Legislative session wrap-up

My colleagues and I recently concluded the 2019 Legislative Session. My first Session as your State Senator saw many highs and, unfortunately, far too many lows thanks to the Senate Democratic Majority and Governor Cuomo who made coddling criminals, growing government, raising taxes and helping New York City their political priorities.

Democrats delivered an extreme, radical agenda

Governor Cuomo began the New Year promising the most “progressive” agenda in our state’s history. From driver’s licenses and free college for illegal immigrants to more job-killing taxes, increased rules, regulations and red tape on job creators, and parole for cop killers, murderers and predators, Governor Cuomo and the Albany Democrats delivered on their promise! Their extreme, radical agenda clearly demonstrated that elections have consequences. It also showed why one-party rule – and a radical liberal agenda – have been an unmitigated DISASTER for New York State and our overburdened taxpayers.

Two radically different visions of New York State

If the growing divide between Upstate and Downstate has resulted in New York becoming a “tale of two states,” then our 2019 Legislative Session was a “tale of two visions,” one advanced by the Senate Democratic Majority and Governor Cuomo, and one advanced by myself and our Senate Republican Conference that is the last line of defense for taxpayers. Democrat’s agenda The Senate Democrats agenda included:

• Driver’s licenses and “free” taxpayer-funded college for illegal immigrants;

• Killing a deal with Amazon that would have created 25,000 jobs and provided billions in new revenue and investment;

• New taxes on internet purchases, prescription drugs, grocery bags, and commuters;

• A cap on STAR benefits and elimination of property tax rebate checks;

• Prison closures and reduced prison sentences to help illegal immigrants avoid deportation;

• Bail “reform” that lets dangerous criminals roam free;

• New government mandates that will force many family farms to close;

• More restrictions on the Second Amendment; and

• A radical expansion of abortion, right up until the moment of birth. My agenda In contrast to the Senate Democrats and Governor Cuomo, my Senate Republican colleagues and I advanced a common-sense agenda that put law-abiding, hard-working taxpayers first. Here’s what we fought for:

• A Victims’ Justice Agenda that protects victims, families, and communities;

• An economic agenda that stops the exodus of jobs and businesses from NY and helps grow our Upstate economy;

• Cuts to energy, property, business and income taxes;

• Real mandate relief and regulatory reform; and

• Statewide broadband access. Delivering for the district In addition to fighting for these issues, I successfully advocated for and delivered important priorities that will help our 43rd Senate District. Some of my deliverables this Session included:

• $65 million in Extreme Winter Recovery funding for safer roads;

• $20 million for our public libraries;

• Dwyer Program funding to help veterans;

• Permanent property tax cap to protect homeowners;

• Helping Gold Star families;

• Stopping the legalization of recreational marijuana; and

• Passage of legislation assisting local communities. State Sen. Daphne Jordan.

Senate Democrats and Governor Cuomo: Out of touch with Upstate

By catering to their extreme, radical far-left New York City political base, the Senate Democratic Majority squandered this Session that will ultimately go down as a colossal missed opportunity to help our fellow New Yorkers – especially Upstate – who are hurting. Helping the folks forgotten by Albany, working for more affordability, opportunity and security remain my focus.

Contact and with me

If I can help, call me at (518) 455-2381, e-mail me at jordan@nysenate.gov, connect visit my Senate webpage at www.jordan.nysenate.gov, or stop by my office: Room 508 LOB, Albany, NY 12247. You can also connect with me on Facebook (Senator Daphne Jordan), Instagram (Senator_Jordan) and Twitter (NY Senator Jordan). NYS Senator Daphne Jordan serves as the Ranking Minority Member on the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee and represents the 43rd Senate District that includes parts of Rensselaer, Saratoga and Washington counties and all of Columbia County.