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Statement by Assemblyman Kolb
Megan's Law Extension
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Today, my colleagues and I met in Albany in support of reforming Megan's Law and passing a bill requiring lifetime registration on the state Sex Offender Registry for all convicted sex offenders. Members of my conference have supported calling a joint conference committee on the topic, and I am glad Speaker Silver and his members finally support the idea.
While our agreement on a conference committee is the first step in the right direction, the inconsistency shown by Speaker Silver has caused an unnecessary holdup in protecting our families. However, time is running out.
By now, I am sure most people are aware that, on January 21, 168 names will be dropped from the Sex Offender Registry. That may sound like a lot, but it is only the tip of the iceberg, with over 3,000 more slated to be dropped by year's end.
The governor, the state Senate and my conference have all approved this measure, so what is holding the majority back? Inaction on the part of the majority has led to an immediate risk to our women and children, this is an unacceptable risk and we need to act now!
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ENERGY COST ASSISTANCE COULD BE ON ITS WAY TO OUR MOST VULNERABLE RESIDENTS
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Everyone already knows that home heating costs are running much higher this winter than in previous years. My Assembly colleagues and I are concerned that too many people can't afford these skyrocketing costs, thus endangering the health and safety of many low- and moderate-income New Yorkers, as well as elderly residents on fixed incomes.
Last week, the Assembly passed a bill that earmarks $200 million in supplemental state funds to the federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). However, the bill must still pass the state Senate and be signed into law by the governor before the appropriation can be made.
The state Senate in September offered and approved its own HEAP funding proposal, and the current state budget is expected to have a $2 billion surplus at the end of New York's fiscal year, so we are very hopeful both houses will quickly reach a consensus and pass along a bill to the governor for his consideration.
The Assembly bill provides for qualified HEAP recipients who applied since September 30, 2005 to be eligible for the additional state funds. We feel this would help ease the cost burden for our residents. The benefits would extend to those residents who apply by June 1 and are deemed eligible for help.
Rising costs are affecting more than only seniors and the poor. Middle-income families are also struggling to make energy payments, but a solution is in sight.
The Assembly also passed a resolution urging Congress to provide additional federal funds. We also want our state senators to be aware of the risk to our low-income and senior citizen residents if they don't get more financial help. Winters in New York are extremely cold, and the need for reliable heat becomes critical as the season wears on.
The governor plans to look at both bills and, hopefully, he will help both houses reach a bipartisan agreement. For now, HEAP is still available to eligible citizens, and I encourage everyone to inquire. It may make your winter heating costs much more manageable!
For more information contact my office at (315) 781-2030 or look up HEAP's website at http://www.otda.state.ny.us/otda/heap/default.htm.
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