February 16, 2007
Governor’s Ethics Reform Law Passes Assembly; Might impact County PSA’s
As mother-nature was blanketing the entire State with what will be known as the Valentine’s Day Storm of ‘07, the State Assembly was passing one of Governor Spitzer’s key legislative priorities—the Public Employee Ethics Reform Act.
The bill, A.3736-a /S.2876 sponsored by Speaker Sheldon Sliver (D, New York) and Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno (R, Rensselaer & Saratoga), will make amend existing statutes with several changes aimed at reforming and strengthening the State ethics and lobbying laws. Amendments include the creation of State commission on public integrity, creation of a legislative ethics commission and new regulations on gift giving to State employees and public officials.
One amendment prohibits elected government officials and candidates from appearing in advertisements paid for with public funds, including public service announcements. (Pete Savage)
Legislature unveils budget negotiation process
State Legislative leaders this week set a course for achieving an April 1st on-time budget with an agreement on a joint legislative budget schedule.
The schedule includes the following dates.
- February 26 - Senate/Assembly Fiscal Committee Economic and Revenue Reports released
- February 27 - Joint Public Revenue Meeting
- March 1 - Revenue Consensus Announcement
- March 12 - Senate and Assembly budget bills taken up
- March 13 - Joint Senate/Assembly budget conference committees commence
- March 23 - Conference committees conclude
- March 28 - Conference committee reports issued
- March 29, 30 - Joint Legislative budget bills taken up by Senate and Assembly
Governor announces latest round of appointments
Governor Spitzer this week announced the following appointments to his administration.
John C. Egan, Commissioner of the Office of General Services, and also serves as Chairman of the Harriman Research and Technology Development Corporation and as Executive Director of the New York State Task Force on High Speed Rail.
Nancy G. Groenwegen, President of the Civil Service Commission. Ms. Groenwegen has served as Assistant Attorney General in the New York State Department of Law since 2001.
Robert Hermann, Director of the Governor’s Office of Regulatory Reform. He has worked in private law practice since 1989.
Barry L. Kluger, Inspector General of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. He has served in the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office since 1978.
Daniel D. O’Hara will be appointed to serve as Director of the New York State Fair. He was elected Mayor of the Village of Baldwinsville in 1993, and also serves as Director of Development for the Arc of Onondaga.
Robert S. Hite, member of the Public Employment Relations Board. He serves as Managing Principal of Hite, O’Donnell & Beaumont and is also Special Village Attorney for Labor Relations for the Village of Menands.
Jerome Lefkowitz, Chairman of the Public Employment Relations Board. He served as Deputy Counsel for the Civil Service Employees Association, and was Deputy Chairman of the New York State Public Employment Relations Board from 1967 to 1986.
Eric J. Schmertz, Public Employment Relations Board. He is currently of Counsel at the Dweck Law Firm and previously served on the Public Employment Relations Board from 1991 to 1997.
County Executives meet with members of NY’s congressional delegation
Representatives from the New York State County Executives Association met in Washington this week with the Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Charles Schumer and members of the New York State Congressional Delegation.
The county executives focused on how the federal government and New York State counties can work together to deliver more effective programs and services for the people of New York State. They asked the federal representatives to consider the following issues as they proceed with their work in Washington this year.
• Modifying the Medicaid Upper Payment Limit Cap to support the unique services that County Nursing Homes provide as a safety net in our communities.
• Reauthorizing the Workforce Investment Act to continue job training and economic development initiatives in New York State to keep us competitive in the global marketplace.
• Ensuring that Federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funding is provided to New York State in the event that we have to purchase new electronic machines to implement the new voting standards. (Mark LaVigne)
Sheriff’s association convenes in Albany
The New York State Sheriffs’ Association held its 73rd Annual Winter Training Conference in Albany this week, attracting sheriffs from across the state.
The conference included a range of expert speakers including NYS Public Safety Secretary Michael Balboni, Homeland Security Director David Sheppard, Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and NYS Police Superintendent Wayne Bennett, among several others. (Adriano Bongiorno)
Next week
- The Senate and Assembly will not be in Session next week.
- The 21 Day Amendments to the Executive State Budget will be announced on Wednesday.
