR A NEW SESSION AND A NEW YEAR

Traditionally, the State of the State Address is when a Governor outlines their legislative agenda and priorities for a new session and a New Year. In this sense, the address paints a big picture in broad strokes, leaving many of the specific policy details – and, most importantly, the financial plan for how a Governor intends to pay for their proposals – for the Executive Budget unveiled mid-January. I attended the State of the State, as did my fellow Legislative Leaders, New York’s statewide elected officials, members of the State Legislature and Judiciary. I wanted to hear firsthand which priorities the Governor would stress as we began the sophomore year of his tenure as New York’s Chief Executive.

GOVERNOR’S SPEECH ECHOED MY POSITIVE MESSAGE OF “JOBS, JOBS, JOBS”

Much of the Governor’s speech echoed my longtime, positive message of “jobs, jobs, jobs” for the more than 700,000 unemployed New Yorkers who are hurting and need our help. In this sense, the Governor’s address hit the right themes – more jobs, more economic development, and more opportunities for all New Yorkers. All of this was well and good.

CONCERNS: FUNDING FOR FINGER LAKES, ROCHESTER AND OTHER REGIONS; AFFORDING A $25 BILLION PRICE TAG; LITTLE MENTION OF HIGH-TECH JOBS

However, some of the proposals – a multi-billion dollar convention center expansion down in New York City; a $1 billion renovation package for Buffalo and an estimated $25 billion price tag for all the initiatives outlined in the speech – will need careful evaluation in the days and weeks ahead. While I am all for our neighbors to the west receiving more support from Albany, I was concerned that our Finger Lakes community and the City of Rochester were not included.

Can you imagine the explosion of job creation and economic development that would happen if $1 billion was invested right here in the Finger Lakes? Likewise, consider what $1 billion could do to help Rochester – or Eastman Kodak. I am not alone in expressing these concerns: elected officials and advocates from our community, as well as New York’s Southern Tier and North Country, spoke of the need to ensure that our state’s economic development strategy is regionally-balanced and does not favor one region at the expense of others.

Another issue was the estimated $25 billion price tag of the speech’s initiatives. With our state already facing a $3 billion budget deficit – on top of last year’s $10 billion shortfall that we closed – where exactly would that $25 billion come from? Additionally, I was hoping to hear more proposals addressing the need for high-tech jobs in New York State and how our SUNY system can better partner with emerging high-tech industries. Such jobs represent the future of our economy and New York cannot afford to fall behind other states already making strategic investments in these areas.

PRIVATE SECTOR JOB CREATION, UNFUNDED MANDATE RELIEF AND REFORMING GOVERNMENT REMAIN PRIORITIES

While the Governor’s speech struck many of the right notes, the critical mission of transforming New York and fixing our state government is far from finished – in fact, we have only just begun. We need more jobs and less government for a better New York. This session, this year, I believe we need to continue working together and finish the people’s business that includes the following agenda:

•Rebuild New York’s economy, jumpstart economic development and focus on growing private sector jobs;
•Deliver on the still unfulfilled promise of unfunded mandate relief for local governments and school districts;
•Reform and redesign New York’s Medicaid program that is the nation’s costliest;
•Institute a State spending cap;
•Deliver tax relief and cut bureaucratic red tape for job creators;
•Ensure low-wealth, high-need school districts have the support they need;
•Invest in high-tech jobs, support R&D;
•Hold the line: no new taxes, fees, surcharges or borrowing;
•Restructure and redesign government by consolidating State Agencies and delivering high-quality customer service to all taxpayers;
•Enact comprehensive pension reform; and
•Demand a new culture in Albany of transparency, openness and accountability.

If we can fulfill these goals, not only will we witness an historic Legislative Session rivaling the successes of 2011, we will have taken a major step toward delivering a smaller, smarter, less intrusive state government worthy of the New Yorkers we serve.

As always, constituents wishing to discuss this topic, or any other state-related matter should contact my district office at (315) 781-2030, or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and informational updates regarding state government and our Assembly Minority Conference.

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) will be a guest Saturday, January 7, 2012 from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. on WFKL Fickle 93.3 FM with former NYS Assemblyman and WFKL Guest Commentator Joe Errigo for the station’s “New York State of Mind” program. Leader Kolb will give his reaction to Governor Cuomo’s 2012 State of the State Address and outline his legislative priorities for the New Year.

WHO: Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb
(R,I,C-Canandaigua)

WHAT: Assembly Minority Leader Kolb gives his reaction
to Governor Cuomo’s 2012 State of the State Address
and outlines his legislative priorities for the New Year.

WHEN: Saturday, January 7, 2012, from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
LIVE Interview

WHERE: New York State of Mind” program on
WFKL Fickle 93.3 FM with former NYS Assemblyman
and WFKL Guest Commentator Joe Errigo.
Listen live at www.fickle933.com

CONTACT: Joshua Fitzpatrick, (518) 455-3751
joshuakevfitz@yahoo.com

“Catholics all across New York State are proud – so very, very proud – to learn that His Excellency, Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan has received the tremendous honor of being elevated to Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI. This honor is one of the highest recognitions that our Church can bestow and I, along with millions of my fellow New York Catholics and all congregants of the New York Archdiocese, was simply thrilled upon hearing this great news and offer my heartfelt congratulations. His Excellency Archbishop Dolan’s already bright star will shine even more brightly as he ascends to this important new role. We are truly blessed to have one of New York’s own so honored and internationally recognized by the Holy Father. To quote scripture: ‘For this is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad!’

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) will be a guest on WAMC’s “Capitol Connection” hosted by Dr. Alan Chartock TONIGHT, Friday, January 6, 2012 at 10:30 p.m., to discuss his legislative priorities for 2012 and his thoughts on Governor Cuomo’s 2012 State of the State Address.

The interview will be streamed and podcast at http://www.wamc.org/capcon.html. It can also be heard on WAMC/Northeast Public Radio, WAMC, 90.3 FM Albany; WAMC, 1400 AM Albany; WAMK, 90.9 FM Kingston; WOSR, 91.7 FM Middletown; WCEL, 91.9 FM Plattsburgh; WCAN, 93.3 FM Canajoharie; WANC, 103.9 FM Ticonderoga; WRUN-FM, 90.3 FM Remsen-Utica; WAMQ, 105.1 FM Great Barrington MA; WWES, 88.9 FM Mt. Kisco; and WANZ, 90.1 FM Stamford.

WHO: Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb
(R,I,C-Canandaigua)

WHAT: Leader Kolb will be a guest on
“Capitol Connection” with
Dr. Alan Chartock to discuss his
2012 legislative priorities

WHEN: TONIGHT, Friday, January 6, 2012 at 10:30 p.m.
Repeat broadcast on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: “Capitol Connection”
hosted by Dr. Alan Chartock
Streamed & Podcast:
http://www.wamc.org/capcon.html
Radio coverage map:
http://www.wamc.org/coveragemap.html

CONTACT: Joshua Fitzpatrick, (518) 455-3751
joshuakevfitz@yahoo.com

“Last year, I said Governor Cuomo’s first State of the State Address would give New York a much-needed opportunity to hit the ‘reset button’ and we did exactly that by delivering an on-time State Budget that reduced government spending, successfully closing a $10 billion budget deficit, passing a property tax cap and enacting a statewide energy plan. Our Conference had long advanced each of these policies and we were glad the Governor embraced them.

One year later, the state of our state is stronger and New York is beginning to head in the right direction. The Governor’s speech today is an opportunity for us to build on the accomplishments from 2011 and keep New York moving forward. However, the mission of transforming New York and fixing our state government is far from finished – in fact, we have only just begun. We need more jobs and less government for a better New York. This session, this year, we need to continue working together and finish the people’s business:

•Rebuild New York’s economy, jumpstart economic development and focus on growing private sector jobs;
•Deliver on the still unfulfilled promise of unfunded mandate relief for local governments and school districts;
•Reform and redesign New York’s Medicaid program that is the nation’s costliest;
•Institute a State spending cap;
•Deliver tax relief and cut bureaucratic red tape for job creators;
•Ensure low-wealth, high-need school districts have the support they need;
•Hold the line: no new taxes, fees, surcharges or borrowing;
•Restructure and redesign government by consolidating State Agencies and delivering high-quality customer service to all taxpayers;
•Enact comprehensive pension reform; and
•Demand a new culture in Albany of transparency, openness and accountability.

If we can fulfill these goals, not only will we see another historic Legislative Session, more importantly, we will have taken a major step toward delivering a smaller, smarter, less intrusive state government worthy of the New Yorkers we serve. Let’s get to work.”

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) and his colleagues today welcomed Assemblyman Raymond Walter (R,C,I-Amherst) at a public swearing-in ceremony at the New York State Capitol in Albany. The Hon. Bernard J. Malone, Jr. of the Supreme Court Appellate Division Third Judicial Department presided over the event. Assemblyman Walter was joined by his family at the ceremony and his wife Jennifer held the Bible as the Assemblyman took his oath of office.

Walter represents the 148th Assembly District, which includes the Towns of Amherst and Pendleton and the Martinsville section of the City of North Tonawanda.

“Our Conference and I are proud to welcome Ray to Albany, and I am confident he will continue the tradition of proudly representing his Western New York constituency here at the Capitol,” Kolb said. “Ray’s expertise, commitment to his community and can-do attitude will serve as valuable assets in advancing the Assembly Minority Conference’s agenda of providing lower taxes, unfunded mandate relief and common-sense regulatory reform so our job creators can create more private sector jobs for struggling Western New York families.”

As a practicing attorney at Magavern Magavern Grimm LLP focusing on elder law and estate planning, Walter observes first-hand how our high taxes hurt the most vulnerable members of our community and force the most successful to leave the state. In 2009, Walter was elected to the Erie County Legislature to ensure that future generations will be able to raise their own families in Western New York. In the County Legislature, Walter served on the Economic Development, Health and Human Services and Government Affairs Committees.

“I am committed to using my experiences in both local government and as a legal professional to serve the 148th Assembly District and its constituency,” said Walter. “As an Assemblyman, I will focus on helping New Yorkers get back to work, fighting for a state spending cap and reforming the Medicaid system.”

For nearly ten years, Assemblyman Walter built a successful career in the private sector before going back to school and pursuing a law degree at the University at Buffalo, where he graduated magna cum laude. During Walter’s time in law school he was very active, serving as a representative to the Student Bar Association and as President of the local chapter of the Federalist Society. Walter also clerked for the United States Attorney’s Office, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office and for an area law firm, after serving as a research assistant for the Erie County Charter Revision Commission.

Assemblyman Walter is an active participant in numerous civic and charitable organizations, including the Amherst Senior Citizens Foundation Board and Amherst Youth Basketball. He previously served on the County Executive’s Council on Economic Development, the Amherst Traffic Safety Board and the Erie County Cultural Resources Advisory Board.

Editor’s Note: Assemblyman Walter’s biography and photograph are available upon request by calling the Assembly Minority Office of Public Affairs at (518) 455-5073.

On Wednesday, January 4, Governor Cuomo will outline his agenda for New York in his second annual State of the State Address. In 2011, after Governor Cuomo’s first State of the State Address, I said it was time to hit the “reset” button and begin a fresh start after enduring years of embarrassing ethical scandals and a pattern of fiscal and governmental mismanagement under recent administrations.

I believe we have begun a lengthy process of moving our state toward reclaiming its rightful place as a national leader in private sector job creation, excellence in government and reducing the taxpayers’ burden, but we have a long way to go before crossing the finish line. In this column, I will outline my continued call for much-needed reforms and legislative priorities that I am hoping the Governor will include in his 2012 State of the State Address.

JOB CREATION IS JOB NUMBER ONE

The over 700,000 unemployed New Yorkers are screaming for jobs, jobs, jobs – and I don’t blame them! Times are tough and folks deserve the opportunity to earn a living and support their families – a cornerstone of the American Dream. Governor Cuomo – and the legislature – must focus their attention on job creation so that families can continue to prosper across the state.

A true jobs agenda is based on getting government bureaucracy out of the way and helping to lower crushing costs of doing business such as energy and workers compensation so businesses will invest and create jobs. We need to lower business taxes, roll back senseless regulations and build upon New York’s regional economic assets. Having spent most of my adult life in the private sector, I know what so many Albany politicians fail to recognize: job creators are not looking for a government handout. What they want is for government to stop making it harder for them to run their business, turn a profit and grow jobs.

REAL RELIEF FOR TAXPAYERS INCLUDES UNFUNDED MANDATE RELIEF

The Assembly Minority Conference has long championed mandate relief for local municipalities and school districts. Unfunded mandates are the web of rules, regulations and red tape that Albany imposes on local governments and school districts that ultimately raises local property taxes. Municipalities across the state must include these cast-iron costs in their budgets, which leaves little wiggle room except to cut local services that are especially critical in these tough economic times.

In 2011, much attention was given to the passage of the property tax cap, but New York’s overburdened taxpayers – who ultimately foot the bill – will only see real relief when Albany reduces costs on localities in conjunction with the cap.

True mandate relief would begin with providing a moratorium on new unfunded mandates for as long as a property tax cap is in place; freezing County Medicaid costs; giving the Governor and state Legislature the power to repeal existing unfunded mandates; allowing localities to seek waivers from state government on specific unfunded mandates and enacting comprehensive pension reform.

RETHINK, RESTRUCTURE AND REFORM STATE GOVERNMENT

Simply put, government costs too much and spends too much – and New Yorkers get a poor return on all that spending. Between 2000-2010, spending grew over 70 percent, and that is simply not sustainable! We need to impose fiscal discipline on State Agencies and consolidate entities with overlapping functions; redesign New York’s Medicaid program and reduce the rate of growth in government. It is imperative we examine every government program, every policy, to determine if it is actually working for patients, students and taxpayers.

One way to streamline government is through a ‘People’s Convention to Reform New York.’ I believe holding a People’s Convention can put the tools in the hands of overburdened taxpayers and bring about critical changes that New York needs through a truly democratic process. Possible reforms that could be considered include initiative and referendum, term limits, a state spending cap, unfunded mandate relief, independent redistricting, along with debt reform. For more information on the People’s Convention or to sign the online petition, go to www.reformny.org.

DON’T SHORT-CHANGE LOW AND AVERAGE WEALTH SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Governor Cuomo has indicated that his Executive budget proposal will include a 4 percent increase in state education aid, which is about $755 million. However, he has not indicated how he plans to distribute this money. I advise him to consider a need-based aid distribution plan that will ensure low and average wealth school districts do not get short-changed.

Additionally, the Governor has stated he wants to “incentivize” school district performance and focus on the students. I couldn’t agree more, but across the state there is a threat of school closings, teacher layoffs and students do not have equal opportunities in the classroom. Wealthy school districts are offering more programs and educational opportunities than low and average wealth school districts. This has to change. We must first level the playing field and then talk about “incentivizing” performance fairly across the board.

2012: THE YEAR THAT NEW YORK STATE RECAPTURES ITS RIGHTFUL PLACE AS A NATIONAL LEADER

I look forward to working with the Governor to achieve these critical priorities during the coming Legislative Session. We still have a lot of work to do, but I believe we hit the “reset” button last year and will continue to reform and rebuild the great state of New York. Even through the hardship of a tough economy, our Conference will work with the Governor and the Legislature to deliver results worthy of a finish line celebration.

As always, constituents wishing to discuss this topic or any other state-related matter should contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and informational updates regarding state government and our Assembly Minority Conference.

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) and his colleagues will host a public swearing-in ceremony for Assemblyman Raymond Walter (R,C,I-Amherst) at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 in the Assembly Parlor, Room 306, of the State Capitol. The Honorable Bernard J. Malone, Jr. of the Supreme Court Appellate Division Third Judicial Department will preside over the event.

WHO: Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb \
(R,I,C-Canandaigua)

Assemblyman Raymond Walter
(R,C,I-Amherst)

The Honorable Justice Bernard J. Malone, Jr.,
Supreme Court Appellate Division

Members of the Assembly Minority Conference

WHEN: Tuesday, January 3, 2012
3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Assembly Parlor – Room 306
Capitol Building, Albany

CONTACT: Joshua Fitzpatrick, (518) 455-3751
joshuakevfitz@yahoo.com

ALL MEDIA WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE

On the cusp of a New Year – some may actually be reading this column post-New Year’s – it seems only appropriate to offer some resolutions to help ring in 2012 and what I believe could be a truly transformative year in state government. With a lot of work – and more than a little luck – 2012 could be the year state government is transformed and Albany finally delivers on its years of promises to taxpayers, local governments and job creators.

A TRANSFORMATION PLAN FOR THE EMPIRE STATE

In order to transform state government, I believe it is not enough to draw some new lines or add a few boxes on the standard state government flowchart. That is nothing more than a cosmetic quick fix that does little to solve the problem of an outdated 20th Century command-and-control bureaucracy attempting to serve a state of 19 million residents who live and work in the 21st Century. The world is in the midst of an information and technological revolution, yet New York State government is still playing catch-up.

NEW YORKERS WANT REAL CHANGE, NOT WINDOW DRESSING

Instead of window dressing that papers over the challenges, I believe we need real change in our State Capitol and in how Albany does the people’s business. In short, we must rethink what state government does, redesign how it delivers services and serves the people, and restructure and reform the institution of state government so it can support this mission. Bottom line? We need to take a closer look at how every dollar is spent, what it is spent on and see if there is a way to deliver better customer service at a lower cost. This is what the private sector already does and this is what New York’s public sector needs to start doing.

All that having been said, here are my resolutions for a new New York State:

RESOLUTION: PUT ALBANY ON A DIET BY CAPPING STATE SPENDING

The enacted 2011-12 State Budget – the spending plan we enacted this year – was approximately $132 billion, a staggering, almost incomprehensible sum for most folks. As a point of reference, the 2001-02 enacted State Budget was $85 billion. Take a moment to let that fact digest – just a decade ago, state government spent close to $50 billion less than it did last year. This continued astronomical growth is proof positive of what I have been saying for years: state government does not have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem and Albany needs to go on a diet. My resolution to end Albany’s fiscal irresponsibility is a state spending cap to reduce the growth of government spending, reverse the trend of dramatic year-to-year increases in expenditures and, most importantly, change the culture of Albany.

RESOLUTION: FIX NEW YORK’S ECONOMY BY GETTING GOVERNMENT OUT OF JOB CREATORS’ WAY

One question I typically hear is “How can government create jobs?” Based on my 25-years plus in the private sector, my answer is always the same: Government does not create jobs, the private sector does. However, what government can do is create an environment of lower taxes, fewer regulations and greater economic certainty so job creators can invest with confidence. My resolution for more jobs involves putting the brakes on the endless rules, regulations and requirements Albany imposes on the private sector so job creators spend less time worrying about paying for government and spend more time growing their businesses. In addition, I will continue pushing for lower energy and workers’ compensation costs. A stronger private sector business climate will help the more than 700,000 unemployed New Yorkers get back on the job.

RESOLUTION: GIVE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS UNFUNDED MANDATE RELIEF

One of the greatest challenges facing local governments and school districts is Albany’s endless flood of unfunded mandates that swamp local finances and drive up local property taxes. An unfunded mandate is when state government tells localities to do something – such as starting or expanding a program or providing a service – but refuses to provide any funding to pay for it. The truth of the matter is that Albany does not know best – local problems need local solutions, not Albany-imposed solutions. My resolution to clean up Albany’s unfunded mandate mess begins with banning any new unfunded mandates, suspending current mandates and freezing the municipal share of local Medicaid costs to reduce the burden on localities.

RESOLUTION: KEEP PUSHING FOR TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

For all the achievements of the 2011 Legislative Session, Albany missed the mark in the critical areas of openness and transparency that are supposed to be cornerstones of accountability to the taxpayers. Too many accomplishments were the result of deals cut behind closed doors in the State Capitol. I reject the argument that says secrecy is somehow a necessary part of getting things done. Folks, that is a false choice – we can have progress AND accountability. My resolution for more transparency and accountability to taxpayers is to keep pushing for openness and demanding an end to Albany’s three-men-in-a-room secrecy in doing the people’s business.

2012 COULD BE THE YEAR OF NEW YORK STATE’S RETURN!

If my fellow Legislative Leaders, the Governor and all legislators embrace these resolutions, 2012 could be the year we see lasting change that fixes the decades-old problems that have plagued state government. Yes, this an ambitious plan, but Fortune 500 companies routinely employ these very same principles on a regular basis and state government should do likewise. We can make 2012 the year that New York State recaptures its rightful place as a national leader in terms of creating jobs and prosperity, reducing the burden and cost of government, and creating a new culture in our State Capitol of openness, transparency and accountability to the public. As we prepare to ring in a New Year, my very best to everyone for a wonderful 2012!

As always, constituents wishing to discuss this topic or any other state-related matter should contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and informational updates regarding state government and our Assembly Minority Conference.

One of the many good things about preparing the past two weeks’ columns – “2011: The Year In Review, Parts I and II” – was that it was a terrific reminder of everything that we were able to accomplish by working together this past year. Without question, 2011 was a non-stop whirlwind of activity and one of the busiest, and most productive, years ever in our state capitol.

2011: WHAT A YEAR!

I was proud to continue my leadership role in a legislative session that will remembered as historic because of everything we achieved, including enacting an on-time budget, closing a $10 billion budget deficit and beginning a long-term effort to rightsize the cost and reach of state government. All of these were excellent starts.

GOODBYE TO 2011, HELLO TO 2012 AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO KEEP NEW YORK MOVING FORWARD

Without question, the goal of achieving a more affordable, safer, stronger, smarter New York remains. We still need more private sector jobs for all the unemployed New Yorkers. We still need less job-killing government bureaucracy and lower taxes for job creators. We still need real unfunded mandate relief for local governments and school districts. Moreover, we still need far greater transparency, openness and accountability in Albany. Bottom line? We still have plenty left to do!

MY THANKS TO OUR MANY READERS AND FOR THE CONTINUED OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE YOU

Each of the aforementioned issues will be front-and-center as part of my 2012 legislative agenda when session reconvenes this January. However, the purpose of this week’s column – which will likely run right before Christmas and some days into the observance of Hanukkah – is to offer my best holiday wishes to all our weekly column readers. Over the past few years, slowly and steadily, we have built up quite a readership and following on-line. I enjoy authoring these weekly columns so you have “news you can use” about what is happening in your state capitol.

In addition to thanking all our readers for another wonderful year, I want to thank the many area newspapers and websites who routinely run my weekly columns. Without you, there would be no weekly column, so thank you!

Finally, I want to thank all my friends and neighbors across the 129th Assembly District for the opportunity to continue serving you and represent our community in Albany. I believe that public service is a public trust and, since 2000, you have continually placed your trust in me. I thank you for that trust and promise to continue working hard every day to earn it. I am very proud to serve you and prouder still to call our beautiful Finger Lakes community my home.

REMEMBER THE “REASON FOR THE SEASON”

In closing, whatever your beliefs, whatever your expression of faith or spirituality, I ask that you try to do one simple thing during the holidays. In between all the hustle and bustle, the presents and catching up with old friends, find a quiet moment to reflect on the true reason for the season – and then do your very best to relive this holiday spirit everyday:

“Glory to God in the Highest,
And on Earth,
Peace and goodwill toward men.”

On behalf of our entire family – my wife Lauren, our sons Britton and Clayton, our daughter Kylie, and our grandson Everett – our very best to you and all your loved ones for a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and many wishes for a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year!

As always, constituents wishing to discuss this topic, or any other state-related matter should contact my district office at (315) 781-2030, or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and informational updates regarding state government and our Assembly Minority Conference.

Last week’s column, “2011: The Year In Review, Part I,” outlined some of the major successes from the recent Session from the months of January through June. These included the swearing-in of a new Governor, an on-time state budget and my ongoing efforts to save taxpayer dollars. Part II highlights July through December. Traditionally, these are months of the year when legislators spend time in their districts, but legislative issues still arise and need to be debated. It is never quiet in Albany!

JULY: JOBS, JOBS, JOBS!

Our focus needs to be on fixing the economy and creating jobs. After Session concluded, I said the immediate priority was constructing a true economic development plan to create jobs and put over 700,000 unemployed New Yorkers back to work. I sent a letter to Governor Cuomo urging him to rescind the New York State Department of Labor’s recent Unemployment Insurance (UI) Interest Assessment Surcharge imposed on all businesses and refund any businesses that have paid this assessment to date. I suggested using a portion of the nearly $800 million in surplus first quarter tax receipts from the current fiscal year to cover the $95 million interest payment of the federal loans, instead of nickel-and-diming businesses with another costly assessment.

In addition, to help create jobs, I am continuing my push for a “People’s Convention to Reform New York,” which will help enact long overdue reforms that our state government still needs. In July, an essay I wrote back in the wintertime was published in the Albany Government Law Review titled “New York’s Last, Best Hope for Real Reform: The Case for Convening a State Constitutional Convention.” To view my essay on-line, go to http://tinyurl.com/cxoctcn. For more information on my support for a non-partisan, grassroots “People’s Convention” or to sign our online petition, go to www.reformny.org.

AUGUST: KEEPING FIREARM COMPANIES – AND THOUSANDS OF PRIVATE SECTOR JOBS – IN NEW YORK STATE

In August – as in the entire year – my focus was still on jobs, jobs, jobs. I joined Tom King, President of the New York Rifle and Pistol Association in calling for Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Councils to make the retention of firearm companies such as Remington Arms; Just Right Carbines; Kahr Arms; Kimber Manufacturing; Turnbull Restoration and Dan Wesson Firearms a top economic development priority for the Empire State. I also said that the state Legislature needed to do its part and stop considering costly government mandates, such as micro-stamping, that do little to keep New Yorkers safe, yet drive up the cost of owning a firearm and create a climate where companies that produce them no longer feel welcome.

SEPTEMBER: HURRICANE IRENE AND TROPICAL STROM LEE DEVASTATE MANY UPSTATE COMMUNITIES

Sadly, September began with heartbreak in the form of cleanup and recovery from the destructive record flooding of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. The storms impaired local governments, devastated businesses and damaged regional roadways, bridges and other critical infrastructure that are the lifeline for citizens, commerce and communities across New York. About a week later, the Binghamton area of the Southern Tier was pounded by record rainfall from the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee.

To help affected communities repair, rebuild and recover, I asked Governor Cuomo to redirect $50 million of the $200 million in state economic development funding currently targeted for the administration’s Regional Council Initiative. While many repairs have been made, there are people still struggling to rebuild their homes, their businesses and their lives due to the storms.

OCTOBER: DMV INSTITUTES A BAD POLICY – AND THEN BACKTRACKS AFTER MY CRITICISM

Heading into October, the DMV instituted a new policy allowing motorists to “self certify” that they meet the vision requirement necessary to drive. I wrote to the Governor to request his immediate involvement in reversing this ill-advised policy change that would have put motorists’ lives at risk and undone decades of progress made toward New York’s roadways ranking among the safest in our nation. Due to the overwhelming outcry of disapproval, the DMV reversed its decision to eliminate the eye test. Thank goodness!

NOVEMBER: GOVERNOR RELEASES MID-YEAR UPDATE TO FINANCIAL PLAN

On November 14, Governor Cuomo released his mid-year update to the financial plan, about two weeks late. It estimated a current fiscal year deficit of $350 million and projected the next fiscal year’s deficit to be $3 to $3.5 billion. Our Assembly Minority Conference projected a current fiscal year deficit of $424 million and an out-year budget deficit of $3.46 billion.

What we need to close that looming deficit, prevent future deficits and protect taxpayers is a state spending cap. I introduced legislation – Assembly Bill A.5370 – that would enact a state spending cap based on changes in the Consumer Price Index, or CPI (an index measuring changes in the price level of consumer goods and services purchased by households) and make sure that the cap was actually followed. My bill would cap the growth of state operating funds spending to no more than the average rate of inflation of the three previous calendar years. A spending cap would put the brakes on Albany’s spending binges, force the State Legislature to set priorities and require state government to start living within its means.

DECEMBER: SPECIAL SESSION DID NOT ADDRESS ALBANY’S SPENDING PROBLEM, HIKED TAXES IN NEW YORK STATE

Unfortunately, Albany was “business as usual” during an extraordinary session called for the first week of December. The Albany tax code deal was negotiated in secret behind closed doors and did not include a state spending cap or a Medicaid spending cap, vehicles to reduce Albany’s out of control spending.

Our Assembly Minority Conference offered up two amendments – Assembly Bill A.5370 and Assembly Bill A.8453. Our state spending cap amendment (A.5370) would have capped year-to-year increases in state spending to the average rate of inflation of the three previous calendar years. The Medicaid spending cap amendment (A.8453) would have frozen the municipal share of local Medicaid costs at the current level, an important step toward reducing Medicaid costs and delivering unfunded mandate relief for localities. Both amendments were defeated by the Assembly Democratic Majority by votes of 88 to 51 (state spending cap) and 74 to 63 (Medicaid cap).

I said publicly that we should be doing more to protect taxpayers by capping local Medicaid costs, enacting a state spending cap and doing this through an open, public process where these issues are debated and discussed in the light of day. I believe that tax hikes have NEVER been the answer for creating more private sector jobs and long-term prosperity for New Yorkers, and I still believe that today. I will continue to bring these issues to the Assembly floor during the 235th Legislative Session beginning in January and will proudly keep fighting and standing up for taxpayers across the state.

As always, constituents wishing to discuss this topic, or any other state-related matter should contact my district office at (315) 781-2030, or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and informational updates regarding state government and our Assembly Minority Conference.

In an effort to protect taxpayers from the explosive growth of state government spending and decrease the crushing burden of New York’s Medicaid program on local governments, Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) and the Minority Conference proposed two amendments to the Albany tax deal. The tax deal passed at 1:00 a.m. Thursday morning.

The two amendments – Assembly Bill A.5370 and Assembly Bill A.8453 – were offered by the Assembly Minority Conference to the principal legislation enacting the Albany tax deal. The state spending cap amendment (A.5370) would have capped year-to-year increases in state spending to the average rate of inflation of the three previous calendar years. The Medicaid spending cap amendment (A.8453) would have frozen the municipal share of local Medicaid costs at the current level, an important step toward reducing Medicaid costs and delivering unfunded mandate relief for localities. Both amendments were defeated by the Assembly Democratic Majority by votes of 88 to 51 (state spending cap) and 74 to 63 (Medicaid cap).

“New York may be ‘open for business,’ but Albany was ‘business as usual’ late Wednesday night. The Albany tax deal enacted in the dead of night Wednesday-with zero public hearings, zero public input and zero transparency– failed to address two of the biggest threats to New York’s fiscal stability: our state’s addiction to spending and its skyrocketing Medicaid costs. The inability, or unwillingness, to tackle these two huge fiscal challenges was a colossal missed opportunity and will end up costing taxpayers more later on down the line,” said Leader Kolb, who has spoken out against the Albany tax deal and the process used to enact it.

“Government spending and Medicaid were left untouched by Albany’s tax deal despite the fact that from 2000 to 2010, state spending increased by an unsustainable rate of nearly 70 percent. Also unaffected was the state’s Medicaid program – the costliest in our nation. New York spends more on Medicaid than Texas and Florida combined, even though these two states have almost 44 million residents to our 19 million. It is clear that reducing Medicaid costs and reining in state spending should have been on the agenda during Wednesdays Special Session. Instead, they were swept under the rug,” Leader Kolb concluded.

“From what has been reported in the media so far, the bottom line is that taxes are being raised in New York State and we are still not dealing with our state’s serious spending problem. There is still no significant unfunded mandate relief for local governments. We should be protecting taxpayers by capping local Medicaid costs, enacting a state spending cap and doing this through an open, public process where these issues are debated and discussed in the light of day, not through secret deals behind closed doors by three-men-in-a-room. Tax hikes have never been the answer for creating more private sector jobs and long-term prosperity for New Yorkers. That still holds true today.”

As mentioned previously, this week’s column will serve as the first of a special two-part series looking back at 2011 and the year that was, highlighting some of the major successes from the recent session as legislators prepare to return to Albany in January for the 235th Legislative Session.

When people look back on 2011 from a state government perspective, I believe it will be remembered as an historic year that began a long process of moving our state toward reclaiming its rightful place as a national leader in private sector job creation, excellence in government and reducing the taxpayers’ burden. While we cannot say that each of these issues have been resolved entirely, we can say that 2011 gave us a head start toward achieving real progress.

JANUARY: A NEW GOVERNOR AND A CHANCE FOR NEW YORK TO HIT THE “RESET” BUTTON

The swearing-in of new Governor Andrew Cuomo meant a fresh start for New York State and the chance to leave years of Albany’s partisan gridlock and “governance by crisis” mindset behind. I said that the Governor’s State of the State Address, delivered on January 5, 2011, represented a fresh start and a chance for New York to hit the “reset” button. Many of the themes the Governor outlined – returning to fiscal responsibility, instituting better management of state government and taxpayer dollars, delivering real tax relief, rebuilding our economy and strengthening ethics – were cornerstone issues I have long been fighting for. I pledged my bi-partisan cooperation with the Governor so we could transform New York State for the better.

FEBRUARY: COMMENTING ON 2011-12 EXECUTIVE BUDGET, OFFERING SUGGESTIONS TO MAKE NON-PARTISAN REDISTRICTING REFORM A REALITY

February saw the Governor unveil his 2011-12 Executive Budget, a comprehensive spending plan that began a long overdue, and at times painful, process of restructuring, redesigning and reforming state government by taking concrete steps toward reducing government’s cost and size. Once again, the Governor was reading from my policy playbook!

In February, I sent the Governor a letter outlining my specific recommendations aimed at improving his “Redistricting Reform Act of 2011” to ensure a redistricting process that was 100 percent fair, non-partisan and delivered the competitive elections New Yorkers deserved so they had a real choice on Election Day. I urged the Governor to join me in taking partisan politics out of redistricting by establishing a truly independent Legislative Redistricting Commission.

MARCH: DELIVERING AN ON-TIME STATE BUDGET THAT ACTUALLY CUT SPENDING

With one day remaining before the state’s April 1 fiscal deadline, we passed the 2011-12 State Budget on March 31, delivering an on-time spending plan for the first time in a long time. The budget was by no means a perfect spending plan, but a realistic and necessary one. It involved tough choices that began a long overdue – and sometimes painful – process of reducing spending, rightsizing state government and reforming Albany’s broken culture of tax-and-spend. The budget contained important victories including defeat of a “Success Tax Surcharge” extension, closure of a $10 billion budget deficit, enactment of the Power for Jobs program and a reduction of government spending.

APRIL: USING TECHNOLOGY TO SAVE TAXPAYER DOLLARS, RECOGNIZING NEW YORK’S “TAX FREEDOM DAY”

As part of my ongoing effort to save taxpayer dollars and reduce costs during these tough economic times and era of multi-billion dollar State Budget deficits, in April I asked residents to connect with me electronically through e-mail and social media outlets like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, to reduce legislative mailing costs and save taxpayer dollars. I am pleased to report that, thanks to constituents who are now contacting me electronically, my office has been able to significantly reduce its legislative mailings and, in the process, save thousands of taxpayer dollars. So be sure and keep those e-mails, Facebook posts and Tweets coming!

Also in April, I recognized New York’s “Tax Freedom Day,” which was America’s third latest and said Albany could not continue putting tax relief on the backburner. Our state’s Tax Freedom Day – April 24 – represented when folks had finally earned enough to pay off their annual tax bill and was 12 days after the national Tax Freedom Day of April 12. I said New York is still one of America’s highest-taxed states and that unless Albany took concrete steps to reduce the burden of our property, individual income, corporate, gasoline and sales taxes, New York’s engine of job creation – the private sector – will remain stuck in neutral.

MAY: LISTENING TO CONSTITUENTS DURING MY “TELE-TOWN HALL”

May 18 was my “Tele-Town Hall Meeting” which featured an important conversation about New York’s future with thousands of local constituents from across the 129th Assembly District. A Tele-Town Hall is an innovative outreach tool that lets elected officials like me hear from, and speak with, constituents simultaneously during a lively and informative telephone conference call. During my Tele-Town Hall Meeting, I had the opportunity to communicate with thousands of residents who asked me specific questions and took part in opinion polls seeking their views on issues such as tax relief, reducing spending, creating private sector jobs and rightsizing state government.

JUNE: PUSHING FOR UNFUNDED MANDATE RELIEF, RECOGNIZING AN IMPORTANT LEGAL VICTORY IN THE FIGHT TO ENFORCE THE LAW

As the 2011 Legislative Session was nearing completion, the issue of unfunded mandate relief had fallen off Albany’s radar as absolutely nobody was talking about it. In my opinion, that was completely unacceptable and represented a clear failure on Albany’s part to “get it.”

I said that simply doing nothing while Albany’s unfunded mandates continued pushing local governments, school districts and taxpayers toward bankruptcy was NOT an option! This is why I gathered our Conference, County leaders and local government advocates in the State Capitol to make one final push for unfunded mandate relief before the 2011 Legislative Session concluded. Joining me were County leaders such as Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks, and local government supporters such as New York State School Boards Association Executive Director Tim Kremer. We called for up-or-down votes on a host of legislation that would, among other things, cap state spending, freeze the local share of Medicaid costs for counties and force the state to pay for its unfunded mandates.

In addition, June saw a landmark State Appellate Division ruling that lifted the temporary order preventing the collection of taxes on cigarettes sold on Native American lands to non-Native American Indians. As the only Legislative Leader in state government who has continually pushed for enforcing the law on this matter, I said the ruling was a big victory for upstate taxpayers, businesses and everyone believing in the rule of law. Now that the legal roadblocks were removed, I said New York had a “green light” and should move full speed ahead with enforcing the law, collecting the taxes and leveling the playing field. I urged the Department of Taxation and Finance to begin the tax collections immediately.

COMING NEXT WEEK: 2011: THE YEAR IN REVIEW, PART II

Next week will feature Part II of 2011: The Year in Review, picking up where the 2011 Legislative Session left off, focusing on the months of July through December and everything that took place during that timeframe. The column will focus on my fight to stop the Unemployment Insurance Interest Assessment Surcharge imposed on small businesses, the devastation caused to New York by Hurricane Irene and the continued efforts of certain liberal politicians in Albany to revive the Success Tax Surcharge – exactly as I predicted would happen in this weekly column back in May!

As always, constituents wishing to discuss this topic, or any other state-related matter should contact my district office at (315) 781-2030, or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and informational updates regarding state government and our Assembly Minority Conference.

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) is pictured (right) speaking during the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY) Central Upstate Manufacturing Meeting recently held at the DoubleTree Hotel in East Syracuse. Leader Kolb started and ran successful private sector manufacturing companies prior to his entering public service and is the only Legislative Leader in all of state government with 20-plus years of proven private sector business experience. Seated to Leader Kolb’s immediate right, is State Senator David Valesky (D-Oneida).

Leader Kolb previously served as Chair of the Assembly Minority Conference’s Manufacturing Task Force and traveled statewide to hear directly from manufacturing CEOs, managers and front-line employees about what state government can do to stop hurting, and start helping, this critical sector of New York’s economy. Leader Kolb continues leading the charge to preserve, protect and strengthen manufacturing in New York and create more private sector jobs.

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) will appear on YNN’s “Capital Tonight” with host Liz Benjamin TONIGHT, November 30, 2011, at 8:00 and 11:30 p.m. to discuss the State Budget deficit, tax code reform and potential Assembly Special Elections for 2012.

WHO: Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb
(R,I,C-Canandaigua)

WHAT: Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb to discuss
State Budget deficit, tax code reform and potential
Assembly Special Elections for 2012.

WHEN: TONIGHT, November 30
at 8:00 and 11:30 p.m.

WHERE: “Capital Tonight” with host Liz Benjamin
YNN on Time Warner Cable
or view online at http://capitaltonight.com

CONTACT: Josh Fitzpatrick, (518) 455-3751
joshuakevfitz@yahoo.com