Magee fighting for an open and accountable government
(April 2015) Assemblymember Bill Magee (D-Nelson) announced that he helped pass a series of bills aimed at promoting government that is more open, accessible and accountable. The legislation was passed during “Sunshine Week” (March 15-21), a national and bipartisan effort to identify the importance of a transparent government.
“Transparent government is one that people can trust and earning the public’s trust is of the utmost importance,” said Magee. “Information should be easily accessible for New Yorkers. Sunshine Week is a great opportunity to recognize this need and make sure our government is open to the public.”
The Assembly’s legislative package would:
- increase access to information by requiring state agencies to make FOIL request forms available online (A.5768);
- increase consumer awareness by requiring the Department of Agriculture and Markets to post food safety violations by food stores, processors and manufacturers on a state website (A.4436);
- require that public authorities conduct all meetings openly and with a broadcast of the meeting available on the Internet (A.4788);
- require the secretary of state to compile information on state boards, commissions, councils and other similar entities, including membership and meetings, and make that information public (A.1163);
- prohibit government agencies from inappropriately using copyright claims to deny access to a public record (A.3489);
- limit the time in which state agencies would have to appeal court decisions that order the release of documents as required by FOIL (A.114); and
- clarify that the name of a retiree, but not a beneficiary, in the public employees’ retirement system is subject to disclosure under FOIL (A.3149).
Additionally, the Sunshine Week package includes legislation making records involved in a judicial proceeding available to the public if the presiding judge decides there is no risk that the disclosure would disrupt the proceedings (A.4468).
Magee noted that the Assembly has taken steps to open up government and make more information publicly available. The Assembly website now gives the public the opportunity to watch live proceedings, search for legislation, contact Assemblymembers directly, follow committee work, watch public hearings and keep up with the latest news. Additionally, voting records, debate transcripts, committee agendas and more are available through the Assembly Public Information Office.
“A well informed public is necessary for a strong democracy. New Yorkers deserve to know how their government operates using their tax dollars,” said Magee. “I will make sure we continue to work hard in order to increase the openness and transparency in our government.”
Magee helps deliver essential funding for agriculture in state budget
Programs such as New York Farm Viability Institute and Taste NY receive valuable funding
Assemblyman Bill Magee (D-Nelson) helped secure vital funding for agricultural programs in the 2015-2016 state budget. The Legislature restores over $8 million that was cut in Aid to Localities funding by the governor for the Department of Agriculture and Markets and will increase the aid by over $12 million. The restored funding will have a significant impact on the New York landscape and its commitment to New York farmers.
“In my district, and across New York State, there is always a great need for agriculture investment. In this year’s budget, we were able to secure essential funding in local aid for our growers and producers, ensuring they will have the opportunity to thrive,” Assemblyman Magee said.
The final budget increases funding by $2.12 million for the New York Farm Viability Institute, a farmer-led nonprofit organization that assists farms and outreach programs across the state to reach sustainability and provide successful models for other farms. The budget also increases funding for Taste NY, an initiative to promote local food and drink, by $1.1 million.
“New York has a rich history of agriculture industry. That industry is currently booming and providing a major boost to our overall economy,” Magee said. “Programs such as Taste NY are having a clear impact. People are beginning to see what New York has to offer and the benefit of purchasing locally grown products. I’m proud to have helped pass a budget that realizes the importance of our farmers.”
Magee is chair of the agriculture committee and has been steadfast in his ability to help boost agriculture as a focal point of New York industry. By ensuring essential programs receive the funds they need to operate, Magee was able to champion a state budget that helps our farmers put our families first.
“By investing in the agriculture industry, we are investing in New Yorkers. The support they receive now will pay dividends tomorrow,” Magee said. “I will never stop fighting for tomorrow and that begins today.”
Magee announces historic school aid increase, acknowledges more must be accomplished
Assemblyman Bill Magee (D-Nelson) announced he helped pass the 2015-16 budget that increases aid for schools in the 121st Assembly District and addresses the removal of the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA). The legislature agreed to a monumental increase of $1.6 billion dollars beyond last year’s budget. This increase, the largest in eight years, will allow school districts within the 121st Assembly District and across the state to receive more funding in order to operate more efficiently and provide children with the means for greater success.
“I’m proud to have helped secure more than $11 million for the schools in communities I represent,” Magee said. “Our families will be glad to know the increased funding will be used to support school programs and activities that have been so beneficial in furthering the education of our children.”
In the 121st district, the GEA is a major factor why schools must cut costs. These costs include cutting programs, supplies, and even teachers. These cuts force classes to be combined and become overcrowded which hinders students because they are not receiving appropriate attention. The 2015-16 budget includes funding to cover more than a 50 percent throughout the state, and more than 60 percent in the 121st Assembly District, of the remaining GEA.
“The GEA is a serious detriment to students and educators. New York State is no longer operating at a deficit; it is about time to address appropriate funding for our schools. I have previously sponsored legislation that would repeal and eliminate the GEA and am excited to see that this year’s budget addresses the issue,” Magee said. “Schools in the 121st district will see 66 percent of the GEA eliminated and I am confident that by next year, the GEA will be eliminated entirely.”
Magee noted that the executive budget proposal originally included less funding for schools and implemented an unrealistic teacher evaluation plan that would have been unfair to teachers that dedicate their lives to educating our kids. The Assembly fought back against the governor and the Senate to ensure the Board of Regents would be able to craft an evaluation plan, allowing for input from parents, teachers, and school boards.
“The governor’s original proposal regarding teacher evaluations was completely unacceptable,” Assemblyman Magee said. “I, along with the Assembly, fought back to make sure that it is the Board of Regents, those who know more about teachers and schools than the governor, who are to be charged with developing an appropriate teacher evaluation systems.”