Another Productive Legislative Session Concludes

Another Productive Legislative Session in Albany

A second consecutive balanced, on-time budget and a host of fundamental reforms defined the 2012 legislative session, further proof that under the leadership of Governor Cuomo New York is on the right path at last.

After the landmark changes of 2011, from a property tax cap to marriage equality, it was reasonable to wonder whether we could sustain that pace. And yet it has been a year of landmark accomplishments: pension overhaul projected to save property taxpayers tens of billions of dollars; accountability in our public school system; a fairer tax code that lowers middle-class taxes by more than $600 million a year; independent legislative redistricting; establishment of a Justice Center to defend the rights of people with special needs; and expansion of the state's DNA database, making it the nation's most comprehensive.

It is important to note that none of this could have been accomplished without the new spirit of cooperation that has replaced the partisan political stalemates that used to define Albany.

My own legislative agenda has advanced this year as well, including health insurance options for Eastman Kodak retirees, protecting seniors from caregiver abuse, and more affordable and accessible health care for our community and all New Yorkers.

I was particularly gratified to be appointed earlier this month to the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, one of ten created by the governor to tackle job creation from a regional perspective. Working with great leaders like Danny Wegman and University of Rochester President Joel Seligman, this will be an exciting opportunity to continue my efforts to restore prosperity to the Rochester region and Upstate.

While many challenges certainly remain, it is fair to say that the outlook for the Empire State has not been this bright in many years.

Click here to learn more about my work in the Assembly.

Or click here to watch Governor Cuomo's end-of-session message (or read the transcript).

I hope you enjoy a wonderful summer, and as always feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. Thank you!

About Joe

Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle represents the 132nd Assembly District, which includes portions of the city of Rochester and the Monroe County suburbs of Irondequoit and Brighton. He is Chair of the Assembly Standing Committee on Insurance and also serves on the Rules, Ways & Means, Economic Development and Higher Education committees.

NYS Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle

Irondequoit District Office

1945 East Ridge Rd, Rochester 14622

585-467-0410, Fax: 585-467-5342

NYS Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle

Albany Legislative Office

716 Legislative Office Bldg, 12248

518-455-5373, Fax: 518-455-5647