Curran Outlines Priorities for Legislative Session 2017

With the 2017 legislative session underway, Assemblyman Brian Curran (Lynbrook – 21st A.D.) has outlined his priorities for the coming year.

“This year I am looking forward to addressing several important issues that my Assembly Minority Conference colleagues and I have fought hard for in previous sessions,” said Curran. “These issues include Brittany’s Law, substantial ethics reform, tax cuts for the middle class, and acquiring additional funding for our Nassau County schools. We will continue to lead the charge on these issues until they are passed in the Assembly.”

Brittany’s Law, which would create a public registry for felons convicted of domestic violence-related crimes, passed with overwhelming support in the state Senate for the sixth time last year, but continues to stall in the Assembly despite strong urging from the Assembly Minority and bipartisan support.

“We cannot protect everyone, but we can do our best to do so,” said Curran. “Brittany’s Law is commonsense legislation that will create a list similar to the Sex Offender Registry, to make the public aware of violent criminals in their area. If even one person is saved from suffering the same fate as twelve-year-old Brittany Passalacqua, this bill will be worth it. I, alongside my colleagues, will continue to fight for this legislation and I hope to see it finally pass this year.”

During the last two years, the former legislative leaders of both houses have been convicted on public corruption charges. That, among other related issues, has had New Yorkers, statewide calling for significant ethics reform.

“Ethics reform is a top priority for me this year as it has been in previous years,” said Curran. “Year after year I have called for term-limits for legislative leaders, and transparency in state government to no avail. The state legislature needs sweeping ethics reform to end business-as-usual in Albany so we can get down to addressing the concerns of Long Islanders and all New Yorkers.”

Each year, Long Island ranks near or at the top of the list for some of the highest property taxes in the nation. These burdensome taxes make it difficult for families to make ends meet, and has caused a migration of residents out of Long Island to surrounding states.

“Our residents suffer from some of the highest property taxes nationwide,” said Curran. “The state must provide tax relief to the middle class so that our families will not continue to flee our state. Unfunded mandate relief is a necessity to lower the tax burden for local municipalities and, thus, the taxpayers. I will continue my fight to lower our taxes and keep our families right here on Long Island.”

In addition, Long Island schools are historically known for providing top notch education – some of the best in the state and in the nation. Without adequate funding, they cannot hope to continue to operate at the highest levels.

“Our children are our future,” said Curran. “To ensure a bright future for this state and our country, our children must have the best education possible. Without essential state funding, that cannot happen. New York State educates some of the finest teachers in the nation, but sadly, many of them leave for other states to find jobs. We need funding to keep those teachers here for our students. In addition, we need increased funding for special education programs, arts and athletics programs, after school initiatives, and new technology in the classrooms. I will continue my fight this year to obtain additional school funding for our schools in Nassau County.”

This will be Assemblyman Curran’s seventh year representing the 21st Assembly District.