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NEW EDISON PROJECT WOULD REKINDLE
TECHNOLOGY INTEREST
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Our nation is feeling the far-reaching effects of economic globalization and the loss of distinction as the leader in technological innovation. This is alarming because New York has always stood as one of the best places for higher education and as a leader of innovation.
Over the last decade, New York committed itself to new initiatives, programs and marketing that's transforming our state from part of the "rust belt" into a forerunner of technological innovation and creation. We've created Centers of Excellence and redefined regions with government incentives and names such as Tech Valley in the Hudson and Mohawk valleys and Silicon Alley in New York City.
Now comes the New Edison Project, an Assembly Republican plan to continue New York's commitment to innovation and education.
The United States just three decades ago was ranked third in the world in number of students between the ages of 18 and 24 receiving science degrees; that ranking has fallen to 17th today. Universities in Asian countries are producing eight times as many bachelor's degrees in engineering as the United States. In response, the New Edison Project would create an array of opportunities and programs to influence and inspire future generations of New York students in the study of the sciences and math.
By encouraging creation of public/private partnerships, providing tax credits for donations, and expanding the TAP program for math, science and engineering majors, the project would rekindle an interest in the next generation of students to explore the science and math fields.
The program would create distinct programs in our high schools to provide students with enriched math, science and engineering curriculum. Currently, school boards can create such programs but receive no special funding; the New Edison Project would provide monetary incentives to support and encourage them. As an added incentive to support math and the sciences, we propose private/public partnerships and foundations to help fund additional education. This initiative would be modeled after Project Lead the Way, a successful national nonprofit program that includes a four-year sequence of science courses focused on preparing students for the rigor and discipline of engineering and technology prior to entering college.
On the college level, the New Edison Project would create several initiatives that help our future math and science leaders by creating a loan forgiveness program for up to 500 students. These students' loans, up to $10,000 per year for up to five years, would be forgiven in exchange for a five-year commitment to work in New York in the appropriate field after graduation. Furthering the drive for technological innovation and creation, up to $2 million in grant funding would be available to graduate students in all sectors to pursue scientific research for their graduate or doctoral studies.
I will continue to work with my Assembly colleagues to push the New Edison Project in an effort to make New York a frontrunner in technology and innovation.
If you have questions about this or any other legislative matter, please do not hesitate to e-mail me via kolbb@ assembly.state.ny.us, phone (315) 781-2030, or visit my district offices in Geneva and Auburn.
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KOLB ANNOUNCES PATRIOT IV PLAN
Assemblyman Continues Support of New York's Armed Services Personnel
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Assemblyman Brian Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua) today stood with his Assembly Republican colleagues to announce a new plan - Patriot Plan IV - to extend additional benefits to New York's service men and women that would build on the three previous installments of the state's Patriot Plan.
Over the last three legislative sessions, Assembly Republican-authored Patriot Plan bills passed the Legislature and were signed into law by Gov. George Pataki. Patriot Plan IV consists of proposals left out of previously enacted legislation. Like Patriot Plans I, II and III, the new measure is designed to provide tax relief and other benefits to military personnel serving our state and nation.
"I am pushing for this legislation because it's the right thing to do for our soldiers in the field and veterans here at home," said Kolb. "Serving in the armed forces is one of the noblest of calls to answer and, as legislators, this is our humble way of saying 'thank you' to New York's service men and women."
Kolb noted the plan would help employers of active-duty personnel serving overseas, as well as assist military members with wage tax credits and unemployment insurance waivers. The plan also provides exemptions for military pay subject to the state income tax and expands on the federal home loan guarantee for veterans.
Patriot Plan IV consists of the following:
The Patriot Family Support Fund - Allows an individual or business filing a New York state income tax form to make a donation to a "Patriot Family Support Fund."
Home Loan Guarantee - Expands the federal home loan guarantee for Veterans Affairs-qualified state National Guard and Reserve veterans to provide a state tax credit or deduction for the extra three-quarters of a percent difference in funding fee charges between VA active-duty veterans and eligible Guard and Reserve veterans.
Exemption for Military Pay Subject to State Income Tax - Provides military income exemptions for active duty pay for soldiers whose homes were in New York state before entering the military.
New York State Veterans Land Program - State veterans may apply for low-interest loans of up to $40,000 to purchase property, provided they buy a building code-approved lot.
-more-
Military Medics and NYS EMT Qualifications - Automatically grants certification as an EMT in New York State for military personnel who completed comparable military medical training courses for the Army, Navy or Air Force.
New York State Veterans Home Improvement Program - Allows veterans to apply for low-interest loans to make substantial repairs and improvements to their primary residences.
"I am extremely pleased that Patriot Plans I, II and III are helping the servicemen and women living in New York state, and I believe that when Patriot Plan IV passes, it will also yield many positive benefits to our military personnel," concluded Kolb.
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LET'S MAKE APRIL NEW YORK'S AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
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I'm sure that many of you have heard the heartwarming story of Jason McElwain, the 17 year-old senior member of the Greece Athena Trojans basketball team. "J-MAC", the autistic team manager has been an inspiration for not only the other members of his team, but for people around the world. In one recent game, his coach decided to give him time on the court, and Jason responded by scoring twenty points in four minutes.
While McElwain has been featured on multiple media outlets, including "Sports Center" and "Good Morning America," he says his meeting with President George Bush tops them all. Last Tuesday, President Bush visited my district to talk about Medicare Part D. He was greeted on the tarmac by Jason. The two walked arm-in-arm, talking to reporters and exchanging gifts. The President was given a picture of McElwain on a stick and he in turn surprised Jason by presenting him with a Presidential tie clip and bookmark. What Jason showed the nation is that even someone with a disability can accomplish amazing goals.
Autism has gained much needed attention thanks to Jason's touching story, and my colleagues and I would like to further the cause by naming April 2006 as Autism Awareness Month in New York State. Autism is the third most common developmental disability in the United States; affecting over 26,000 people in New York and one in 500 children will be diagnosed with the disorder. The disorder creates a difficult challenge to overcome; as it is an affliction first occurring in children before the age of three, recognized by unresponsiveness to human contact, deficits in language development, and peculiar reactions to stimuli. Autism affects the reasoning skills, social interaction and communication skills of those who suffer with the disorder, causing difficulty in social settings. Autism knows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries, and while the causes are unknown, we know the results are a neurological disorder. Fortunately over the past 30 years, significant progress has been made in research, medicine and therapy for autism, resulting in a greater quality of life for those affected, but there is still a great deal of work to be done.
We would like to garner as much support as possible in combating this debilitating disorder as is possible. In order to do that, we need to raise awareness and make sure the public is fully aware and educated on the topic. For a decade now autism has been nationally recognized since 1996, it is only fitting that New York follow suit. I feel that officially recognizing April as Autism Awareness Month in our state will do just that. I have joined a non-partisan effort in the state legislature to call upon our governor to decree just that
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BUDGET TALKS STALL; KOLB DEMANDS PROPERTY TAX REFORM
Assembly Democrats refuse to budge on property tax relief
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Assemblyman Brian Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua) today pledged his support for meaningful property tax relief for New York's homeowners in the state budget that is due in less than a week. Property tax relief has yet to be discussed in the ongoing budget talks, noted Kolb.
"While budget negotiations have been successful in some areas, many important issues, especially property tax relief, have been pushed to the back burner," stated Kolb.
Assembly Republicans revealed their property tax plan months ago, yet members of the Democratic majority continue to ignore it, said Kolb. Budget talks have stalled, and members of both sides of the aisle are at impasse over how to deal with property taxes.
"I believe the most important issue facing property owners today is the burden of property taxes," said Kolb. "As legislators, we need to provide as much relief to the homeowners in our state, this year."
Kolb noted New York property owners pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation, forcing many homeowners to move to other states. He further criticized the Democrats' property tax relief proposal offered last month as a "weak" plan that provides virtually no relief for an average New York family.
Under the Democrats' plan, a homeowner's property taxes must be greater than 7.5 percent of the household income to receive tax relief, meaning a working family with a household income of $70,000 and a property tax bill of $5,250 or less would not receive any relief. The maximum amount homeowners could receive if they qualified under the Democrat plan would be $200 this year.
While many homeowners do not pay more than 7.5 percent of their combined household income in property taxes, the burden is still crushing when it's 5, 6 or 7 percent of one's combined income. Kolb said legislators must consider the state, federal, gas, sales and numerous other taxes that New Yorkers pay, on top of health care, education and other household costs incurred year-round.
Under the Assembly Republican plan, every homeowner receiving a School Tax Relief (STAR) program exemption would receive additional and substantial property tax relief. An average property owner would save $715 annually, the average senior citizen $1,256.
The Republican plan also increases STAR exemption rates to better reflect today's property taxes and calls for a Co-STAR program to reduce county taxes. It proposes an elimination of unfunded state mandates, a major crackdown on Medicaid waste and fraud, and holding the line on runaway spending so the relief is lasting.
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KOLB CALLS FOR REINSTATEMENT OF DEATH PENALTY
FOR POLICE KILLERS
Assemblyman says capital punishment provides justice for slain law officers and their families
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Assemblyman Brian Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua) today joined his Assembly Republican colleagues in calling for the death penalty for criminals guilty of murdering police officers or employees of the state Department of Correctional Services.
"I strongly believe in the death penalty for those who would murder a peace officer," said Assemblyman Kolb. "Our law enforcement personnel knowingly put their lives on the line every day so our communities are safer places to live.
"It is time for us to get tough on crime and to enact a policy that would not only help deter cop killers but also give justice to families who lose loved ones in the line of duty."
Assembly Republicans attempted to reinstate the death penalty for criminals guilty of killing police officers near the end of today's Assembly session, but Assembly Democrats blocked the effort.
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KOLB ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL STATE AID
FOR FINGER LAKES MUNICIPALITIES
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Assemblyman Brian Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua) today outlined increases in state aid to municipalities approved by the state Legislature for the towns and cities in his 129th Assembly District.
"I am pleased that the legislature provided additional funding in this year's budget to help municipalities," said Kolb. "This funding will help hold the line on local tax burden that homeowners in my district currently carry."
Kolb noted an additional 19.61 percent, for a total of over $1.1 million, has been allocated for the city of Canandaigua and 24.11 percent, for a total of $1.8 million, for Geneva. In addition, towns in Assemblyman Kolb's district, which includes parts of the Finger Lakes and Central New York regions, will see nearly 20 percent increases in state aid.
"This is part of our effort in this year's budget to provide real relief to localities and homeowners."
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LEGISLATIVE COLUMN FROM ASSEMBLYMAN BRIAN KOLB
Assembly Democrats thwart efforts to provide relief at the pump
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The average price for a gallon of gasoline in New York is now an exorbitant $2.71. This represents a 21 percent increase over the slightly less exorbitant average of $2.23 last year. The price of diesel fuel has also risen by nearly 14 percent. While we can do little at the state level to rein in these escalating costs, there is one step we can take to make automotive travel more affordable: we can cap the taxable receipt of gas and diesel fuel.
With summer rapidly approaching, it is imperative for our tourism industry that people can afford to visit the Finger Lakes region. My Assembly Republican colleagues and I recently offered an amendment to a budget bill that would have allowed for passage of these measures. Unfortunately - albeit not unexpectedly - they were shot down by the predominantly downstate Democrat majority. This is yet another example of the dichotomy that begins at the Tappan Zee Bridge. Upstate, we see every day that fuel costs need to be constrained. Downstate, where fewer people drive, the need is not so urgent. We must reconcile this philosophical difference.
That being said, the high cost of diesel fuel affects us all. It is a tremendous detriment to the trucking industry which, in turn, adversely affects local businesses in every corner of the state. This burden makes it more difficult to distribute products anywhere in New York.
Our plan would save motorists an estimated $200 million. It has passed the State Senate two years in a row. The state is currently operating with a budget surplus. It would be both unfair and unwise to reap an unanticipated windfall from motorists. Their hard-earned money would be much better spent on family vacations to their preferred destination - be it upstate or downstate. I urge Assembly Democrats to take a closer look at these facts and reconsider their decision to reject this common-sense legislation.
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