Last year, I helped pass a law that created a statewide ban on the use of portable
electronic devices (PEDs) while driving (Ch. 109 of 2011). The aim of the law is to make
roads safer by cutting down on the amount of distracted drivers. It’s good news for our
area that this legislation is working and the roads across New York State are safer now
than they have been in recent years.
Too many people text or play with electronics while driving, which creates
unnecessary dangerous situations. It not only puts drivers at risk, but everyone else at risk
as well. By having this law in place, police officers can keep our roads safer by cracking
down on distracted driving.
Since the tougher regulations took effect on July 12, 2011, law-enforcement officers
issued 7,495 tickets statewide for texting. In 2010, only 3,248 tickets were issued. In Erie
County, from July 12, 2011 to Feb. 7 of this year, 3,749 tickets have been given out to

Recently, Governor Cuomo proposed his 2012-13 budget. The main focus this year is to revitalize our state, attract new businesses and create thousands of jobs for our hardworking families with a $15 billion investment in infrastructure projects and new economic activity. In the coming months, I will work to pass an on-time budget focused on re-establishing prosperity in Western New York. 

A multi-year $1 billion economic development package for Buffalo is included in the proposal. For this year, the proposal includes $75 million for the Buffalo Regional Innovation Cluster to work toward bringing $5 billion in new economic activity to Buffalo, giving the area a much-needed boost to train our workers for new jobs, improving our infrastructure and encouraging private sector re-investment. As new businesses set up shop in our region, countless opportunities for Western New York families are sure to be created. 

Winter can be one of the most difficult times of year for many people living in our
region. In Western New York, winter usually means snow, ice and freezing temperatures,
which can become a grave concern for some households. Low temperatures make home
heating important during the winter months. But many low-income families do not have
the money for the winter months rising heating costs.

This winter, heating affordability could become more pronounced, as federal
funding was reduced for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), possibly leaving
some families in Western New York with the dilemma of whether to pay for food or pay
for heating. However, there are alternative programs available to reduce energy use and
stay warm this winter for those who may not get the funding they need through HEAP.