News From Governor Paterson - Week of 10/06/2008
category:Government and Politics posted:October 7th, 2008Governor Paterson Signs Law to Heighten Pension System Standards
“At a time when the State is facing an unprecedented fiscal crisis, we must be honest about flaws in current operations,” said Governor Paterson. “While there are many cases where a retiree remains an asset to the State even after retirement, the Attorney General’s investigation revealed that this process was being misused, particularly in school districts. The State and local governments must be diligent to ensure that such waivers are subject to the most careful review. I commend my colleagues for passing this legislation.”
The reforms: Bar attorneys from simultaneously serving a school district or Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) as an employee and independent contractor;
Require an attorney who is an independent contractor of a school district or BOCES to not obtain employee benefits such as health insurance and pension;
Impose reporting and disclosure requirements on school districts, including broader disclosure of administrator compensation during the budget process, annual reporting of employees receiving pensions under various waiver provisions, and making annual expense information available on a website or at a public library;
Put in place a variety of civil and criminal penalties for violations of its provisions, and for defrauding the pension system; and
Implement various reforms to the process by which retirees can obtain waivers under Retirement and Social Security Law § 211 (“211 waivers”), which allows the State and local governments to hire retirees while they receive a pension for two year periods, if there are no available non-qualified retirees.
Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said: “This legislation strikes the right balance by continuing to allow government agencies to recruit and hire for specialized positions while helping to end the statewide fraud and abuse in the pension system that has cost New York’s taxpayers millions. My office will continue rooting out and prosecuting corruption in the pension system and I applaud Gov. Paterson and the Legislature for creating this new and comprehensive tool adding tough new penalties for pension fraud while increasing transparency and accountability in all levels of government.”In addition, the Governor also signed legislation to help fight piracy in the motion picture industry by strengthening penalties for operating recording devices in movie theatres. This bill, S.8201-A(Padavan)/A.11184-A(Lentol), updates some of the definitional language in Penal Law § 275.32, in particular to clarify that the statute applies to the unlawful recording of live theatre performances, and would rename the existing crime as “Unlawful operation of a recording device in a motion picture or live theater in the third degree.” It also creates two new unlawful operation crimes: (1) a new second-degree crime, which is a class A misdemeanor; and (2) a new first-degree crime, which is a class E felony. “Every time someone brings a video camera into a theatre and illegally records a movie or live performance, it costs the industry – and in return, the State – money,” said Governor Paterson. “A stronger law was necessary to help crack down on this pervasive crime.”
Attorney General Cuomo said: “These tough new penalties will help to crack down on an illegal enterprise that has pervaded the film industry and Broadway for far too long. Both the motion picture and live performance industries are vital to our State’s economic health. I thank the Legislature and Governor Paterson for joining me in making this effort a priority.”
State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said: “The legislation that Governor Paterson signed today, along with the Retirement System regulations I implemented in April, clearly defines for school districts and BOCES across the State when someone can be considered a public employee and not an independent contractor. This legislation also places a responsibility on school districts to demonstrate in no uncertain terms why a 211 waiver is needed to hire retired individuals to fill vacancies. This is real progress toward protecting taxpayers' dollars and preserving the integrity of the Retirement System.”
Governor Patterson Nominates Department of Economic Development Commissioner
Ms. Lago was the Global Head of Compliance for Citi Markets & Banking, overseeing all compliance matters for Citi’s capital markets, investment and corporate banking, and transaction services businesses, which operate in more than 90 countries around the world.
Prior to joining Citi, Ms. Lago worked at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as Director of the Office of International Affairs. Ms. Lago’s diverse professional career has also included serving as Chief Economic Development Officer of the City of Boston and Director of the Boston Redevelopment Authority, as well as General Counsel of the New York City Economic Development Corporation.
Ms. Lago graduated *** laude from Harvard Law School in 1982, and earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Physics from Cooper Union.
Governor Paterson Directs Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff
Specialist Von Zerneck, a member of B Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry, died in a vehicular accident while supporting combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
“On behalf of the people of New York, I wish to extend our condolences to the family, friends and fellow soldiers of Specialist Von Zerneck,” said Governor Paterson. “Specialist Von Zerneck’s loss is a tragic reminder of the dangers our servicemen and women face overseas. His sacrifice to our nation will be honored and valued forever.”
Governor Paterson has directed the flags on all State buildings to be flown at half-staff in honor and tribute to our State’s soldiers who are killed in action.
Micro Devices and Advanced Technology Investment Company to Make Major Investment In New York State
Governor David A. Paterson today announced
that Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and its new investment partner,
Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC), have taken a crucial
next step in developing a new computer chip production facility at the
Luther Forest Technology Campus in Saratoga County. AMD and its new
investment partner have created a new global company, now known as “The
Foundry Company,” which will own and operate the new computer chip
production facility. This action clears the way for construction of one
of the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the
world, and one of the largest private sector industrial investments in
New York State history.
Governor Paterson instructed his staff to
work with senior executives of The Foundry Company to review the
details of the new company, which will own and operate the Luther
Forest plant. While The Foundry Company has now increased their
investment and project size at the Luther Forest site, New York’s
capital investment project towards this project will not change. The
Empire State Development Corporation, the State’s economic development
agency, must approve the new corporate entity, a process which begins
today.
“In a time of fiscal crisis, it is
critical that New York State position itself as a leader in
technologies of the 21st Century. This historic investment helps to
achieve that goal,” said Governor Paterson. “Governor George Pataki,
Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and
Senator Joe Bruno deserve credit for putting New York on the path as a
leader in this industry. AMD Chairman Hector Ruiz and I first sat down
to discuss the AMD progress in June of this year and I would like to
thank AMD and ATIC for making this commitment to New York State.”
This announcement allows The Foundry
Company to break ground on a 180,000 square foot chip fabrication
plant, which is larger than what was originally envisioned. The plant
will produce a 22 nanometer chip, which is two generations ahead of the
45 nanometer chip which is the current cutting edge chip. The Foundry
Company will be making a $4.6 billion investment in Luther Forest for
one plant, which will employ more than 1,465 people, up by 250 from
original estimates. The construction will begin in mid 2009 and create
1,600 construction jobs with production starting in 2012. The
development of the site will allow for the potential building of up to
three additional chip fabrication plants.
U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton said: “This is a welcome announcement for New York that will contribute to the continued economic growth and vitality of our State. The investment by AMD will not only create thousands of good jobs for the Capital region, it will continue to strengthen New York’s reputation as a world leader in providing an environment where innovation and cutting edge technology can thrive. I am proud to have been able to be a part of the effort to help bring AMD to Saratoga County, and I thank Governor Paterson for his leadership and commitment to this venture.”
Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand said: “Today’s announcement is a major step forward in our work to make the Tech Valley Region a global center of excellence for nanotechnology and advanced technology manufacturing. Not only will the Fab 4x project inject billions of dollars and thousands of jobs into our economy, it will generate new research and development opportunities for our universities, attract other companies to locate in our communities, and help our existing small and medium sized businesses grow and prosper.”
Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos said: “The commitment of AMD to build a computer chip facility in Saratoga County is tremendous news because it will be the largest economic investment in the history of the state and will result in the creation of thousands of new jobs. The AMD project was a priority for the Senate Republican Majority because of the positive impact it will have, not only in the Capital Region, but for the entire Upstate economy. We understood that New York had to be more competitive with the rest of the country and the world to secure a major project such as this and we help firm in our commitment to make it happen. Much of the credit for this deal goes to former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno who had the vision, laid the groundwork, and did the hard work to make this historic job-creation project a reality.”
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said: “I congratulate and commend AMD for honoring its commitment to the State of New York and to this region. Even in difficult economic times, we must invest in our infrastructure and in our human capital in order to fuel long-term job growth and assure the future prosperity of our state. Though we face serious challenges and need to make tough decisions, we cannot neglect our obligation to rebuild and revitalize our Upstate economy. I believe that what we have accomplished here in Tech Valley, can be replicated throughout this state.”
This announcement builds off an agreement reached between New York State and AMD in June, 2006. In recognition of this agreement, New York State will provide a $650 million capital grant to offset the construction and research and development activities for the Luther Forest project. The project is also eligible for benefits through the Empire Zone program, which are currently estimated to total nearly $600 million over a 14 year period. AMD has an option, without obligation, until July 31, 2009 to commence construction of the facility.
Governor Paterson Honors Fallen Firefighters
Governor David A. Paterson today joined State officials, firefighters and their families from across the State to honor 10 New York heroes who risked their lives for the safety of
their fellow citizens. The ten men were honored during an annual
ceremony to recognize firefighters who lost their lives in the line of
duty. Their names were inscribed on the Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Wall in Albany.
“Today we honor all those who have made
the ultimate sacrifice to help keep our communities safe. This memorial
serves as a permanent reminder of those heroes who continually risk
their lives to safeguard their communities across New York State,” said
Governor Paterson. “On behalf of all New Yorkers, I wish to express our
condolences to the families of these brave men. Their service will
never be forgotten.”
U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton said:
“Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day, and we owe
them a deep debt of gratitude and thanks for their dedication and
commitment. These are our heroes, they are the men and women who run
towards danger without a second thought, and who have sacrificed their
safety and well being to keep us safe. As we gather here to reflect on
the bravery of those who gave their lives to protect us, let us also
not forget the sacrifice of the friends and families they have left
behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them today and every day.”
At this year’s ceremony the following ten firefighters were honored:
2008
Lieutenant John H. Martinson, New York City Fire Department
2007
Firefighter Robert Beddia, New York City Fire Department
Lieutenant Joseph P. Graffagnino, New York City Fire Department
Deputy Chief Joseph E. Piazzi, Briarcliff Manor Fire Department
Firefighter Daniel F. Pujdak, New York City Fire Department
Firefighter Ronald W. Thomas, Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department
1955
Firefighter Walter F. Bell, Canton Fire Department
1948
Firefighter James R. Cameron, Canton Fire Department
1945
Firefighter Felix A. D’Avignon, Mechanicville Fire Department
1938
Firefighter Joseph E. Henehan, Binghamton Fire Department
The 10 firefighters being added to the
Fallen Firefighters Memorial Wall brings the total to 2,336. The
Memorial Wall, officially dedicated on October 6, 1998, is located on
the Empire State Plaza. Standing in front of the Wall is a bronze
sculpture that depicts two firefighters carrying an injured colleague.
Governor Paterson declared October 5-11, Fire Prevention Week and October 7th Firefighter Appreciation Day in New York State. This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is Prevent Home Fires.
For the first time, since the inception of
this memorial, Governor Paterson has directed that flags on the State
Capitol complex be flown at half-staff in honor and tribute to New York
State’s fallen firefighters.
