With the 2016 legislative session now underway, it is an ideal time to outline a few of my leading priorities. These are issues that I hear about on a daily basis from those who live and work in my district and what I would call “The People’s Agenda”.

Ethics Reform

The 2015 session was challenging for a number of reasons, including the indictment and eventual conviction of two top legislative leaders. It is important that steps are taken to restore public trust in Albany.

A number of actions have been taken in recent years to “clean up” Albany, however, there are additional steps I will be focusing on. We can start with final approval of legislation that ends pensions for those convicted of a felony. If a politician spends time feathering his own nest there is absolutely no reason he should receive a taxpayer funded pension. We also need to formally adopt legislation that places term limits on leadership positions and committee chairmanships.

Highway Funding

Quality roads and bridges are indispensable when it comes to improving our economy and making sure the motoring public is safe.

The governor has called for $8 billion for downstate mass transit projects and we need equal funding for upstate roads and bridges.