(Dec. 2014) Legislation sponsored by State Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) that lowers the required minimum acreage for creating an agricultural district (S.6360) was signed into law by Governor Cuomo. The benefits of an agricultural district encourage the continued use of farmland for agricultural production rather than development.
As the demand for local food by consumers, restaurants, schools and other institutions grows, there has been increased interest in maintaining and creating farms within suburban and even urban communities. Development pressure, high land prices and dense population in these areas can threaten the continued existence of farms. Some of the more developed counties lack sufficient farmland acreage to meet the current acreage requirement for an agricultural district. The new law lowers that requirement from 500 acres to 250 acres.
“This new law will protect farmland from future development and encourage the growth of new farms,” Valesky said. “I am pleased that Governor Cuomo signed this legislation that supports the agricultural industry here in Central New York.”
“New York farmland is coming under increased threat of development. The change in the Agricultural District program will better protect farmland from urban sprawl and the increased scrutiny from those who may not understand the realities of farming. New York Farm Bureau appreciates Sen. Valesky’s sponsorship of the bill that will assist in preserving family farms in communities across New York,” said Dean Norton, New York Farm Bureau President.
The Agricultural Districts Program provides farmland owners with real property assessments based on the value of their land for agricultural production rather than on its development value. Farmers receiving agricultural assessment collectively save over $70 million annually. The program also provides preferential real property tax treatment and protections against overly restrictive local laws, government funded acquisition or construction projects and private nuisance suits involving agricultural practices.
Legislation to Protect Seniors from Scams Signed into Law
Legislation sponsored by State Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) that will protect senior citizens from deception by professionals who use senior-specific designations (S.7254) was signed into law by Governor Cuomo. The new law requires anyone using such a designation
to disclose its source in advertisements and to prospective clients.
Seniors often prefer to work with professionals who have training in their specific issues. In an effort to attract such seniors, professionals often pursue licensure, registration or some sort of independent designation that requires specialized training. However, it is important to make sure seniors are aware of the source of these designations so they can be sure they are legitimate.
“This legislation is intended to decrease the number of situations in which seniors are deceived by professionals using senior-specific designations that do not actually exist,” Valesky said. “By signing this bill into law, Governor Cuomo has assured that seniors will have the knowledge they need to avoid dishonest individuals and con artists.”
“Every new hurdle for those who would deceive older New Yorkers helps combat elder financial exploitation, a scourge that’s growing as our population ages. We’re pleased Governor Cuomo has signed Senator Valesky’s bill into law to deter those who would inaccurately pass themselves off as senior experts. Financial exploitation, which often robs victims of their life savings, costs older Americans $3 billion a year – and that’s just in
reported abuse,” said Beth Finkel, State Director of AARP in New York State.
The bill requires disclosures in advertisements that include a description indicating the person has expertise or training in their field with regard to issues specifically related to seniors and that set forth the basis or source of such a designation. A violation of this law would be punishable
by a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for each infraction.