It is no secret that our families and local businesses are fighting to pull themselves out of a downed economy. That is why I am strongly opposing the Thruway Authority’s proposed plan to raise tolls on large trucks by almost 45 percent starting Sept. 30.

This toll increase would have the most direct hit on our region’s small businesses that transport goods around New York State. The 45 percent increase would mean large trucks that now pay $88 to travel from Buffalo to New York City would have to pay $127 per one-way trip. It would increase a truck’s cost to travel from Buffalo to Albany from $20 per trip to $44.70.

Recently, the Assembly passed legislation I supported that will expand the Dignity for All Students Act, establishing a mandatory reporting system for all incidents of bullying and requiring new training for certain school staff (A.10712).

 Bullying is a major problem across our country and we have seen, first-hand, the devastating effects it can have. Williamsville North freshman Jamey Rodemeyer committed suicide last year and consistently wrote about the bullying he was experiencing, both in school and on the Internet. Rodemeyer blogged about how he was being bullied and no one at his school seemed to care or want to help him.[1] Even though the local police were made aware of the bullying Jamey faced on a daily basis, no criminal charges were brought against the bullies.

“Today, I helped the Assembly pass budget that closes a $3.5 billion deficit without any new taxes or fees. Several areas of the budget are focused toward our region of the state. The Western New York Power Proceeds Allocation Board will
appropriate money specifically for economic development in Western New York. This budget also provides an increase in education funding which will help provide our children with the scholastic resources they deserve. In addition, we provided the first increase to community colleges in 5 years, which will help many continue their education. I will continue to fight for the hardworking people of Cheektowaga and Lancaster”